These 19th century miniature canoe paddles are models of Eastern Cree paddles that were used by voyageurs to transport furs for the Hudson’s Bay Company.
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Pictorial etchings that decorate a birch bark backrest made in the early 20th century by Passamaquoddy artist and guide Tomah Joseph document aspects of his tribe’s lifestyle, including their interaction with non-native rusticators—represented as passengers sitting in his canoe as he paddles them to see an offshore attraction.
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This 1873 engraving of a Frances Anne Hopkins painting titled Canoes in the Fog, Lake Superior is a rare find that accurately captures the magic of the original painting depicting voyageurs paddling fur trade canoes.
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An 1891 painting by the artist Charles George Copeland depicts Native guides, fishermen, and birch bark canoeing scenes. It has inspired us to learn more about the artist, and to delve into history to interpret the story the painting tells.
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This substantial sign dates from the 1890s, so was made during an era of widespread enthusiasm for the new sport of recreational canoeing. We present some history on the sign, plus insights into the early days of canoe club establishment around the country.
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This early 20th century photograph is dramatic both in subject matter and scale. It has inspired us to trace and recount the three strands of historical associations it evokes.
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This framed early 20th century photo captures a classic scene of a solo paddler in a wood-and-canvas canoe on a serene northern lake.
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