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Early Printing & Type

Arranged in three collections, these artifacts explore the development of the earliest printing in Canada. Although they are composed mainly of newspapers, they may also contain other examples of early printing, such as proclamations, journals or even early type specimen books.

Collection 1: 1752 – 1800

Most newspapers during this time were established by American printers who moved north in search of new opportunities. The Upper Canada Gazette was an exception, having been set up by a printer from Montreal; Louis Roy.

While Canada was under French control, there were no newspapers or printing presses.

These early newspapers largely served as instruments of the government. Printers were strongly discouraged from publishing anything deemed hostile to the authorities, a trend that intensified after the American Revolution (1775–1783). Americans who remained loyal to Great Britain, known as United Empire Loyalists, fled to Canada to escape persecution.

Despite facing numerous challenges – such as financial hardship and limited resources – these early printers laid the foundation for what would become Canada’s newspaper industry.

See Also:
Collection 2: 1800–1850
Collection 3: 1851–1900