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Volume 10 No. 4 Fall 2000 |
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Volume 10 No. 4 Fall 2000 |
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British Columbia Archives Week 2000 |
Archives Week is an AABC initiative to draw public attention to the importance of the province's nearly 200 archival institutions. Archives Weeks are officially recognized in several American states and promoted by the Archives Society of Alberta. British Columbia Archives Week follows in the tradition of these annual celebrations by inaugurating a new commemorative week. The week of November 19 to 25, 2000 honours past, present and future generations of British Columbia archivists along with the invaluable historical records they and their sponsorial institutions have so carefully preserved.
The dates for Archives Week were chosen to include Douglas Day, November 19, a day recognized by public statute. Douglas Day, named after Sir James Douglas (1803-1877), first Governor of British Columbia, commemorates the establishment of the mainland colony and government of British Columbia.
British Columbia Archives Week intends to build on and support Heritage Week which occurs in February. With careful planning, it will be possible for some archival institutions to have dual celebrations! This will help ensure that the public is more conscious of the role played by archives in support of heritage.
The AABC is supporting the inaugural year of Archives Week in three ways:
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This press release, drafted by the Archives Association of British Columbia, is for use by the community archives of BC for their respective Archives Week observances. Feel free to e-mail or save (download) the HTML file for editing with any text or word processing program. An AABC Backgrounder page is also available for archives wishing to include additional information with their press release. A list of press release tips may also be consulted.
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
| [DATE] |
| Contact: [Contact Name] |
| [Archives Name] |
| Telephone: [xxx-xxx-xxxx] |
| Fax: [xxx-xxx-xxxx] |
| E-mail: [xxx-xxx-xxxx] |
| Web: http://xxx.xxxxx.xxx/ |
Come in and share a memory or two with your [COMMUNITY OR ARCHIVES NAME] archivist! Along with other archives in BC, the [ARCHIVES NAME] is celebrating our historical accomplishments. In recognition of the contributions made by archives, the Province of British Columbia has proclaimed November 19 to 25, 2000 as Archives Week. Archives are the foundation through which our society maintains its continuity with the past and preserves the present for future generations. Archivists are trained professionals who select, maintain, describe, and assist the public in locating archival records in their care.
According to Jane Turner, president of the Archives Association of British Columbia, "Archivists are dedicated to preserving local memories and providing public access to the historical resources that constitute British Columbia's rich documentary heritage. Archives Week provides an opportunity for all of us to celebrate the accomplishments of archives in local communities throughout the province. We hope this will become an annual tradition."
Who uses archives? Genealogists use archives to uncover their family history. Students research local and provincial history topics. First Nations researchers rely on archives to prepare traditional use studies as evidence in support of lands claim. Home owners also know archives have the answers for the history and use of their residence and land. Journalists and advocacy groups need reliable archives to hold government accountable for its actions.
The Archives Association of British Columbia, whose Honorary Patron is the Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia, represents close to 200 archival institutions that preserve historical records. For example, the [ARCHIVES NAME] holds [INSERT INFORMATION ON ARCHIVAL INSTITUTION HERE].
For more information about the records in your local archives, please contact: [NAME, ADDRESS, PHONE, FAX, ETC., OF THE ARCHIVES SENDING OUT THE RELEASE]. For information about British Columbia Archives Week or the Archives Association of BC, visit the British Columbia Archives Week Web site at http://aabc.bc.ca/aabc/archweek/
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Your archives plays a vital role in documenting and preserving your community or your organization's history. This is what Archives Week is all about: letting the public or your sponsors know that archives matter.
There are many ways to publicize your community or organization's archives. One of your first steps should be to visit some other Archives Week and Heritage Week Web sites:
These invaluable sources form the basis of these activity ideas. You will also find these Web sites in the Linking Up section of the Archives Week Web site.
For the inaugural year of Archives Week, the AABC is promoting the week as an opportunity to emphasize the role archives play in Preserving Local Memories. There are two suggested activity ideas in each category. These activities are primarily directed towards community archives, but may be adapted for use by organizational archives.
© 2000 Archives Association of British Columbia
