Nearly $6,000 raised toward digitizing Newmarket's archives

'To raise so much money in one evening speaks to our united belief in the work we are doing to achieve the major goal of digitizing and preserving our archival records,' Newmarket Historical Society president says

Newmarkettoday.ca
Jan. 3, 2020

The Newmarket Historical Society membership has raised nearly $6,000 for its archives digitization and preservation project.

The society held its annual members-only holiday potluck dinner Nov. 20 with a fundraising component for the first time in support of the archives project.

The event featured a silent auction with more than 70 items, which were donated by local businesses, community members and society members. It also featured a raffle table, live auction and a wonderful “Christmas Knitting Tree,” with handmade items available for $10 each.

“The goal in having all of these fundraising opportunities was, of course, first and foremost, to raise funds for our archives project, which is the largest initiative our society has ever taken on," said historical society president Erin Cerenzia. "But equally as important was providing an opportunity for our membership to get involved. I am overwhelmed by their generosity."

More than 100 members attended the event, she added.

"To raise so much money in one evening speaks to our united belief in the work we are doing to achieve the major goal of digitizing and preserving our archival records. Thank you to all the volunteers who made the event possible,” Cerenzia said.

The society has undergone a revitalization after the successful multi-year interactive trench exhibit and enhancement of its monthly historical meetings with notable presenters like historian Ted Barris.

To get involved in the Newmarket Historical Society as a member, volunteer or archives sponsor, contact newmarkethistoricalsociety@hotmail.ca or visit facebook.com/newmarkethistoricalsociety

The Newmarket Historical Society is a volunteer-run charitable organization that exists to preserve the past for the future, by connecting people to the history of Newmarket. The Archives Digitization & Preservation Project’s mission is to rebuild the archives into a fully serviceable and easy to navigate collection.