The Canadian Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies (CSECS) was created in 1970 by academics from Toronto, York University, McMaster University and Carlton University. At its first general meeting, held in Toronto on March 19th, 1971, the CSECS approved a constitution. It stated that the purpose of the society was to advance the study of the culture and history of the eighteenth century in Europe and the New World, encourage research on a broad inter-disciplinary basis, and acquaint students of the eighteenth-century Canadian scholarship in that field. To advance these purposes, CSECS held annual general meetings, organized academic conferences, published the proceedings thereof, and participated in academic conferences organized by other educational and scholarly societies. Its executive and membership held positions in academic institutions throughout Canada. It solicited and received grants from such public organizations as the Secretary of State of the Government of Canada, the Canada Council and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. It also solicited grants from a variety of private sector organizations.