Trent Valley Archives

Overview Trent Valley Archives is a Canadian nonprofit organization registered under the Business Registration Number 132638552RR0001. Established in 1989, it serves as a key promoter of archival preservation, identification, and care within the Trent Valley region of Canada.

Mandate and Services The organization's primary mandate is to preserve and make accessible archival collections related to local history, family history research, and regional documents. It operates a major research facility, hosts community events, and publishes books on local history. Additionally, Trent Valley Archives issues a quarterly magazine known as The Heritage Gazette of the Trent Valley and organizes historical tours and presentations for the public.

Collections and Operations As of now, Trent Valley Archives houses over 1,000 cubic feet of documents. These collections provide insights into the people, events, and places associated with the Trent Valley. Unlike many government-funded archives, Trent Valley Archives relies on membership, donations, and user fees to maintain its operations and make its resources available to the public five days a week throughout the year.

Community Engagement Trent Valley Archives engages with the community through various outreach programs. These include historical tours conducted on foot, by bus, or bike, themed around different aspects of local history. Furthermore, knowledgeable volunteers deliver talks and present artifacts at retirement homes, schools, and other organizations, helping to raise public awareness of the region's history.

Governance The organization is guided by a Board of Directors, which plays a crucial role in steering its operations. The board meets regularly to discuss and implement strategies for the preservation and promotion of local archives. New board members are elected annually at the organization's Annual General Meeting.

Financial Structure Trent Valley Archives operates as a Public Amenities Charity without substantial government funding. It relies on public support to maintain its collection of historical resources and to continue providing services to the community.