Faculty and students from the History and Canadian Studies departments came together to celebrate “A Day in History” in the Lady Eaton College Senior Common Room On Friday, March 11.

The daylong colloquium was a showcase for the work of historians at Trent, as well as an occasion to introduce books published by faculty in 2010.

“It’s a great chance to come together and share research,” said Jenny Ellison, a history instructor from the Canadian Studies program. “As someone who is new to Trent University, it gives me an opportunity to find out what others are working on.”

“We’re usually occupied with our own branches of study – with our own natural and geographical emphases and our own various timelines,” she explained. “Events like this introduce you to new ideas, new ways of approaching subjects, and new paths of knowledge.”

“I enjoy hearing about what our professors are passionate about – their research,” said fourth-year student, Vanessa Dal Bello.

Fourth-year student Kimberly Vrecar agreed. “You get a combination of short snippets of research,” she said. “You get to talk and ask questions outside of the classroom setting.”

With almost all of the comfortable chairs and couches occupied, the senior common room was pleasantly full.

“I’m very pleased,” reported History Department chair, Dr. Fiona Harris-Stoertz. “It’s always good to see a turnout of both faculty and students.”

“It is a great chance to see the variety of directions history can go in,” Prof. Harris-Stoertz said. “The day offered many examples of what history can mean to different people and what kind of active research is happening at Trent.”

It can also help shape how students present their own research.

“The students learn how to comport themselves as historians and learn to engage in discourse with their academic peers.”

To see a list of the papers presented, visit: http://www.trentu.ca/history/events.php

Posted on Wednesday, March 16, 2011.