What’s UP at the Archives – November 9th, 2024
Remembrance Day 2024
On Monday, November 11th, we remember the fallen, we remember those they left behind and all who have served to the defence of Canada. More than 4,000 men and women from Mission have served in Canada’s Armed Forces, both in time of war and time of peace.
As a tribute to those who have served, the Mission Community Archives has an exhibit at the Mission Leisure Centre from November 1st to 13th and a feature story in the November 8th issue of the Mission City Record about the experiences of those who served in World War I.
This year’s Remembrance Day service will start @ 10:50 AM at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 57 located at 32627 Logan Avenue, featuring a parade and wreath laying.
What’s UP at the Archives – October 25, 2024
MISSION’S EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN: Back row from left to right: Shirley Hilton, Barbara Fehrmann, Pascale-Sara Frenette, Marilyn MacDonald, Lori Wikdahl, Judith Ray, Deborah Handley, Ann Mohs, Lorraine Hughes, Joy Cox, Margaret Peake, Diana Muntigl, Joan MacLatchy, Pam Alexis. Front row from left to right: Jo Priestley, Karin Edberg-Lee, Kuldip Herar, Camille Atebe, Bonnie Harber, Carol Hamilton, Daphne Sleigh and Eleanor Lobb.
2024 Annual Women of Mission Gala
On October 19th, 2024, nearly a hundred guests were welcomed to the 27th Annual Women of Mission Gala, braving the torrential rain of an atmospheric river to attend. Despite the weather, there was a warm, inviting atmosphere filled with lively conversations over refreshments of tea, cookies and fresh strawberries. This year we were proud to have 19 former honourees in attendance along with the three new inductees Camille Atebe, Carol Hamilton, and Bonnie Harber.
Around the room, 40 unique storyboards were on display documenting the lives of the extraordinary women being honoured at the Gala along with 37 others previously honoured.
The uplifting afternoon was spent celebrating women from distinct walks of life, including stories speeches, and music. Miss Shauna, a local musician, was in attendance and performed a song titled “C.O.M.E.T” inspired by records housed in the Archives about a women’s club of the same name which stood for Count On Me Every Time.
Attendees got to hear from the honourees themselves, who had the opportunity to speak after being introduced. Camille shared a stirring and insightful speech about life, Carol recognized her Mothers -biological and adoptive- for their strength and passing it on to her, and Bonnie tearfully expressed thanks to her family. During the presentation, Archivist Val Billesberger, took a moment to read sections of the deeply touching nominee letters, emphasizing the profound impact the inductees had on the lives of the people around them.
There was tremendous support from businesses and private donors this year for the Your Choice Toonie Raffle, door prize, and table sponsorships with over 35 contributing to the program. The generous support of donors allowed us to raise over $1,296 from the raffle alone to support the ongoing effort to acquire, preserve and make accessible women’s history and records. Congratulations to the winners of this year’s raffles!
View the honouree’s biographies and our photo gallery of the event featuring photographs by Bob Friesen & attendees on our Paths & Pathfinders Page.
What’s UP at the Archives – October 10, 2024
Archives Celebrates 35th Anniversary
On Thursday October 3rd, the Archives celebrated its 35th anniversary with a series of presentations and refreshments. A highlight of the event was the unveiling of a restored “1891 Plan of Mission City” donated by W. Yeomans made possible by the generous sponsorship of The McPherson Family Foundation & Top Producers Realty LTD.
While showcasing the restored 133 year old-map, Tara Fraser, of Fraser / Spafford Ricci: Art and Archival Conservation Inc., gave an informative presentation detailing the extensive80+ hours of work undertaken that will allow the plan to survive for hundreds of years.
The Heritage Places Website (heritage-places.com) was also launched, which has been the hard work of Archives staff Val Billesberger and Kyler Garza. The website features “History Pin” which allows visitors to view different sites in Mission along with a historical photo of each one.
To conclude the presentation, the archivist announced a virtual volunteer program titled “Citizen Archivist”. The program has volunteers transcribe information from records into a digital format, allowing the materials to be accessed by more members of our diverse community.
After the presentation visitors were encouraged to get a closer look at the 1891 Plan, enjoy custom designed, hand-painted cookies by Lexi’s Treats sponsored by Mission Community Skill Center; and to speak with Val and Tara about Archival and Conservation Work.
All attendees could get a $10 e-gift for the Archives online store. There was also a free draw for a unique tote bag – congratulations to Kim on your win!
Thank you to everyone who has been a part of the Community Archives journey, from coming in to see our holdings or donating records. Every member of Mission – past & present – is what makes us great and we wouldn’t be the success we are without your support.
View our photo gallery of the event featuring photographs by Bob Friesen and Ellen Nguyen.
