Fonds consists of materials pertaining to Ben Gadd's personal life and career as an environmental researcher, educator, interpretive guide, publisher, public speaker and author, ca.1956-2018. Fonds includes maps, research materials, publication notes/drafts, correspondence, contracts, photographs, …
ca. 7.9 metres of textual records -- ca. 274 maps -- 29 VHS tapes -- ca.15 discs with digital files -- 21 cassettes -- photographs -- oversized materials -- USB stick with 15 sldeshows
History / Biographical
Ben Gadd (1946-) is a retired naturalist, guide, geologist, instructor, freelance writer and award-winning author based in the Canadian Rockies.
Ben was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado in 1946. He met his wife, Cia (Langdon) Gadd at Colorado College in 1965, and the couple married four weeks later. Ben and Cia had two sons, Will and Toby. Ben and his family relocated to Jasper in the late 1960s. Ben later attended the University of Lethbridge and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Earth Science in 1972.
Between 1976 and 1980, Ben taught classes at Mount Royal College and the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology; he later taught additional classes at Grant MacEwan College and Lakeland College. From 1981, Ben also worked as a seasonal naturalist/guide for Parks Canada. Ben left Parks Canada in 1985 to start an independent naturalist guiding business with Cia based in Jasper and other parts of the Canadian Rockies, which the couple continued to operate for over two decades.
Ben published his best-known work, "Handbook of the Canadian Rockies", through his publishing company Corax Press in 1986. The second edition of "Handbook of the Canadian Rockies" received multiple awards after its release in 1995. Ben's fiction book, "Raven's End" won the title of Best Canadian Rockies Book at the Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival in 2001 and became a Canadian bestseller. Overall, Ben has authored or co-authored 11 books and received nearly one dozen awards for his achievements as a writer, researcher and guide.
Ben continued to lead guided hikes and school programs until his retirement in 2016.
Scope & Content
Fonds consists of materials pertaining to Ben Gadd's personal life and career as an environmental researcher, educator, interpretive guide, publisher, public speaker and author, ca.1956-2018. Fonds includes maps, research materials, publication notes/drafts, correspondence, contracts, photographs, video and sound recordings, and other related material. Materials donated in 2024 include one USB stick containing
Notes
Ben Gadd fonds arrangement:
Series I : Personal records
- Subseries A : Travel guides and maps
- Subseries B : Education and early writings
- Subseries C : Personal interest files
- Subseries D : Other personal and collected
Series II : Research and publication records
- Subseries A : Handbook of the Canadian Rockies
- Subseries B : Other publications
Series III : Professional records
- Subseries A : Parks Canada Records
- Subseries B : Interpretive guiding
- Subseries C : Teaching records
- Subseries D : Other contracts and projects
Series IV : Legal and financial records
- Subseries A : Legal records
- Subseries B : Financial records
File consists of collected articles, notes and correspondence compiled by Ben Gadd for use in the creation of a Burgess Shale exhibit for Parks Canada.
File consists of collected articles, notes and correspondence compiled by Ben Gadd for use in the creation of a Burgess Shale exhibit for Parks Canada.
Notes
Some materials in file include annotations by Ben Gadd
File consists of two annotated copies of a text draft produced by Ben Gadd as part of a work contract with Parks Canada. Content pertains to a Burgess Shale exhibit project which was produced and displayed in 2009. File includes one unedited draft with an attached letter from Ben Gadd to Jenny Klaf…
File consists of two annotated copies of a text draft produced by Ben Gadd as part of a work contract with Parks Canada. Content pertains to a Burgess Shale exhibit project which was produced and displayed in 2009. File includes one unedited draft with an attached letter from Ben Gadd to Jenny Klafki, and one draft with edits by Parks Canada staff [possibly Jenny Klafki].
File consists of design plans, an interpretive outline and an exhibit storyline draft pertaining to a Burgess Shale exhibit project which was produced and displayed by Parks Canada. Materials were collected by Ben Gadd, as part of a work contract to assist with research and text writing for the exh…
File consists of design plans, an interpretive outline and an exhibit storyline draft pertaining to a Burgess Shale exhibit project which was produced and displayed by Parks Canada. Materials were collected by Ben Gadd, as part of a work contract to assist with research and text writing for the exhibit.
File consists of correspondence, one text draft and one contract pertaining to Ben Gadd's work as an interpretive consultant for a Maligne Canyon exhibit project.
File consists of correspondence, one text draft and one contract pertaining to Ben Gadd's work as an interpretive consultant for a Maligne Canyon exhibit project.
File consists of contract agreements, employment documents and related correspondence pertaining to writing projects which Ben Gadd completed for National Geographic. Projects include an article titled "Best of the Rockies: Hiking" [2003]; and summaries of several national parks and other regions o…
File consists of contract agreements, employment documents and related correspondence pertaining to writing projects which Ben Gadd completed for National Geographic. Projects include an article titled "Best of the Rockies: Hiking" [2003]; and summaries of several national parks and other regions of the Canadian Rockies for use in the publication "National Geographic's Guide to the National Parks of Canada" [2010].
File consists of documents pertaining to Ben Gadd's involvement in the creation of "GeoVista" downloadable brochures for areas of Jasper National Park, which were published by the Canadian Federation of Earth Sciences in 2011. File includes correspondence between Ben and other individuals involved …
From the Canadian Federation of Earth and Space Sciences website:
"GeoVistas are downloadable brochures that explain iconic views in Canadian parks. They are site-specific vignettes that combine engaging descriptions of geological features in the landscape with information on how they have influenced climate, ecology and culture. Precise GPS coordinates allow you to reach these accessible sites."
