Historian in Residence
Chat about Calgary's past.
The Historian in Residence is a six-month paid residency that supports individual researchers working in any genre related to the social, cultural and built history of Calgary, Treaty 7 and Métis Region 3.
They deliver free programs and act as a mentor to historians, writers, and researchers, advising on research during individual consultations, and curate an exhibit at Central Library.
Presented in partnership with Calgary Heritage Authority.
Meet Jessie Ray Short
2019 Historian in Residence
Jessie Ray Short’s cross-disciplinary practice involves memory, visual culture, and the exploration of her Métis family, their stories, and the connections past and present, including Métis people within Indigenous histories more broadly.
In the past 10 years, she has exhibited work nationally and internationally and has been the recipient of several national and provincial grants.
Jessie is developing a documentary about her great-great Uncle Edouard Beaupré, who was the tallest man in Canada. Born in Willow Bunch, Saskatchewan, to a large Métis family, Beaupré died in 1904, at the height of 8’2”, at the St. Louis World’s Fair in Missouri, although his body wasn’t returned to the family until 1990.
Have questions for the Historian in Residence?
The Historian in Residence is happy to meet with anyone who has questions about film making, research (especially related to Indigenous and Métis content), and the intersection between history and art.
Jessie Ray Short is in her Level 4 office at Central Library every Tuesday from 5:00 to 8:00 pm and is also available by appointment. Book an appointment in advance by calling 403.260.2713 or emailing historian@calgarylibrary.ca, beginning July 2019.