In my previous blog entry, The Research Problem, I discussed the perceived lack of research materials and my doctoral committee’s unwillingness to accept that reality. Their refusal to let me develop a practical strategy for navigating these challenges ultimately led to the collapse of my PhD process.
Since access to research materials was a central point of contention, I am dedicating the next series of blog posts to sharing a portion of those materials.
Locations of Research Materials
Halifax Regional Municipality Archives (HRMA)
The Halifax Municipal Archives is the official repository for historical municipal government records from Halifax, Dartmouth, Bedford, and the former County of Halifax. It also holds a collection of community records that document the region’s history.
The HRMA opened in 2006 as Halifax’s first dedicated municipal archive. Before its establishment, municipal records had been held by the Nova Scotia Archives. However, in 2005, those records were returned to their respective municipalities, prompting Halifax to develop its own archival repository.
In its early days, the HRMA’s storage facilities were filled with shrink-wrapped pallets of records, ledgers, and 36 wooden cabinets overflowing with maps and plans. Under the leadership of archivist Susan McClure, the archives quickly grew into a crucial resource for municipal history. Today, the HRMA has doubled its storage capacity and serves as a key research hub for those investigating the history of the Halifax region.
Nova Scotia Archives (NSA)
Formerly known as the Public Archives of Nova Scotia (PANS), the Nova Scotia Archives played a smaller role in my research due to the creation of the HRMA in 2006. However, it remained an important source of information, particularly for:
- Vital statistics – I examined death records to identify cases of waterborne illnesses and diseases historically known as filth diseases.
- Historical maps of Halifax – These provided crucial visual documentation, some of which are now available in digital format.
Dalhousie University Libraries
Dalhousie University’s library system provided access to various academic and technical resources across multiple campuses:
- Killam Library – The university’s largest library, housing general research materials.
- Sir James Dunn Law Library – A key source for legal and policy-related documents.
- Sexton Design and Technology Library – Located on the Sexton Campus (formerly TUNS), this library contained technical documents related to the Halifax Harbour Clean Initiative.
Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth Archives and Research
I also consulted records from the Diocese of Halifax-Yarmouth, though most of these were duplicates of materials held at the HRMA and NSA. My work here was more about ensuring thoroughness rather than uncovering entirely new findings.
🔗 Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth Archives
Research Focus
My research examined the socio-political impact of fixed technologies and how they can hinder positive change—specifically, in the case of reducing pollution in Halifax Harbour.
Because my focus was political and environmental rather than technical, I intentionally bypassed a large number of engineering documents related to the Halifax Harbour Clean Initiative and the Halifax Harbour Solutions Project. My rationale was simple: I am not an engineer. My research was about the social, political, and historical dimensions of pollution and remediation, rather than the technical specifics of water treatment systems.
Next Steps
n my next blog entry, I will begin sharing some of the primary research materials that informed my thesis. Stay tuned!
