Fonds - Margaret Wade Labarge fonds

Margaret Wade Labarge was born in New York City on July 18, 1916. She received her post secondary education at Harvard University (Radcliffe College) where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1937, and at Oxford University (St. Anne's College) where she obtained a Bachelor of Literature degree in 1939. Her specialization at both universities was medieval history. In June 1940, she married Raymond Labarge (d. 1972), and the couple moved to Canada. Dr. Labarge has resided in Ottawa ever since, with the exception of the years 1942-1944 when she resided in St. Hyacinthe, Quebec. During their early years in Ottawa, the Labarge's four children, Claire, Suzanne, Charles, and Paul, were born. Dr. Labarge has taught medieval history since 1950. She has taught at both Carleton University and the University of Ottawa. As well, she has been a visiting scholar at universities across Canada and in the United States. She is presently Adjunct Research Professor at Carleton University, having assumed this position in 1983. In addition to her teaching duties, Dr. Labarge is a medieval scholar. She has written nine books on the medieval world and its personalities. She has written chapters for medieval compilations and encyclopaedias and magazine articles. Dr. Labarge has presented lectures and papers at medieval conferences throughout North America and England. In 1968, she was commissioned to produce a study for the Royal Commission on the Status of Women. The study, entitled The Cultural Tradition of Canadian Women: The Historical Background was published in 1971. Dr. Labarge is involved community groups and associations. From 1969-1981, she was a member of the Board of Governors of St. Vincent Hospital, serving as Chairman from 1977-1979. She has been on numerous Boards in the Ottawa area, including the Catholic Family Service, 1973-1976; the Regional Hospital Planning Council, 1974-1976; the Rehabilitation Institute of Canada, 1973-1981; the Ottawa- Carleton Regional District Health Council: Continuing Care, 1975-1979; Canadian Nurses Association (Public Representative), 1980-1983; The Catholic Health Association of Ontario, 1980-1990; and the Council on Aging of Ottawa-Carleton, 1986 to present, serving as Chair of the Committee on Elder Abuse, 1986-1988; and President of the Committee, 1989-1991. She has been a member of Carleton University, Board of Governors, 1984-1993. Throughout her career, Dr. Labarge has been the recipient of awards and honours. She has received two honorary doctorates, one from Carleton University in 1976 and one from the University of Waterloo in 1993. She was inducted into the Order of Canada (Member) in 1982 for her work as a historian and author. In 1988, she was appointed a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada for her work as a historian and author. In 1993, she was elected President, Canadian Society of Medievalists