: This fonds contains the personal records of an extended family, including photographs, correspondence, and diaries. It documents their interests, careers, and family life predominantly two generations – the Ratcliffes and McConnells. The first accrual documents the interests, careers and family of John and Doreen McConnell and their daughter, Mary Ann. It includes materials related to McConnell’s work in communications, his work for the Canadian and Saskatchewan governments, together with materials relating to his interest in the environment and social and international development issues. It also includes materials relating to his wife, Doreen, who predeceased him. The second accrual adds the records of Doreen’s parents, the Ratcliffes, which includes documents related to their personal life and interests, Elma’s travel, James’ World War I service, and family life.

This fonds reflects Brock Silversides’ interests in historical and contemporary culture, with particular emphasis on the history of photography, music, and film. It contains research materials used for eight of his books, including both published and unpublished images taken from a variety of archives, as well as from Brock’s personal collection. His numerous articles represent an excellent resource on photographers and the history of photography, as do several of the public exhibitions which he curated. In addition, his collections of historical newspapers, film, posters -- particularly for local musicians, Canadian film and Canadian artists -- represent a useful collection for anyone interested in these aspects of Canadian culture and society.