Archives in Motion

Become a friend of the Archives  (February 2010)

Since 1992 Betty McKay MacKenzie has pursued a passion that started with family genealogy and ended with the history of an entire community. Not many people are aware of the extent of the resulting collection in the Archives Room of the Municipal building: census, cemetery, and land records, church records, deeds, family histories, maps, letters and business ledgers, books, artifacts, and a large collection of wonderful old photographs.

An organization has formed, Archives Historiques Hemmingford, The Hemmingford Historical Archives, to ensure not only the preservation of this collection, but to work towards to its development as an accredited archives in Quebec. Among potentials explored for the Archives is the search for a new home to showcase local history and make it more accessible for researchers.

Reaching these goals has involved considerable effort by our board of directors who have confirmed federal and provincial charitable status, formed bylaws, and have applied for incorporation. This groundwork will open many opportunities for growth in terms of public and private funding for a wide range of needs.

But the Archives belongs to the community, and its future depends totally on your support. We are seeking individual memberships and partnerships with other organizations to help us achieve this support, and to promote a greater awareness of our community history. There will be many ways for volunteers to become involved in committees, fundraisers, and projects.

We invite you to our first AGM on March 27, 1-5 pm, at the Old Convent. There will be displays, refreshments, and the directors will make you feel welcome. Find out more about Archives projects and sign up as a Friend of the Archives.

The current interim directors of the Archives are: Garry Bickes, Céline Daignault, Mary Anne Ducharme, Carol Grégoire, Betty McKay MacKenzie, George MacKenzie, Yvon Paquette, Darleen Sabetta, and Beryl Tovim.