By Simone Bevilacqua – The Espanola Public Library is proud to announce the launch of Espanola Memories, a new digital archive providing online access to the library’s local history and archival resources.
As part of the library’s ongoing commitment to building community connections and providing programs and services that benefit the community, the library has developed Espanola Memories to preserve, share, and celebrate Espanola’s history.
The digital archive features more than 340 items available at launch, including photographs, maps, plans, artwork, and objects from the library’s collection. The digital collection will continue to grow as additional materials are digitized.
“Espanola Memories makes local history accessible to everyone,” said Laura Luopa, CEO at the Espanola Public Library. “Espanola Memories gives our community an opportunity to discover, explore, and connect with the people, places, and stories that have shaped our community. By making these materials accessible online, we can reach residents, researchers, families, and former community members wherever they are.”
In addition to the digital collections, Espanola Memories features two online exhibits exploring local history. Building the Past: Espanola’s Architecture and History | Construire le passé : l’architecture et l’histoire d’Espanola is a bilingual virtual walking tour highlighting significant buildings and stories throughout the community.
Espanola and Prisoner of War Camp 21 offers unprecedented online access to a 3D digitized rendering of the map created by a prisoner of war at the Espanola pulp and paper mill. Captured by researchers from Western University the map provides a unique opportunity to explore an important artifact of Espanola’s history.
The library’s work to capture and preserve local history continues through an intergenerational community-history project, made possible by a successful Ontario Trillium Foundation Seed Grant. Community members of all ages are invited to share their memories and stories. To learn more about participating or supporting the project, contact the Espanola Public Library at 705-869-2940 or library@espanola.ca.
Together, Espanola Memories and the new community project represent an important step toward establishing an accessible local history archival collection and ensuring the stories of Espanola continue to be shared with future generations.
Espanola Memories is now available online at https://esppubliclibrary.omeka.net/
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