News release
For immediate release
Esquimalt, B.C.—After several years either closed to the public or tucked away from street view, the Esquimalt Archives is ready to open its doors to the public.
Located at 103-1249 Esquimalt Road, the township now has a place where visitors can pop in and chat with an archivist or community volunteer. The location was formerly occupied by the Esquimalt Chamber of Commerce.
While the bright space is a welcome addition to the municipality, it is a temporary location until a purpose-built archive is completed in the next few years. The township has earmarked the former library space—currently occupied by VicPD until the 2024 completion of the Esquimalt Public Safety Building—as the future home of the municipal archives.
After VicPD vacates, work will then commence to convert the offices to an accessible and modern space to keep historical photos, documents, memorabilia and other items of municipal historical significance.
The vision is for the Esquimalt Archives to be the township’s public-facing archives reference room. It is a space for researchers, students, and community members to both share and learn about the municipal history of the community.
While the doors opened in early November, there will be an informal open house on Wednesday, November 23 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Visitors will be able to chat with staff, take part in some Esquimalt trivia games and get up close to archival material.
The public is also welcome to come by during office hours and:
- Look for old photos of a particular house, street, or neighbourhood;
- Learn about joining the Archives volunteer team;
- Donate photographs or letters of a community event, family member or house; and
- Check out the Esquimalt Archive’s online database.
Regular hours for the archives are 1-4:30 p.m. Tuesdays and 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
There is an extensive online database available as well that users can access any time. Find the database, contact information and more information about the Esquimalt Municipal Archives at Esquimalt.ca/archives.
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Contact
Tara Zajac, Manager of Communications
250-414-7122
Tara.zajac@esquimalt.ca