Scope & Content
File consists of documents pertaining to Ben Gadd's involvement in the creation of "GeoVista" downloadable brochures for areas of Jasper National Park, which were published by the Canadian Federation of Earth Sciences in 2011. File includes correspondence between Ben and other individuals involved with the project; drafts of written material and excerpts from brochures, including images; a Canadian Geological Foundation grant application form; handwritten notes; and other related materials.
File consists of one signed contract between Key Porter Books Limited and Verdant Pass Limited [owned and managed by Ben Gadd]. Contract pertains to the creation of an introductory section for use in a photography book titled "The Canadian Rockies" by Mike Grandmaison.
File consists of one signed contract between Key Porter Books Limited and Verdant Pass Limited [owned and managed by Ben Gadd]. Contract pertains to the creation of an introductory section for use in a photography book titled "The Canadian Rockies" by Mike Grandmaison.
File consists of documents pertaining to the Royal Alberta Museum's Ancient Alberta Gallery Advisory Group. File includes correspondence, a transportation expense form, a progress report and other related materials sent to and/or annotated by Ben Gadd.
File consists of documents pertaining to the Royal Alberta Museum's Ancient Alberta Gallery Advisory Group. File includes correspondence, a transportation expense form, a progress report and other related materials sent to and/or annotated by Ben Gadd.
File consists of meeting notes, correspondence and design plans pertaining to natural history and geology exhibits at the Royal Alberta Museum in Edmonton.
File consists of meeting notes, correspondence and design plans pertaining to natural history and geology exhibits at the Royal Alberta Museum in Edmonton.
File consists of correspondence, research notes and drafts of text written by Ben Gadd which were used for the creation of interpretive trail signage in Jackman Flats Provincial Park.
File consists of correspondence, research notes and drafts of text written by Ben Gadd which were used for the creation of interpretive trail signage in Jackman Flats Provincial Park.
File consists of records pertaining to a work project completed by Ben Gadd on behalf of the Alberta Environment Regional Support Branch, Central Alberta. File includes final text drafts of five interpretive signs written by Ben describing regions in west central Alberta, as well as suggested image…
File consists of records pertaining to a work project completed by Ben Gadd on behalf of the Alberta Environment Regional Support Branch, Central Alberta. File includes final text drafts of five interpretive signs written by Ben describing regions in west central Alberta, as well as suggested images to use for the signs; and faxed payment summaries and proof of payment which were sent to Ben.
File consists of correspondence and research materials compiled by Ben Gadd pertaining to an updated list of bird species living in Jasper National Park. The list was produced on behalf of the Friends of Jasper National Park.
File consists of correspondence and research materials compiled by Ben Gadd pertaining to an updated list of bird species living in Jasper National Park. The list was produced on behalf of the Friends of Jasper National Park.
File consists of notes and a draft introduction produced by Ben Gadd pertaining to a film project about the Canadian Rockies which was produced by Pat Morrow. Notes include a list of possible titles for the video, as well as lists of topics to include for different regions discussed in the film.
File consists of notes and a draft introduction produced by Ben Gadd pertaining to a film project about the Canadian Rockies which was produced by Pat Morrow. Notes include a list of possible titles for the video, as well as lists of topics to include for different regions discussed in the film.
File consists of a proposal letter sent By Ben Gadd to Douglas Gibson, President of publishing company McClelland and Stewart, pertaining to a potential book about snow.
File consists of a proposal letter sent By Ben Gadd to Douglas Gibson, President of publishing company McClelland and Stewart, pertaining to a potential book about snow.
File consists of documents pertaining to the creation of interpretive trail signs by Ben Gadd for Kelley's Bathtub Trail in William A. Switzer Provincial Park. File includes a signed contract between Ben Gadd and the Alberta Parks and Recreation department, as well as research notes, text drafts an…
File consists of documents pertaining to the creation of interpretive trail signs by Ben Gadd for Kelley's Bathtub Trail in William A. Switzer Provincial Park. File includes a signed contract between Ben Gadd and the Alberta Parks and Recreation department, as well as research notes, text drafts and sample illustrations and layout plans.
File consists of correspondence, drafts and other documents pertaining to an article written by Ben Gadd about the Skyline Trail in Jasper National Park, which was published by Explore Magazine in 1996.
File consists of correspondence, drafts and other documents pertaining to an article written by Ben Gadd about the Skyline Trail in Jasper National Park, which was published by Explore Magazine in 1996.
File consists of a signed contract agreement, correspondence, text drafts and sample designs pertaining to interpretive signs created by Ben Gadd on behalf of the Government of Alberta's Environmental Protection department. Interpretive signs pertain to geological history, natural features and wild…
File consists of a signed contract agreement, correspondence, text drafts and sample designs pertaining to interpretive signs created by Ben Gadd on behalf of the Government of Alberta's Environmental Protection department. Interpretive signs pertain to geological history, natural features and wildlife in Pembina River Provincial Park.
File consists of one fax sheet sent from the British Columbia Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks to Ben Gadd, pertaining to the creation of an informational sheet about the geological history of Mount Robson. Fax sheet includes a finished copy of the info sheet produced by Ben Gadd.
File consists of one fax sheet sent from the British Columbia Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks to Ben Gadd, pertaining to the creation of an informational sheet about the geological history of Mount Robson. Fax sheet includes a finished copy of the info sheet produced by Ben Gadd.
Notes
Annotation by Ben Gadd: "Quoted $100 for text + diagrams"
File consists of a formal contract agreement, research materials, invoices, a completed draft and other materials pertaining to a writing project about Lake Louise, which was produced by Ben Gadd on behalf of the Canadian government's Department of Indian Affairs.
File consists of a formal contract agreement, research materials, invoices, a completed draft and other materials pertaining to a writing project about Lake Louise, which was produced by Ben Gadd on behalf of the Canadian government's Department of Indian Affairs.