Storing and sorting our past together

Well, it was a good idea, at least. Last Thursday, the provincial government issued a press release stating that November has been designated as Archives Month.

The provincial government supports organizations which dedicate their time and efforts to preserve, and present to the public, our archival records the critical storehouses for our collective history, stated Clyde Jackman, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation.

Archives Month is a celebration of that history one that will be remembered and studied for generations to come.

The release goes on to say that 2009 is a significant year for provincial archival institutions, as The Rooms Provincial Archives turns 50; the Trinity Historical Society Archives is 45; the Association of Newfoundland and Labrador Archives and the Family History Society of Newfoundland and Labrador are both 25; Them Days Incorporated Archives and Publications and the City of St. Johns Archives are two decades old; MUNs Faculty of Medicine Founders Archive and the Corner Brook Museum and Archives are both ten-years-old.

Fine and dandy. But what about Bay St. George? French, Acadian, English, Irish, Scottish, Mikmaq and American are just some of the nationalities that form our roots. Our collective history is likely some of the most interesting to be found, and yet were letting it slip away.

Where are our collective records kept and maintained? Oh wait, thats right, we dont have such a trove of documents and records.

Whats that you say? Didnt Gilbert Higgins do a lot of work collecting documents and information about the history and culture of Bay St. George? One can only suppose. Theres a lack of consensus on exactly where his archives are currently located, and exactly who has the key to that room, building, shed, basement or wherever it is.

Sure enough, groups like the Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club have expressed interest in setting up a permanent home for a local archive, but they can only do so much with their limited resources.

We have a genealogical society, thankfully, but they too are limited in their scope. And we have people like Bill OGorman writing details of parts of our history.

However, unless we all pitch in and come up with a group-themed solution, theres likely little chance that a proper archives for the Bay St. George area can be created.

But wait. Towards the end of the press release issued last week, this was written: Budget 2009, Building on Our Strong Foundation provided over $590,000 in operational and project support this year to heritage organizations which are members of ANLA throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

Why cant our local service clubs, other interested parties, and even individual residents come together for a common good, to form some sort of Bay St. George heritage group? You know, one that could find how to access some of these funds and actually get the ball rolling on a permanent local archive.

We need to preserve and protect documents and records that trace and reflect our history. If we want to move forward, we need to know where weve been.

Christopher Vaughan