A little like Santa’s elves, our Historical Society gets things done out of the spotlight with the help of dedicated volunteers.
Each has a particular interest or skill that finds expression in the variety of tasks that we take on to promote and preserve our local history.
Like the Christmas lists we make each year, it’s not hard to pinpoint the top priority, the thing we want the most. As the keeper and go-to source for family histories and local events that are unique to here, we receive and catalogue records. We are in the process of digitizing the collection so that it is easier for people to find the information they are looking for. Our move this past May to the Millbrook branch of the Cavan Monaghan Library brings us to an ideal location where both library staff and volunteers can help us realize this goal. Our volunteer archivist, Kim McLeod, has been working on an index that will make the information accessible. We need elves! Elves who will take on the task of scanning material. If you would like to join this team and put in a couple of hours during the day when the library is open, to scan newspapers, photographs and other records, let us know, please! Kim and fellow volunteer Dan Bourgeois will provide the materials and show every new Scan Team volunteer how it’s done.
While the scanning project might be at the very top of our Christmas list, like most everyone else, our list doesn’t stop at one. The recording of oral histories has long been a project for us. We want to hear stories; memories of growing up, first jobs, hobbies and chores. The elves we need for this just need to love listening and capturing those memories on a voice recorder. Again, just let us know you’re interested. We have the technology and lots of wonderful people for you to meet.
Preserving a record of days gone by is what we do, but we also have a team of volunteers that works hard to get the word out. Along with regular articles here in The Millbrook Times, we keep an active Facebook presence, thanks to the talents of volunteer Rachel Finnie, who recently added an Instagram account. Matthew Fusco, another of our Board volunteers, will be offering his expertise to create some great content. Bruce Gazley has been busy refreshing the look of our website, millbrookcavanhs.org. Watch for our new look early in 2024!
Producing interesting and relevant programming is also how we keep the importance of history front and centre. This week’s Trivia Night brings community together to wonder and marvel, and yes, laugh at the changes in society over the decades; the fads that have come and gone, the personalities, the rituals and landmarks that have been lost but not forgotten. Speakers in the New Year range from author/illustrator Bill Slavin to U. of T. professor and archeologist Tom Mohr, with Brian Beaver of Alderville First Nation as our keynote speaker for May’s Annual General Meeting. A number of afternoon get-togethers are in the works too.
If you would like to know more, or lend us a hand, we would love to hear from you. Contact us at millbrookcavanhs@gmail.com.
By Celia Hunter
