Phyllis Blakeley, 1922-1986, Founding Fellow

Highlights

Provincial Archivist of Nova Scotia 1982-1985; shared expertise on Nova Scotia’s documentary heritage as an accomplished archivist, historian, author, editor, educator, and volunteer in professional associations. 

Education and Background 

Born in Halifax in 1922, Phyllis Ruth Blakeley received a BA with distinction (1942), a B ED, and an MA (1945), both from Dalhousie University. 

Professional Career 

Phyllis Blakeley’s career spanned forty years of dedicated service as an archivist, historian, author, educator, and community worker. After a brief stint as a school teacher, Phyllis Blakeley embarked on an archival career at the Public Archives of Nova Scotia. She began as a research assistant in 1945, became Assistant Provincial Archivist in 1959, and Associate Provincial Archivist in 1977. In 1982 she was appointed Provincial Archivist of Nova Scotia, the first woman to achieve this position. “The acquisition, preservation and dissemination of regional history through the creation of local archives was an area of particular concern to her, as was the development of high standards for archival processing work” (Council of Nova Scotia Archives citation relating to its annual award named for Blakeley). Blakeley built upon her deep knowledge of the Provincial Archives holdings to research and write numerous publications, including Glimpses of Halifax (1949); The Story of Prince Edward Island (1963); and Nova Scotia's Two Remarkable Giants: Angus McAskill and Anna Swan (1970).

During the late 1960s, she began a rewarding collaboration with the Dictionary of Canadian Biography, for which she wrote 31 historical biographies over time. Perhaps her most well-known publication was Nova Scotia – A Brief History (1956), which was used as a standard history textbook in provincial schools for years. She also made significant contributions as an editor, serving on the editorial advisory board of the Dalhousie Review. 

Many schoolchildren were introduced to their provincial history through Blakeley’s textbook and her witty and enthusiastic school tours through the old Archives building on the Dalhousie campus. After a forty-year career as an archivist and historian, Blakeley retired in 1985. 

Contributions to the Profession 

Phyllis Blakeley served in several professional associations, often in leadership roles, including: the Royal Nova Scotia Historical Society (vice president), Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia (charter member, president), United Empire Loyalists Association of Canada (honourary vice-president), Canadian Historical Association (local history committee member), Canadian Authors Association – Nova Scotia Branch (president), Zonta International (Halifax club president). She also was a member of the Writer’s Federation of Nova Scotia and the Dalhousie University Women’s Club. 

Honours, Awards and Recognition 

• Honorary Doctor of Law, Dalhousie University, 1977 
• Order of Canada, 1978 
• Fellow, Royal Nova Scotia Historical Society, 1979 
• Certificate of Merit, Canadian Historical Society, 1981; presented in recognition of an exceptional contribution to Atlantic Provinces history 
• Doctor of Letters, St. Mary’s University, 1983 
• ACA Fellow, 1986 
• Council of Nova Scotia Archives commemoration: the Dr. Phyllis R. Blakeley Award for Archival Excellence, established in 1986, awarded annually to member institutions in recognition of outstanding accomplishments in the archival field 

Further Information 

• Lois Kernaghan, “Phyllis Ruth Blakeley, 1922-1986,” Archivaria 23 (Winter 1986-87): 195-197 
• Wendy Duff, bibliography of the works of Phyllis R. Blakeley, Nova Scotia Historical Review, 7(2): pp.88-100 (1987) 
• Phyllis R. Blakeley fonds, Nova Scotia Archives, MG 1 volumes 3000-3128; 3184 

Photo source: Archivaria 23 (Winter 1986-87): 195-197 

If you see any inaccuracies or information gaps in any biography, the ACA would very much welcome your input. Please send a message to the current chair of the Nominations and Awards Committee.