Lawrence Johnstone Burpee facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lawrence Johnstone Burpee
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| Born | 5 March 1873  Halifax |
| Died | 13 October 1946 (aged 73) Oxford |
| Occupation | Librarian, writer |
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Lawrence Johnstone Burpee (March 5, 1873 – October 13, 1946) was an important Canadian librarian, historian, and author. He was known for his work in libraries and for writing many books about Canadian history and geography.
He was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia. When he was young, his family moved to Ottawa. From 1890 to 1905, he worked as a private secretary for three different federal ministers of justice.
A Career in Libraries and History
After his work as a secretary, Burpee became the librarian at the Ottawa Public Library. He held this job for seven years. In 1912, he took on a new role. He became the Canadian Secretary for the International Joint Commission. This group helps Canada and the United States work together on issues like shared waterways. He stayed in this important position until he passed away.
Helping Canadian History Grow
Lawrence Burpee was a key figure in creating the Canadian Historical Association in 1922. This group helps people learn about and study Canadian history. He was also its very first president until 1925. Later, he became the president of the Royal Society of Canada in 1936 and 1937. This society brings together top Canadian scholars and artists.
He wrote many books and articles. Most of his writings were about Canadian history and geography. He also helped start and was the first editor of the Canadian Geographical Journal. This magazine shares stories and facts about Canada's geography and culture.
Supporting Important Causes
Burpee cared deeply about many different causes. He believed Canada needed a national library. He also supported the independence of Poland. In 1939, during wartime, he wrote an article called "Poland’s fight for freedom." It was published in the Canadian Geographical Journal.
In 1946, Lawrence Burpee was traveling to Warsaw, Poland. He passed away in Oxford, England. He is buried there. However, there is also a special stone in Beechwood Cemetery in Canada that remembers him.
