The Honourable Edward Roberts History Book Award

History of the Award

This biannual award was renamed The Honourable Edward Roberts History Book Award in 2022 in honour of Edward Roberts QC and recognizes authors publishing written works that exemplify excellence in the interpretation of the heritage and history of Newfoundland and Labrador. It is administered by the HSA and overseen by a committee comprised of volunteers from the Association’s Board of Directors and Emeritus Members. The Heritage and History Book Award Committee compiles the shortlist and carefully considers each selection before choosing the final recipient. The committee is comprised of dedicated heritage volunteers, historians, historical authors, history educators, and specialists in Newfoundland and Labrador studies.

From 2004 to 2016 the Heritage and History Book Award was a joint initiative of the HSA and the Writer’s Alliance of Newfoundland and Labrador (WANL). Seventeen outstanding literary works in the genres of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and children/young adult were previously recognized with the award. The award is now specifically for non-fiction works and is awarded biannually by the HSA.

Edward Roberts Contributions

Edward Roberts was a lawyer, politician, cabinet minister, and Lieutenant Governor of the province. Mr. Roberts’ extensive involvements with organizations researching, preserving, and presenting the history of the province were many and varied. He served on the board of directors of the HSA and chaired its 2009 celebrations in honour of Captain Bob Bartlett. After completing his term as a director, Mr. Roberts remained an active supporter of the HSA, serving on the Heritage and History Book Award Committee. During his tenure as Lieutenant Governor, Mr. Roberts completed an M.A. in History at Memorial University, with a dissertation on Sir William Coaker. Mr. Roberts gave his expertise and time to the First World War Commemorations at The Rooms and was the Honourary Colonel and member of the advisory council for the Newfoundland Regiment. Through the Newfoundland and Labrador Historical Society, as well as other organizations, Mr. Roberts gave many lectures on the history of the province.

Mr. Roberts published articles and was responsible for several books on the history of the province, while another of his books is expected to be published posthumously. Mr. Roberts was generous to other writers of history, often reading manuscripts and articles to provide comment, advice, and encouragement.

2022 Recipients

“Corner Windows and Cul-de-Sacs: The Remarkable Story of Newfoundland’s First Garden Suburb” by A. Joyce Shawyer and Christopher A. Sharpe.

Corner Windows and Cul de Sacs documents the rationale, vision, personalities, and policies behind the development of the Churchill Park suburb of St. John’s. It is a human story grounded in the history of poverty, derelict housing, and disease persisting in St. John’s into World War ll. The Churchill Park suburb was the genesis of the post-war expansion of St. John’s. Sharpe and Shawyer document the establishment of the St. John’s Housing Corporation and its mandate to develop a new suburb to address the city’s housing needs.

Mr. Roberts left an enduring legacy in the research, writing, and presentation of Newfoundland and Labrador history.

Past Recipients

• 2020

  • James K. Hiller, Robert Bond: A Political Biography, Iser Books, 2019.

  • Linden MacIntyre, The Wake: The Deadly Legacy of a Newfoundland Tsunami, HarperCollins, 2019.