We had two groups to speak to us today. Both about our history and preserving it. First a brief presentation from Brighton Digital Archives and second from Northumberland County Archives and Museum.
R Jeff introduced our guest speakers:
Beth Bruder
Beth was born in Belleville and came to know Brighton when her parents retired here in 1972. Life led Beth to Toronto and a publishing career with both international and Canadian publishers. She played a key role in working with the Association of Canadian Publishers and BookNet Canada, and helped to establish the Commonwealth Book Publishers Association. As Vice President of Dundurn Press, she became immersed in history publishing. Dundurn published memoirs from soldiers, stories of immigrant communities, and books on the histories of small Canadian towns. Indeed, it was at Dundurn that she met Dan Buchanan, Brighton’s History Guy. Beth published his first book in 2015. Once Beth had relocated to Brighton in 2012, her love of Canadian history – combined with experience on industry boards – drew her to the BDA. Beth is a big-picture person. In her role as Chair she fosters relationships with local historians, the Indigenous community, historical and archival organizations in Northumberland County and the province, and our governing body, The Brighton Public Library. She seeks out grant opportunities and diverse ways to support and grow the BDA as well as make its work more accessible to Brighton residents and history buffs everywhere. Beth brings her enthusiasm as well as her skill to the BDA’s evolution, and to ensuring that volunteers are having a happy experience. At home, Beth enjoys doing yoga overlooking Presqu’ile Bay; and while travelling away from home she is always, and only, a click away from the BDA.
Ralph de Jonge
Ralph emigrated from the Netherlands at the age of 4. A long ocean voyage and train ride brought them to Brighton. The family lived in Hilton for three years before they settled in Orono, Ontario.
Ralph married his high school sweetheart and moved to Toronto where he worked at TVOntario (the Ontario Educational Communications Authority) for 32 years. He worked in a managerial position in the technical department and developed keen interests in photography and television production. Ralph was a part time musician and while at TVO he wrote and recorded musical themes for TV and for corporate video. He was also in a band that recorded 4 albums.
After retirement he moved back to Brighton to be near family. He soon became involved in the Brighton Arts Council. He also started the duo RandR and over the next 12 years performed 950 concerts. In 2015, at a meeting of Friends of Hilton Hall, the idea of a digital archives was developed. Soon afterwards a small group of volunteers formed the Brighton Digital Archives.
Katie Bio:
Katie Kennedy is Curator for NCAM, focused on authentic community collaborations. Katie graduated from University of Ottawa with a BA in Classical Studies. Currently, she is enrolled in the Ontario Museum Association’s Certificate in Museum Studies and co-chairs the Archives Association of Ontario’s Durham Regional Chapter with her colleague, Abigail. Katie was born and raised in Northumberland County but gained experience in economic development further afield, such as working in Vancouver with the planning committee for the 2010 Olympics. Katie is thrilled to be working with her home County, building a new cultural space for all generations to connect and enjoy.
Abigail Bio:
Abigail Miller is Archivist at the Northumberland County Archives and Museum. She is responsible for building the strategic vision and overseeing operations at NCAM. Abigail graduated from Memorial University with a BA in archaeology and folklore and the Museum Management and Curatorship program at Fleming College. Abigail was born and raised in Northumberland County and takes pride in building and managing a new Category A museum facility for residents to enjoy.
Brighton Digital Archives
Beth and Ralph shared their passion for Brighton's history and preserving it. They work with the County's Archive department, Katie and Abigail.
Everyone is a volunteer at Brighton Digital Archives with five key individuals. They are always looking for more volunteers, especially those with specific skills.
They started as a Committee of Council but are not part of the Brighton Public Library. A good move, fit for them with the library. They have 37 'Brighton I Remember' videos. They have a lot of projects on the go. They are still working on person memories and looking to develop history related to Brighton's industrial and fishing history.
They have an Archive web site and You Tube channel. Everything digital is based on Meta data. They have 2000 images and about 20,000 records yet to go online. It is time consuming completing forms to upload meta data.
Ralph has been with BDA since beginning in 2015. They have about 20 boxes to go through. Time consuming to go through and sort.
They have done calendars as fund raisers and working on a new one. They need financial assistance. They have about $17,000 in equipment and have a wish list for more.
They are active on social media. They have about 70 clips on You tube with 25,000 views and couple hundred followers.
Katie and Abigail from Northumberland County Archive and Museum shared their power point presentation (attached).
They are excited about the on going construction of new facilities that will have a class A presentation and Archive spaces. Hoping to be complete in fall of 2024.
They are looking for financial support for their first exhibit. They have been working for three years with Elders from local First Nation communities to prepare this first exhibit. They are working with the First Nations to de-colonize the space and celebrate the indigenous language. A living language. The exhibit will be to celebrate in a respectful manner the language.
There will be a traveling version of the exhibit for smaller venues, for teaching and sharing.
R Daniel thanked out speakers.