The Changing Function of Memorials in Canada

McGill Institute for the Study of Canada

The 2025 BMP Lecture by Eric Weeks, “The Changing Function of Memorials in Canada: From Hot to Cold, Controversial to Neutral”

McGill Faculty Club and Conference Centre

Join MISC at 4:00 pm on Wednesday, February 12th at the Faculty Club (3450 McTavish Street) for the 2025 BMP lecture by Eric Weeks (Bridgewater State University), "The Changing Function of Memorials in Canada: From Hot to Cold, Controversial to Neutral."Memorials and monuments are found in every city and town, large and small, honoring events, individuals, and ideals. When a monument is designed, it is meant to be read as a text, conveying to the audience a certain perspective and interpretation of collective history. Very rarely are monuments constructed to generate controversy or irritation; they may be thought-provoking, but generally, memorials communicate an emotional response that is commonplace and broadly accepted. However, because memorials are part of the built environment, and remain static within public space while time and events move around them, they can travel along a scale of emotional function. Building on the work of Federico Bellentani and Mario Panico, this lecture will examine how monuments in Canada can be perceived as either “cold” sites that fade into the background and are not given a second thought, or “hot” locations that can stir up protest and debate, as well as the events and circumstances that can produce such change.Eric Weeks holds a PhD in American Culture Studies from Bowling Green State University, and currently teaches courses in American Studies and Canadian Studies at Bridgewater State University. His primary research focuses on the creation and demonstration of identity through various methods, including public memory and the built environment. Other research interests examine beer and beer marketing, as well as the intersections of Canadian and American media and culture. He has had articles published in the International Journal of Canadian Studies and Études Canadiennes.The lecture will be followed by a Q&amp;A and reception. This event is free and open to public; registration is required via Eventbrite.For more information about MISC and our events, please visit the <a href="https://www.mcgill.ca/misc/" title="https://www.mcgill.ca/misc/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">MISC website</a>.This lecture is part of the BMP Rotating Lecture Program in Canadian Studies, established in 2013 as a formal partnership among the Canadian Studies programs of McGill University, Bridgewater State University and SUNY College at Plattsburgh. The Lectureship is designed to strengthen connections between the programs, share expertise in the area of Canadian Studies, and to expand audiences and interests in the field.

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The Changing Function of Memorials in Canada

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The Changing Function of Memorials in Canada

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