Jeff A. Webb

Jeff A. Webb is a Professor and Head in the Department of History at Memorial University of Newfoundland. His research focuses on the cultural, political, and social history of Newfoundland and Labrador, with a particular emphasis on cultural institutions, archival and oral history methods, and British colonial policy.

• Ph.D., University of New Brunswick
• M.A. and B.A., Memorial University

Webb’s research explores Newfoundland’s cultural evolution through projects like his forthcoming book The Cause of Art, which examines the professionalization of the Art Gallery of Newfoundland and Labrador. His earlier works, including The Voice of Newfoundland (2008) and Observing the Outports (2016), analyze broadcasting history and social science research in Newfoundland, respectively. He also integrates archival and oral history methods into his studies of 18th- and 20th-century themes, such as fisheries, resettlement, and public history.

His publications span topics like colonial legislation (e.g., Palliser’s Act), Indigenous community studies (e.g., James P Howley’s work on the Beothuk), and media’s role in cultural revitalization. Webb has supervised graduate students in legal history, public history, and the history of sexuality, and contributed to the documentary The Films of Fogo Island, highlighting Memorial University’s role in community development.