In honour of those who work to preserve and protect the documents and records that reflect the history of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, joined with the Association of Newfoundland and Labrador Archives (ANLA) today to proclaim the month of November as Archives Month.

"The Provincial Government supports organizations which dedicate their time and efforts to preserve, and present to the public, our archival records � the critical storehouses for our collective history," said Minister Jackman. "Archives Month is a celebration of that history � one that will be remembered and studied for generations to come."

This year is one of significant anniversaries for a number of archival institutions, including: the Provincial Archives, now known as The Rooms Provincial Archives, which in 2009 celebrates its 50^th anniversary; the Trinity Historical Society Archives (45^th); the Association of Newfoundland and Labrador Archives (25^th); the Family History Society of Newfoundland and Labrador (25^th); Them Days Incorporated Archives and Publications; the City of St. John�s Archives (20^th); the Memorial University Faculty of Medicine Founders� Archive (10^th); and the Corner Brook Museum and Archives (10^th).

"As ANLA and many of our institutional members celebrate milestone anniversaries this year, we continue to put forth a concerted effort to raise the profile of archives, archivists and archival activities and holdings in Newfoundland and Labrador," said Stephanie Harlick, President of ANLA. "In addition to promoting public awareness, ANLA is dedicated to providing advisory and educational services to those interested in learning about archives."

To celebrate Archives Month, a series of public presentations, lectures and events will be held throughout November. For more information on these events, visit: www.anla.nf.ca.

Budget 2009, Building on Our Strong Foundation provided over $590,000 in operational and project support this year to heritage organizations which are members of ANLA throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

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Photo: Stephanie Harlick, President, Association of Newfoundland and Labrador Archives (ANLA) and the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, were recently joined by members of the ANLA executive to proclaim the month of November as Archives Month. From back left are: Elizabeth Fewer, Secretary, ANLA; Melanie Tucker, Director, ANLA; Greg Walsh, Director, ANLA; John Drover, Chair, ANLA Archives Month; and Jenny Seeman, Vice-President, ANLA.