Preserving the Community's Past for Future Generations

The Charlotte County Archives is rekindling its historic Home Movie Series, offering the community a unique glimpse into its past. Franklin Cardy, a board member of the Archives, and Anna Krentz, the Archives Manager, discussed the significance of this event with CHCO-TV on an episode of Southwest Magazine with host Vicki Hogarth. The series kicks off on January 26th at the New Brunswick Community College in St. Andrews, featuring a film about the Vincent Massey Playground, a beloved community project from 1993.

Franklin Cardy expressed enthusiasm about the film's selection, sharing, "This was really a community effort led by an architect who came and talked to all his schoolchildren and asked them what they wanted in their playground." The film, originally shot in 1993, was discovered as old VHS tapes in the archives and has been digitally restored. Cardy edited the footage down to a captivating half-hour, hoping viewers might recognize themselves as children in the film. "If they can recognize themselves, well, come and have a look," Cardy invited.

Anna Krentz highlighted the archival value of the film, noting that it demonstrates how history encompasses even recent decades, like the 1990s. "People often think that these are all going to be very old, that history is a long time ago. But history is the 1990s," she explained. The Archives hold a multitude of materials related to the playground project, including photographs, correspondence, and even the hand-drawn project logo. Krentz emphasized that archives capture not only distant history but also recent community stories, making them an invaluable resource for preserving local heritage.

The Home Movie Series is more than just a nostalgic journey; it serves as a testament to the power of video in documenting community history. The Archives, in collaboration with CHCO-TV, have digitized a wealth of material, including 140 programs from the 1990s. This endeavour ensures that these valuable historical records are preserved for future generations. Both Cardy and Krentz encourage the community to contribute any home videos or films they might have, reinforcing the Archives' mission to safeguard the region's history. 

As the series unfolds over the weeks ahead, it promises to be a celebration of community spirit and a reminder of the stories that have shaped Charlotte County. In the words of Cardy, "This is a really important service for the region," and the community is invited to participate by attending the screenings and supporting the Charlotte County Archives through donations.

The Historic Home Movies series begins on January 26th at 2:00 PM at NBCC and will run for four weeks, offering a fascinating journey into the heart of Charlotte County's past.