Archives connecting with community organizations
Organizations also access the holdings of the Archives, often as they are preparing to recognize and celebrate their history. Having the records organized and accessible in one place can make the task of piecing the story together that much easier.
Being transparent and accountable are good reasons to maintain records. A club may access records to understand a decision made in the past and the circumstances under which an action was taken. An organization may also want to determine if its mandate has shifted over time, and if the organization is meeting its original objectives.
The Archives collects and makes accessible the record of our region. We aim to represent the community through the documents and the stories they tell. When an organization’s records come to the Archives they become both the history of the smaller community of the organization, and part of the story of the broader community. Staff may be able to help researchers make unexpected connections and discoveries.
People who are not directly involved with an organization are also often interested in the records. They may be curious members of the public, students doing research projects, authors, historians, or people interested in how a community need was addressed in the past as they look for modern solutions.
The Archives is always interested in discussing possibilities, whether speaking with a representative, the executive, or the membership as a whole. We look forward to making connections and working with the community.
Visit the Archives at the Esplanade and see what we are about.
Philip Pype is Esplanade Archivist.