It was the new repository for the documentary heritage of Delta but turned out to be a major headache which threatened the very existence of the collection.
In 1979 the Delta Museum’s new archives opened for the public.
It was located behind the main museum on Delta Street.
The building would end up with a plethora of problems throughout the years.
The entire collection for a time was in danger due to water damage, prompting the municipality to undertake repairs to the building's envelope.
While that immediate danger was stopped, the old archives building continued to have a myriad of other issues, including a lack of climate control and not being easily accessible for the disabled or seniors.
The archives eight years ago moved into renovated former courthouse in the civic precinct in Ladner, a purpose-built facility ideal for the storage of archival documents, photos and other records.
Called the Delta Archives and Edgar Dunning Reading Room, the facility will be directly attached to the new Delta Cultural Centre which is to open in a few months.
“Archival records are the essential documentation of past activity, providing reliable evidence to the decisions and functions of government, the lives of individuals, and roles that private businesses and organizations played in the community. The Archivist preserves these records so that the citizens of Delta and anyone interested in the fascinating history of our community can learn about it in perpetuity,” the city states.
