Legacy Keeper Program

The Legacy Keeper Program is a long‑term initiative dedicated to honouring, preserving, and sharing the people, collections, and ideas that have shaped the COA and Canadian orthopaedics. Through archival projects, curated exhibits, oral histories, and member‑driven contributions, the program ensures that our profession’s history is protected and accessible for generations to come.

The Legacy Keeper Program invites members to participate in building a living, growing record of Canadian orthopaedic heritage—one that reflects the evolution of practice across the country.

Program Purpose

Preserving the Stories and Stewardship of Canadian Orthopaedics and the COA

Preserve artifacts, documents, and stories that illuminate the history of the COA and orthopaedic practice in Canada.
Showcase significant contributions through curated exhibits, heritage lectures, and storytelling events.
Engage members in supporting archival work, legacy events, and the stewardship of historical collections.
Strengthen the COA’s long‑term capacity to maintain and share its historical assets.

Signature Activities

Legacy Events: Annual curated exhibits or presentations highlighting a person, collection, or milestone in Canadian orthopaedics.
Oral History & Legacy Archive: Recorded interviews and archival documentation capturing the experiences of leaders and innovators.
Heritage Lecture & Exhibit: A featured session, exhibit or event at the Annual Meeting.
Legacy Clinical Pearls: Digitally shared insights from senior members, published in the COA Bulletin.

Support the Legacy Keeper Program

Members can help sustain and support this work. Contributions directly support:

Future Legacy Events
Archival preservation and digitization of COA historical documents and relics
Oral history projects
Curation and exhibition of historical collections

To contribute, members may add a donation through their profile in the COA’s secure Membership Portal.

Members interested in participating in future Legacy Keeper initiatives are invited to contact COA CEO Cynthia Vezina (cynthia@canorth.org).

Make a Contribution Now

The Inaugural Legacy Event (2026)

The Robert W. Jackson Arthroscopy Collection

Sponsored by Sanofi

The COA proudly launched its first Legacy Keeper Event at the 2026 COA Annual Meeting with the debut of the Robert W. Jackson Arthroscopy Collection, curated by medical historian Dr. Erich Weidenhammer.

Dr. Jackson—widely regarded as a pioneer of arthroscopy in North America—had hoped to catalogue his extensive collection of early arthroscopic instruments during retirement. Following his passing, this important work is now being carried forward through a collaborative effort that reflects the spirit of the Legacy Keeper Program: preserving the artifacts and stories that deepen our understanding of Canadian orthopaedic history.

What Members Experienced at the Exhibit

A curated selection of Dr. Jackson’s early arthroscopic instruments.
Historical context illustrating the evolution of arthroscopy in Canada.
Insights delivered at the podium from Dr. Weidenhammer’s ongoing cataloguing and preservation work.
A tribute to Dr. Jackson’s legacy as a surgeon, innovator, and educator.

What Legacy Was Gained through the Exhibit

New historical identifications that clarified the origins and evolution of several implants in the collection.
Corrections to incomplete catalogue entries, strengthening the accuracy of the archive.
Valuable connections with long‑time industry collaborators who worked closely with Dr. Jackson, opening new pathways for future cataloguing and verification.
Fresh leads for uncovering uncatalogued material and expanding the historical record through upcoming archival work.
Confirmation that member engagement directly enriches legacy programs.

The COA extends sincere thanks to Sanofi for sponsoring this inaugural Legacy Event and supporting the preservation of Canadian orthopaedic heritage.