|
|
|
|
|
|
Volume 2, Number 2, March-April 2006 Message from Ian E. Wilson
|
 Ian E. Wilson, Librarian and Archivist of Canada Source |
On December 6, 2005, Library and Archives Canada signed a groundbreaking cultural agreement with the National Archives of Ireland at a ceremony in Dublin. The agreement is to have the Irish Census records for 1901 and 1911 digitized, indexed and placed online for free access by the 70 million descendants of the worldwide Irish diaspora.
As national cultural institutions, we share an ethos of fostering accessibility to our heritage and welcome this opportunity to use our expertise to connect even more people to their history. As the Irish Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, John O'Donoghue, said at the ceremony, "Our records hold precious insights into Irish family history for millions at home and abroad. We hope this service in collaboration with our Canadian partners will connect many people globally to their cultural roots."
The Irish Census Project will digitize over 3,000 census microfilm reels, bring together a topographical index created in Ireland and help create an index of names. These components will allow researchers from around the world access to digital images detailing name, age, sex, marital status, occupation, county and country of birth. This multi-year digitization project is largely financed by the Irish Government.
Library and Archives Canada will also create an online exhibition of Irish-Canadian documentary heritage, to be launched in March 2006. This virtual exhibition will act as a Canadian link to future resources created in Ireland.
This agreement embodies a dynamic, ongoing collaboration between Library and Archives Canada and the National Archives of Ireland--two institutions that are dedicated to sharing their unique documentary heritage with the world.