The facility that has preserved Alberta’s history is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a year of events and exhibits.
The Provincial Archives of Alberta opened in 1967 and is full of historical records from government, individuals and organizations for researchers.
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The province is beginning the celebration of the anniversary by unveiling a commemorative logo, and Albertans are encouraged to take part in the 50th anniversary by exploring the facility.
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“The archives make Albertans’ lives better by preserving their past for future generations. It’s a place that holds incredible stories about who we are as Albertans and where we came from,” Culture and Tourism Minister Ricardo Miranda said.
The archives’ collection includes:
- 53,700 metres of government textual records
- 4,540 metres of private textual records
- 154,330 maps, plans and drawings
- 1.8 million photographs
- 71,835 audiovisual holdings, including film, video and audio recordings
- 14,825 resource library books
The oldest document in the collection is a land transaction contract written on animal skin in 1645.
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Staff at the facility also clean, repair and provide special storage for records that have deteriorated over the years and require unique preservation.
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