McMaster University was founded in 1887 in Toronto, Ont. and named after Senator William McMaster who had bequeathed sufficient funding to endow an Christian institution of higher learning. It opened in Toronto in 1890. Inadequate facilities and the gift of land in Hamilton prompted the institution to relocate in 1930. Until 1957 the Governors of the University were elected by the Baptist Convention of Ontario and Quebec. In that year, the University became a non-denominational institution.
The head of McMaster University was given the title of Chancellor until 1950 when George P. Gilmour was given the title of President and Vice-Chancellor and a new Chancellor, E. Carey Fox was chosen. Gilmour had been Chancellor of McMaster University since 1941. Since 1950 seven presidents have headed McMaster University: George P. Gilmour, 1950-1961; Henry G. Thode, 1961-1972; Arthur N. Bourns, 1972-1980; Alvin A. Lee, 1980-1990; Geraldine A. Kenney-Wallace, 1990-1995; Peter J. George, 1995-2010; Patrick Deane, 2010-present.
Published
RC0427
The collection consists of a vast range of records and documents created throughout the University's existence, both in Hamilton and Toronto. However, it is not a complete record of the University's activities.
The materials related to McMaster University have been divided into five general series:
1. Administration and Governance
2. Academics
3. Libraries
4. General – includes history of the University, photographs, and other material
5. Publications
Researchers interested in the early history of McMaster should consult the [Canadian Baptist Archives](https://www.mcmasterdivinity.ca/welcome/canadian-baptist-archives) at McMaster's Divinity College.
Researcher may also be interested in the [Archives of Hamilton Health Sciences and the Faculty of Health Sciences](http://hsl.mcmaster.ca/archives/) in the Health Sciences Library at McMaster.
Material that has been digitized:
[Films](http://digitalarchive.mcmaster.ca/islandora/object/macrepo%3A75559) (partial)
[Ephemera/Realia](http://digitalarchive.mcmaster.ca/islandora/object/macrepo%3A75733) (partial).
[Collection Finding Aid and Guide](https://library.mcmaster.ca/finding-aid/mcmaster-university-collection)