The archives, established in 1975, are home to a lot of Charlotte County's rich history. (Facebook)
The Charlotte County Archives in St. Andrews will receive 25-thousand dollars in federal funding to help engage seniors in a new project.
Seniors Preserving Charlotte County will be a collection project lead by seniors, as they capture and record local memories.
MP for Southwest New Brunswick Karen Ludwig says the funding is being provided through the New Horizons for Seniors Program, which helps seniors stay involved in their communities.
“We hear from too many families, or from seniors themselves that they’re isolated. They don’t feel engaged in the community. So the New Horizons for Seniors funding is really really important funding for so many of these projects because its helping to draw seniors out and get them together,” she said in an interview.
The archives, established in 1975, are home to a lot of Charlotte County’s rich history.
“They have archival data and history dating back to the 18th century. Part of this project is recruitment, training, equipping and supporting senior volunteers to lead in the collection,” she said.
‘When we think about the history of Charlotte County in particular, it’s documented, but how do we share that? So really, my hat goes off always to groups like the Charlotte County Archives, because of their dedicated and committed volunteers that do the collection, they do the recording.”
Ludwig says the project not only engages seniors, but helps others learn more about the history of the area.
“It really is inviting people in to learn about history. History will tell the story about our past and how we share and learn from it in terms of our social, cultural, economic and political history,” she said.
The group’s first stop for archival work was Campobello Island last week. The St. Andrews Jail was also opened up for study on Saturday.
Ludwig says it’s important to empower, engage and listen to seniors, as they are a voice that make up a big part of our population.
“About one in six Canadians today are 65 and older, and we’re looking to 2030, a quarter of Canada’s population will be 65 and older, which is a good thing. And I think when we look at the programs and the policies that any level of government is working on, seniors are a really important group to be listening to.”
