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What We Did
We carried out twelve oral history interviews on fourteen individuals who had a close association with Miss Marion Steven, one of UC’s first female academic Readers, and founder of the James Logie Memorial Collection of Classical Antiquities. These interviews explored Marion’s life and achievements within and outside the university. Together the interviews built up a biography of an important figure who generously donated her resources and focused her energy towards the development of her peers and students around her, and who especially advocated for young people, women and the Arts discipline.
Who Was Involved
This oral history project was funded by the Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage, and was supported by the National Oral History Association of New Zealand. In carrying out the project we interviewed members of several communities throughout New Zealand including UC Alumni, past and current UC staff, and family members of Miss Steven.
Why It Matters
The project illuminated the institutional history of UC and the publicly accessible James Logie Memorial Collection, now in the Teece Museum. It explored women’s history in Christchurch and at UC, and also explored aspects of oral history as a research methodology. The project also forged connections between UC, external heritage and culture organisations, and New Zealanders.
Learn More
- www.canterbury.ac.nz/news/2019/canterburys-classics-heroes-revealed
- Looyer, N. “Academic Legacy: A Life History Through Collective Memory”, Oral History in New Zealand 31 (2019): 1-11.
Photo Caption:
Natalie Looyer in the Teece Museum.
