Jay Atherton, 1936-2012, Founding Fellow 

Highlights

Leadership role at Public Archives of Canada (PAC, later the National Archives or NA, now Library and Archives Canada or LAC) and in the wider profession, with emphasis on records management, electronic records, archival education, the ACA, and Archivaria. 

Education and Background 

Born in Vancouver, Jay Atherton received a BA (Hons) in Canadian History (University of British Columbia, 1961) and an MA in Canadian History (Carleton University, 1982). 

Professional Career 

In 1961 Jay began working as an archivist for the PAC, where he led the project to arrange and describe the Prime Minister Mackenzie King papers, introducing one of the earliest PAC efforts to employ standardized description. Appointed Director of the newly formed Public Records Division in 1973, he was later promoted to Director of the Records Management Branch in 1978, and Director General of the Historical Resources Branch in 1986. From 1986 onward Atherton served as a senior manager in various roles relating to the acquisition, control, and description of archival records.  

Throughout his career Atherton was known for promoting and facilitating effective collaboration between the records managers and archivists and for initiating development of descriptive standards (serving on the PAC Standards Committee). After retiring from the NAIN 1993, he continued to work as an archivist, devoting several years to establishing a university archives at Carleton University. Atherton also taught records management at Algonquin College in Ottawa. 

Atherton was a longtime member and supporter of the Gatineau Valley Historical Society (GVHS), serving in a variety of roles over several decades, including Newsletter Editor (1988-2000), President (1992-97), and Archivist (1997-2007). In recognition of his contributions, he was named an Honourary Life Member in 1997, and Archivist Emeritus in 2009. 

Contributions to the Profession 

Jay Atherton took a leadership role as a speaker, author, and professional organization member, mainly focusing on electronic records, records management, and archival legislation. He helped found the ACA in 1975 and served as Secretary (1977-1978), Vice-President (1989-1990),President (1989-1990), and General Editor of Archivaria (1993-1995). He was a member of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada Consultative Group on Canadian Archives (1978-1979), which published a very influential analysis of the Canadian archival system (1980). During the 1980s, Atherton worked extensively with the Association of Records Managers and Administrators (ARMA) both nationally and internationally. Atherton was also a founding member of the Friends of the National Archives of Canada in 1994, later serving as its President.  

Honours, Awards and Recognition 

• ACA Fellow, 2002 
• Records Management Institute Cardillo Award, n.d. 
• Commemorative Medal for the 125th anniversary of Canadian Confederation in recognition of contributions to the preservation of Canada’s documentary heritage, 1992 
• Honorary life member of the Gatineau Valley Historical Society, 1997 
• ACA Fellow, 2002 
• Archivist Emeritus Gatineau Valley Historical Association, 2009 

Further Information 

Photo source: https://ottawacitizen.remembering.ca/obituary/jay-atherton-1066067773 

If you see any inaccuracies or information gaps in any biography, the ACA would very much welcome your input. Please send a message to the current chair of the Nominations and Awards Committee.