Archives Talk to Share Tips & Tricks on How to Care for Treasures

Surrey, BC - Join the Surrey Archives and Heritage Curatorial staff to learn how they care for Surrey’s historical collections – and discover how their tips and tricks can be applied to one’s family heirlooms at home. 

The free talk, ‘Caring for Your Family Treasures,’ will be held on Saturday, November 27 from 1 to 2 p.m., hosted by the Cloverdale Library, 5642 176A Street. Participants will have an opportunity to swap stories and learn tips on caring for photos, papers, textiles and more. 

Archivist Chelsea Bailey notes that personal mementos don’t have to have a high monetary value to be deemed valuable. 

“Perhaps you have photographs from the 1970s, a favourite teacup from a great-grandmother, letters from home received by your family when they first immigrated to Canada, or your mother’s wedding dress,” she said. “What makes items ‘treasures’ are the stories and significance behind them. These items all need special care to ensure that they, and their stories, can continue to be passed on from generation to generation.” 

The Archives’ collection includes well over one-million photographs, thousands upon thousands of textual documents and maps, an extensive oral history collection, and much more.   

“Made up of over 20,000 objects, there are thousands more artifacts in the City’s Heritage Artifact collection than can be displayed in Surrey’s museums,” said Kristin Hardie, Curator of Collections. “Ranging from industrial equipment to handmade hats to promotional items from local businesses, every object has a story to tell.” 

Register in-person at any Surrey Library or contact them at familyhistory@surrey.ca or call 604-598-7328. For more information, call the Surrey Archives at 604-502-6459 or visit surrey.ca/archives. Follow us on Facebook at @HeritageSurreyBC.