A: "Archives" can be defined as documentary records of long-term value to an organization or community, as well as the building used to house these records. These archival records consist of recorded information made or received in the course of purposeful activity, and preserved. Archives, then, can be understood as the documentary evidence of activity, and on the large-scale make up the collective memory of a community.
Q: Who makes use of Archives?
The Chilliwack Museum and Historical Society owns and maintains the collections given to it in trust for the people of Chilliwack. However, you do not have to be a resident of Chilliwack to access the archives. The Archives is open to all members of the public, free of charge. Research fees may be charged if staff are available and are asked to complete research projects. Patrons of the Archives include genealogists, businessmen, volunteers, educators, students and the curious. We recommend that you call ahead if you are planning a visit. The Archives can get crowded.
Q: Can materials from the Archives be signed out?
Unlike a library, that deals with published materials, an Archives does not sign out original primary source records. Archival records are unique and cannot be replaced, making it impossible to loan them out, even temporarily for copying. Because of the nature of archives, records are maintained in a secure and climate controlled environment, to ensure they are preserved and accessible now and in the future.
Q: What kinds of records does the Archives acquire?
The Chilliwack Archives acquires records of local government, organizations, businesses, families and individuals within the geographic area covered by School District No. 33. This area includes the City of Chilliwack, and the smaller communities of Popcum in the east, Columbia Valley, Cultus Lake, and Chilliwack River Valley in the south, and Yarrow in the west. The Chilliwack Archives has textual records e.g., diaries, correspondence, ledgers, minutes, bylaws, as well as around 30,000 photographs, 400 maps and architectural plans, audio-visual records, and original drawings and paintings.
Q: Are there volunteer opportunities at the Archives?
The Archives does enjoy the support of a small but dedicated core of volunteers. Volunteers are currently working on the following projects: research on pioneer families, background research on images in our photograph collection, as well as occasionally researching and writing articles of interest for our local newspaper or the Society's newsletter. Volunteer opportunities are specifically tailored to the needs and interests of the volunteer. Individuals interested in volunteering at the Archives should contact the Archivist.
Q: When was the Chilliwack Museum and Archives established?
The Chilliwack Progress of November 27, 1940 announced the "Move to form Historical Association," and described a public meeting held on Wednesday December 4, 1940, "to permanently establish the Chilliwack Historical and Pioneer Association." No action however appears to have been taken until 1957 when a dedicated group of individuals met to form the Historical Society. By February 1958, Trustees of the Chilliwack Historical Society had made plans for the official opening of its historical museum, to be housed in a room provided by city council in the police building, Nowell Street North. Members of the Wells family in Sardis were instrumental in providing leadership and hard work to the development of both the Historical Society and the Museum; Oliver N. Wells was the chairman of the Society at the time of the Museum opening in 1958. The dedication of the Wells family was recognized in 1971, when the Museum addition to Evergreen Hall was named the Wells Centennial Museum. The new Museum and Archives was constructed in 1971 as a British Columbia Centennial project, as an addition on to the front of Evergreen Hall. By April of 1978 a separate Archives department was established to serve as an "opportunity for members of the public to do research and obtain copies of historical photographs.