What Is The Initiative?
The purpose of The Marshall McLuhan Initiative, Inc. (The Initiative) is
To honour, celebrate, and extend the life’s work of Herbert Marshall McLuhan (1911 – 1980), who grew up in Winnipeg; graduated from Gladstone and Earl Grey Schools, Kelvin Technical High School, and the University of Manitoba (Gold Medalist, Class of ’33, see left); was a devout Christian, a beloved professor of English literature, prophetic poet, satirist, and the renowned communications theorist/visionary and media guru that we recognize today.
The raison d’être of The Initiative is to promote Marshall McLuhan’s prairie (and especially Winnipeg) roots and his Christian faith. In particular, the Initiative strives to educate Winnipeggers — whom Marshall affectionately called “Winnipigeons” — about McLuhan, who was one of Canada’s greatest public intellectuals; and to celebrate his heritage with like-minded people throughout the “Global Village.”
News
The Pebble 2.1 (January 2026)
Contents: The Blue Plaque Unveiling at 507 Gertrude; Marshall McLuhan information evening Kelvin High School, “Remembering and Extending Marshall McLuhan: Class of 1928”; The Presentation of The Medium and the Light Award for 2025; The Media and the Write Competition launch; Evolution of the design to transform 507 Gertrude Avenue into The Marshall McLuhan Centre
Proposed Design #1 for The Centre
Midway through 2025, The Initiative commissioned Neil Minuk to draft plans for a renovation of 507 Gertrude Ave into The Marshall McLuhan Centre. Here is the plan that was submitted. With this design, we would be able to accomplish all of our aspirations for The Marshall McLuhan Centre, including accommodations
The Media & the Write Competition
In this spirit, the Marshall McLuhan Initiative Inc. (“The Initiative”) is launching its inaugural “The Media and the Write” contest. The competition is open to all undergraduates at post-secondary institutions and Grade 12 students in Manitoba who wish to explore aspects of Marshall McLuhan’s thought
Unveiling of the Blue Plaque
Winnipeg Home of Marshall McLuhan Receives Historic Designation The public is cordially invited to 507 Gertrude Avenue on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 2 p.m. CDT for the official unveiling of Manitoba Historical Society’s “Blue Plaque,” commemorating world-renowned Canadian media scholar, Herbert Marshall McLuhan (1911-1980). Arguably one of the greatest
Blue Plaque Unveiling in the Free Press
We are delighted to announce that unveiling of the blue plaque by The Marshall McLuhan Initiative has been featured in the Winnipeg Free Press today.
Kelvin High School Celebrates Famous Alumnus, Marshall McLuhan
What is on everyone’s mind in this, the digital and “information” age? It’s the deception of false Artificial Intelligence and its looming threat to the human race. It’s the tantalizing lure of social media and their deleterious effects on our children. It’s the explosion of information that bombards our environment with
The Pebble 1.2 (July 2025)
Contents: Tribute to Richard J. Osicki; Polish Scholar visits Winnipeg; “Polished” Author and The Initiative Board Member Receives MEA Awards; The Initiative achieves charitable status; The Initiative chooses the contractor to transform 507 Gertrude Avenue; The Initiative chooses its Webmaster; A Blue Plaque for 507 Gertrude Avenue; Marking the 100th Anniversary of Marshall McLuhan beginning his studies at Kelvin Technical High School
The Pebble 1.1 (March 2025)
Contents: The Initiative acquires 507 Gertrude; What is the Marshall McLuhan Initiative and where do we come from?
Events
Inaugural Winnipigeon Fundraising Gala
October 8, 2026 5:15 pm – October 8, 2026 9:00 pm Room 204 in the UMSU University Centre, Ft. Garry Campus, The University of Manitoba We are delighted to announce that the Keynote Speaker and MC for the Inaugural Winnipigeon Fundraising Gala will be Michael McLuhan, Executor of The Estate
Media Ecology Association Convention
The annual meeting of the Media Ecology Association will be held at U of Winnipeg on June 25–28, 2026. This year’s theme will be “Crossing [Out] Borders in our Global Village.” There will be very significant contributions from The Marshall McLuhan Initiative Inc. In addition to the Winnipigeon Bus Tour, there will
McLuhan Winnipigeon Pilgrimage Bus Tour
In conjunction with the Media Ecology Association convention, The Initiative will be hosting a “Winnipigeon Pilgrimage Bus Tour” that will take participants around the city visiting key McLuhan sites.
The Media & The Write Deadline
The Media & the Write contest invites Manitoba students to explore aspects of McLuhan’s thought.
Remembering and Extending
Come and hear who Marshall McLuhan was, why he came to be recognized as a world-class intellectual, and how he changed the way we understand media and communication October 16 at 7:00 pm, Kelvin High School
Unveiling of the Blue Plaque
Please join us for the unveiling of the Blue Plaque honouring Marshall McLuhan at 507 Gertrude Ave, 2:00 pm, or on Zoom!