Chronicles of Wellington oral histories new to archives collection

Paulette Greer, Krista Richardson, Sheila McLaughlin, and Liz Bosma-Donovan.

Stories of long-time residents of Wellington and the surrounding area are now available through the oral history project, The Chronicles of Wellington.

The project documented the personal recollections of long-time residents on tape
cassettes, and transcribed interviews complete with photographs and other memorabilia.

“We are thrilled to finally have this amazing resource available to the public,” said Paulette Greer, committee member. “People in the community can now access wonderful stories told by local senior residents, from all walks of life, about what it was like in Wellington in years past. Sadly, some of those interviewed have passed away, but their stories remain through the Chronicles of Wellington.”

In February 2007, a small group of volunteers created the Chronicles of Wellington
Executive Committee to capture stories and to stimulate community interest and
knowledge of local history through the collection of oral histories. The project involved more than a dozen local volunteers who recruited narrators, raised
funds, offered training, conducted interviews, transcribed hours of interviews, scanned photos and created displays at community events. The committee received support from the Museums of Prince Edward County, the Wellington Branch of the County of Prince Edward Public Library, the Stark Family Fund, Wellington Rotary Club, Wellington W.I., Wellington United Church Women and the Wellington A.O.T.S.

Chronicles of Wellington collections also makes available at the archives, detailed well-organized information about how to start an oral history project.

“One of our goals was to help other communities benefit from the Chronicles of Wellington experiences,” said Sheila McLaughlin, committee member. “Communities who wish to embark on a similar project will now have really helpful, easily accessible resource material, tools and forms that our project developed.”

Liz Bosma-Donovan, committee member says the fascinating stories will inspire others to create books, theatre productions, displays, walking tours and other events that will keep local history alive.

“Already, we have an author requesting access to the Chronicles of Wellington collection for a book,” she added.

Jennifer Lyons, Head Curator, Museums of Prince Edward County says the project would not have been possible without the volunteer efforts of many people in the community, long-time residents and newcomers, who share a passion for preserving and sharing social history.

In August, Krista Richardson, of the PEC Library & Archives announced to Wellington Rotary, “We are not only proud to house the Chronicles of Wellington collection but we have been inspired to continue and expand on this valuable endeavor by creating an Oral History Legacy Project for all of Prince Edward County.”

The PEC Archives are located adjacent to the Wellington Branch of PEC Public Library at 261 Main Street, Wellington. For more information, visit the PEC Archives during library hours, by calling Krista Richardson: 613-399-2023 or by e-mail at archives@peclibrary.org.