To celebrate Manitoba Day, 12 May 2008, the University of Manitoba Press and the Manitoba Historical Society have joined forces to launch the on-line version of the Dictionary of Manitoba Biography. This free and fully searchable database will reside on the Manitoba Historical Society’s website at
Written by well-known historian J. M. “Jack” Bumsted, the 1,660 biographies in the dictionary are a fascinating look at more than 300 years of Manitoba history, ranging from the famous (like Chief Peguis) to the infamous (like embezzler “Lord” Gordon Gordon) to the forgotten (like Dr. Mobius, phrenologist and “medical electrician”). The dictionary also covers Manitobans from every walk of life, including the arts, sports, politics, business, and entertainment.
The addition of the dictionary entries will nearly double the number of Manitoba biographies available on the MHS website, bringing the total to more than 3,700 entries. All of these biographies are now searchable by keywords such as name, occupation, or home town, and nearly a quarter of the entries include photographs.
Gordon Goldsborough, past-president and webmaster of the Manitoba Historical Society, spearheaded the project and uploaded all 1,660 entries to the website. “It was a huge undertaking, “ he says. “The Dictionary of Manitoba Biography On-line will be an invaluable resource for everyone interested – or just curious – about Manitoba history and biography.”
Posted: 12 May 2008
