The Archives is Moving!

by Mary Ducharme  (June 2012)

On April 11, 2012, the Hemmingford Historical Archives, an all-volunteer organization, signed an agreement with the Elementary School on 548 Champlain Avenue. Room 111 will be the new repository for the Archives. The move is regarded as a mutually beneficial partnership in fostering local heritage and making it accessible for community members of all ages. The New Frontiers School Board responded to the need for Archives housing through the advocacy of Kim Wilson, CLC Development Officer, and Greg Edwards, principal of the school. The Town and Village Councils supported the move by providing funds to cover user fee costs.

The Archives had been exploring potential alternatives to the current space in the Town Hall where the collection has been housed since the founding of the Archives by Betty McKay MacKenzie in the early 1990’s. The basement room is no longer large enough to accommodate growth in the collections and other issues include physical accessibility. Room 111 in the school will provide a more efficient and pleasant environment, and is regarded by the Archives Board as a significant step forward.

To equip the new Archives location, several items of used office furnishings have been donated, but budget constraints in the volunteer organization make it difficult to cover costs for other essential items which are standard for community archives. The Archives Board will gratefully acknowledge cash donations, and the organization is autho- rized to issue charitable receipts.

The move is scheduled in early July, and while in process, the Archives will be temporarily closed to the public. As soon as possible, normal operations will resume and all who wish to use archival resources at the new location will be welcomed.

In late summer there are plans to host a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house with guest speakers. All are wel come to join Archives volunteers in the celebration of new beginnings for Hemmingford’s community archives.

For further information contact Mary Ducharme at 450-247-3193 or e-mail mducharme117@sympatico.ca