Red Deer Archives is going digital.
Red Deerians are invited to explore the city’s heritage via a new website hosted by Preservica.
The collection that launched this month includes photos and videos that are available online to search, download and use by members of the public for the first time.
More than 9,000 images (out of approximately 150,000 images that exist in the archive collection) are contained in the digitized collection, along with over 200 videos from the mid-1980s to the late 2000s.
These include clips from CHCA television (also known as CKRD and RDTV).
These files, accessible online for the first time, will allow residents and history enthusiasts to learn about the city and surrounding community and learn about the people who have helped to shape Red Deer.
To celebrate the launch, The City of Red Deer is hosting a reception on Tuesday, Jan. 21. Staff will be available to help guests use the site and explore the archival content available.
The public reception will run from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Stewart Room of the Red Deer Museum and Art Gallery, 4525 47A Ave.
“We’re excited to launch a digital collection of Red Deer’s history to the public,” said Darren Kuz, Information Management Supervisor. “There are many great community stories and memories contained in the collection that we’re pleased to make available online and without user fees.”
The collection will continue to grow as more files are added (including at least 800 additional videos that are in the process of being digitized for this purpose). There is no cost to access the collection or use the content.
For more information, visit www.reddeer.ca/archives.