What’s UP at the Archives – February 17, 2023
This year, through two new online exhibits by the Museum and Archives, the Mission District Historical Society invites you to discover how the camera, once a simple wooden box with a primitive lens and cap for controlling light, has undergone huge changes since its invention, and has come to play a key role in our society through its capacity to memorialize events, act as a keepsake and create visual narratives of our ever changing cultural landscape
PICTURE THIS! features the photographic works of Dr. Noel Hall (1930-2017), a self-taught photographer and highly esteemed member of the community.
Often the only photographer on the scene, Noel’s impressive archives of over 30,000 images were donated to the Archives in 2000 representing an unparalleled visual record of the community.
Presented through six theme-based virtual photo albums, PICTURE THIS! aims to transport viewers back in time to glimpse Mission during the 1980s and 1990s through aerial views of the landscape and a selection of images documenting community landmarks, pivotal events and more.
You may view the exhibit HERE, starting Feb. 20.
What’s UP at the Archives – February 2, 2023
The Mission Community Archives is pleased to announce the availability in its online store the award winning first book by Kuldip Gill’s (1934-2009), Dharma Rasa.
Dedicated to her family and parents, Bhagwant Kaur Gill, and Indar Singh Gill, the book invites readers to accompany Kuldip as she reads the love letters her father wrote to her mother; travels to British Columbia on the CPR Steamship Empress of Japan; visits the streets of New Dehli and Benares; and relives her family’s struggles and challenges as they try to make a home in a new land.
Born in Faridkot District, Punjab, India in 1934, Kuldip immigrated to Canada at age five, eventually residing in Mission where she attended school and was a member of the last class to graduate from the former Mission High School in 1952. You can read more about her life and extraordinary accomplishments here.
For a limited time only – February 2 to 14th, 2023 you may purchase the book for 25% off using code MCA1-25. It would be a special and unique Valentine’s Day gift for anyone.
What’s UP at the Archives – January 26, 2023
The year 2023 is already shaping up to be an exciting one at the Community Archives! Staff and volunteers have been back for several weeks working on a range of projects to advance the acquisition, preservation and accessibility of Mission’s documentary heritage. Here are some of the initiatives planned for 2023:
• New virtual 2023 Heritage Week exhibit: PICTURE THIS! featuring photographs of contemporary photographer Noel Hall (1930-2017) who donated 30,000 images to the Community Archives in April 2000.
• New video tutorials to be created in partnership with students from the Library and Information Technology Program at University of British Columbia
• CITIZEN ARCHIVIST – the rebranding and expansion of the Archives Volunteer Program to include opportunities for virtual volunteering
• New video productions to be added to the Community Archives series: Then & Now and Mission Moments.
• 26th Annual Celebration of Women featuring extraordinary individuals whose life stories and personal archives have been added to the Community Archives holdings.
• During October our BLAST FROM THE PAST series on social media will feature posts to celebrate the 65th anniversary of West Heights Elementary School.
Watch for updates here and under our EVENTS & PROGRAMS page!
