Peterborough – On Thursday night, as the Trent Valley Archives’ webinar for its members on how to date photographs, began, local MPP, Dave Smith, and a volunteer from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Les Kariunas, were invited to say a few words. Thanks to a $15,700 Capital grant awarded in 2019, the Archives was able to make needed upgrades to its site which will help extend the life of the building in the years to come.

“As someone who considers himself a bit of a history buff, I appreciate the value of local historical societies like Trent Valley Archives. This grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation will ensure that their important work will continue for years to come,” said MPP Dave Smith.

Located at 567 Carnegie Avenue, the Archives welcomed the grant from the Foundation to improve its premises and infrastructure. The funds helped replace five aging, single-paned windows, installing new double-glazed windows which not only improve the Archives’ interior lighting, but help with its energy efficiency. In July, the site’s surface drainage was improved through exterior grading which added five new parking spaces. Finally, in October, new eaves-troughs and downspouts were purchased, and were installed by volunteers.

During the last year, the Trent Valley Archives has been able to maintain its operations, including the bookstore with pick-up options available, on-line research services, and Zoom seminars for TVA members. More information about these activities is available by contacting TVA.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations. OTF awarded $115 million to 644 projects last year to build healthy and vibrant communities in Ontario.