The Tri-University Graduate Program in History combines the faculty and resources of three of Canada’s premier universities, University of Guelph, University of Waterloo, and Wilfrid Laurier University. With over seventy graduate faculty in the program, we are one of the largest History graduate programs in the country and able to provide courses and supervise research across the widest possible range of areas. At the same time, through small seminars, close student-professor relationships, and teaching assistantships and scholarships held at one of our three participating campuses, we provide the atmosphere and collegiality of a smaller, more intimate program.
News
Award-winning MA student from Laurier studied northern Canada realities
Elizabeth Spence graduated in September 2025 with an MA in History from Wilfrid Laurier University. She received a gold medal for academic excellence as one of the top Master's students in a research-intensive or professional master's program. To meet the reward requirements, Elizabeth surpassed the minimum GPA with an 11.75 (A+), a minimum of A- in any course, and her examination committee commended her research paper as outstanding.
Elizabeth's Major Research Paper examined the development of the Pine Point lead-zinc mine in the Northwest Territories as a case study in postwar northern expansion, infrastructure development, and Cold War–era Canadian nationalism.
Learn more about her research and her experience in the Tri-U History program.
Dr. Jacqueline Murray, University of Guelph Professor Emerita, elected to the Royal Society of Canada
Dr. Jacqueline Murray, University Professor Emerita in the Department of History, at the University of Guelph was elected to the Royal Society of Canada in September, 2026.
Dr. Murray's "groundbreaking research in premodern sex, sexualities, genders and bodies has introduced innovative approaches to the study of medieval women and men and established the new research field of premodern men and masculinities," reads the citation.
2025-26 TUGSA co-presidents announced
Recently, Tri-U students held their annual election. Aidan Hughes, PhD candidate at Guelph, Brian Gibbs, PhD student at Laurier, and Vera Zoricic, PhD candidate at Waterloo became the 2025-26 co-presidents. They organize events and encourage community-building among Tri-U students. Check out their bios.
Events
Call for Papers: 36th Canadian Military History Colloquium
The 36th Canadian Military History Colloquium by Laurier Centre for the Study of Canada will be held in-person at Wilfrid Laurier University on 8-9 May 2026.
Submissions on all periods and aspects of Canadian military history and war and society are invited. Proposals are welcome from all scholars, including students, faculty and independent researchers.
To apply, send a ~300-word abstract and short bio to cmhc@studyofcanada.ca.
Goats in America: From the Poor Man's Cow to Urban Icon
Join Tami Parr, author and historian, who will give a talk entitled, "Goats in America: From the Poor Man's Cow to Urban Icon."
Parr explores the unexamined, yet compelling role of goats in American history.
The event will be held on Zoom. Register for the link on Eventbrite.
If you have any questions, contact Rebecca Beausaert or Ben Bradley.
From Sherbrooke with Love: Illicit Correspondence, Civilian Internment, and Canada in the Second World War
Waterloo PhD candidate Gillian Wagenaar examines a case of illicit correspondence between a Canadian teenager and a group of civilian internees in Quebec in the early years of the Second World War.
The lecture premieres in-person at the Civic Museum. The recorded conversation will be available on YouTube, and our Museum Everywhere Portal.
The Military Lecture series is a partnership between the Laurier Centre for the Study of Canada and Guelph Museums.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the presentation starts at 7 p.m., followed by a question period.