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.









What’s UP at the Archives – September 20, 2024

Paths and Pathfinders Annual Women of Mission Gala
A key part of the Paths & Pathfinder Program is the Annual Women of Mission Gala (formerly known as the Annual Celebration of Women). Held in October as part of Women’s History Month in Canada, the event acknowledges both the exceptional and every day real life contributions of women.
This year’s gala is being held on Saturday, October 19th at All Saints Anglican Church Hall doors open at 1:30 PM and the program begins at 2:00 PM. Tickets are $20 plus fees and must be PRE-PURCHASED through Eventbrite.
Our 2024 honourees are: Camille Atebe, an award winning actor and talented, multi-faceted writer, who is a champion of performing arts and stagecraft; Bonnie Harber, a truehearted caregiver who’s touched the lives of countless people and a cornerstone member of the Steelhead Community; and Carol Hamilton, a visionary long-time community leader who has worked tirelessly to benefit the community while facing life head on.
A very special thanks to our corporate partners and private donors for supporting our event!
DOOR PRIZE: Lanka Jewels ($500 Diamond Pendant Necklace)
TABLE SPONSORS: Michele Cummins – RE/MAX MAGNOLIA | Goody Two Shoes | Lanka Jewels | Sue’s Copy Place| Tom Osterberg – Lighthouse Realty | Steelhead Community Association | World Odyssey Travel – Leah Stewart
YOUR CHOICE RAFFLE BASKETS:
• A Taste of Mission: Browns Social House | Rocko’s 24 Hour Diner | Corona’s Mexican Restaurant | Lexi’s Treats
• All About Me-ow: Mr. Pets | @That.Cat.Tia
• Get Dolled Up: Beautiful U Boutique | ZZ Cuts
• Cook’s Delight: Totally Bookish | Pantry Natural Food | Meridian’s Farmer’s Market | Hunter’s Dale
• Mission Grab Bag: Trendy and What Knot Yarn | Karla’s Speacialteas | The Penny Coffee House| Goldenball Mercantile
• Night at the Theatre: What’s ON! Mission Magazine | Clarke Theatre
• An Afternoon Out: Magnolia’s on Main | Mon Cheri | Browns Social House
• PAW-fect for Me: Bosley’s at Heritage Park | Mr. Pets
• Picture Perfect Day: Clarke Theatre – City of Mission | Casa Del Sol Tanning Salon | Mackie Naturals Spa | Totally Bookish
• Fun in the Sun: Perfect Piece Optical
• Showstoppers: Clarke Theatre – City of Mission
What’s UP at the Archives – July 4, 2024



UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL – Incredible Storytelling!
Last Saturday’s Up Close and Personal event at the Fraser River Interpretive Center on the waterfront was an unbelievable success! With our special guests Deborah Handley and Ann Mohs lending their blinding personalities and memorable stories to an enraptured audience. Archivist, Val Billesberger, received many rave reviews from those in attendance, including feedback that – “This has to be an annual event!”
We at the Archives would like to thank everyone who joined us for an afternoon of laughter, commiseration, storytelling and a joyful performance by Sing Out, a choir directed by Deborah Handley — as well as the delicious Tea Sandwiches and sparkling juice provided by Amazi Coffee and Superstore respectively). We’d also like to thank our sponsors for the event: Mission City Keto Ltd., Swing Optical, What’s on! Mission Magazine, and private donors.
This event was also the first announcement of 2024 Path and Pathfinder’s Program honourees: Bonnie Harber, a truehearted caregiver who’s touched the lives of countless people and a cornerstone member of the Steelhead Community; Camille Atebe, an award winning actor and talented, multi-faceted writer, who is a champion of performing arts and stagecraft; and Carol Hamilton, a visionary long-time community leader who has worked tirelessly to benefit the community while facing life head on. This year’s event will be held on Saturday October 19th at All Saints Anglican Church Hall.
View our photo gallery of the event featuring photographs by Ellen Nguyen, who was the official photographer. If you wish to order any images please contact Ellen Nguyen Photography

