The People’s Photo Album

The People’s Photo Album a tribute to the Extension Department of St. Francis Xavier University (StFX) on its 90th anniversary—a vibrant visual history of the Antigonish Movement as seen through the eyes of those who lived it. Individuals, families, and organizations from the intergenerational community of this global movement opened their photo albums, scrapbooks, and social media collections to share stories of struggle and triumph. What began as a modest project with 25 contributors quickly grew to over 100 pages and 800 photographs, revealing a powerful and enduring truth: the work of the Extension Department has had a lasting impact on lives and communities across the world. The Antigonish Movement is not a memory—it is a living legacy.

The Movement’s roots trace back to the 1920s, when members of the Scottish Catholic Society of Canada urged StFX to establish a Department of Social Action. In 1930, Rev. Dr. Moses Coady became the first director of the newly formed Extension Department, after studying adult education practices across North America.At its core, the Extension Department has championed adult education and social and economic cooperation—principles that continue to animate the Antigonish Movement’s quest for “the good and abundant life” for all.

Spanning nine decades, The People’s Photo Album weaves together photographs, archival letters, and community stories to honor a grassroots movement built on dignity, learning, and collective action.