The creator of a new UWindsor exhibit says he wanted to highlight a theme of unity between Canada and the United States at a tense time in the history of relations between the two counties.
Building Bridges (and Tunnels) between Nations is a physical exhibit hosted by the Leddy Library Archives & Special Collections.
Building Bridges (and Tunnels) between Nations is a physical exhibit hosted by the Leddy Library Archives & Special Collections highlighting a theme of unity between Canada and the United States.
"As we go through this very strained time in our relationship with the United States, I thought it was important to look back and remind ourselves that it was not always this way," says Dave Yott, Leddy Library archival assistant and exhibit curator.
"All the artifacts, pictures, and articles I found in my research for this display highlighted time and time again this sense of unity and hope for a prosperous future for both our nations that people held."
Drawing from archival collections, as well as other resources available through the Leddy Library, Yott created the exhibit with historical newspaper articles, photos, medals, and editorial cartoons.
By focusing on items in UWindsor's collections relating to transportation links between Windsor and Detroit, and the cross-border route of the Detroit Free Press International Marathon, the exhibit focuses on themes of unity and friendship between Canada and the U.S. in the 20th century.
"Individually, these items speak to the many ties of friendship, family, trade, geography, culture, and history that unite those of us who live in the Detroit River Region," says archivist Dr. Sarah Glassford.
One highlight is a tiny metal Tunnel token - a long-standing form of toll payment that was phased out in 2012. Another is an editorial cartoon by longtime Windsor Star cartoonist Mike Graston on a border-crossing theme.
"By drawing together these fragments of the past, the exhibit as a whole serves to highlight that Canada and the United States have a long history of cooperation. There have been tariffs and annexation threats in the past as well, but long periods of harmony and interconnectedness are also significant elements of the historical context for the tensions of the present moment," she says.
Along with providing historical context, the exhibit promotes awareness of the rich archival resources and historical publications relating to local history that are available through UWindsor. "Leddy Library takes very seriously its role as a trusted steward of local heritage," says university librarian Dr. Selinda Berg.
"This exhibit speaks strongly to current events and our geopolitical position in Windsor, while highlighting many interesting collections available that faculty, students, and community members can access for their own research, scholarship, and creative work."
The exhibit is housed in the Leddy Library Archives & Special Collections Reading Room: Room G-100 in the Leddy Library Main Building basement, by appointment. It runs from Thursday, May 8 through Sunday Aug. 31, 2025.
