The Future of Our Past
Council of Nova Scotia Archives

 Girl Guides of Canada N.S.Council Archives

In the late 1960s the Public Relations Committee was responsible for the collection of archival material for the Nova Scotia Council. The informal collection policy included, books, periodicals, newspaper clippings, photographs and the Provincial Council and Executive minutes and reports. Uniforms, pins, insignia and badges were also collected.Originally the Archives was intended to serve the membership. They wanted to share the wonderful times they had had but most of all, they wished to ensure that the original ideas, universal in scope, and fundamental to Lord Baden Powell's vision continue to function as the linchpin of the organization.

In 1971, Eva Duncan consented to catalogue and index items in the Archives and there was an announcement asking material to be sent to the Guide office. By 1972, Eva Duncan and Norma Ventham were working in the Archives sorting and cataloguing material with help from Catherine Downey, and Helen Cummins. In 1973 an appeal in the Provincial Newsletter asked for old photographs of Guide and Brownie activities. Council Archivisits included Helen Cummins (1974-1982), Marie Eaton (1983-1989), Priscilla Bauld (1989-1994), and Ann C. Lowe (1994-2000), all of whom had begun in the Movement as girls—back in the 1930s and continued to volunteer in various capacities as adults.

In the 1990s the Committee recognized the need to organize the archives more firmly on archival principles. It became a member of the Council of Nova Scotia Archives and members attended a number of the Council’s workshops. In 1997 a grant to hire two university students to help organize and describe was carried out. Specific policies are now in place to clarify the Committee’s mission, improve conservation, and regularize its practices.

Currently the Archives’ holdings include: approximately 15 meters of textual records most of which are described at the fonds and series level. More than 5000 photos, and some slides, housed and entered into a database with at least an equal number remaining to be done. An oral history programme is in place - six tapes have been completed. Apart from records generated by the Provincial Council, there is material from individuals and units throughout Nova Scotia. In addition, there are a number of videos and some audio tapes. As well, the Committee is responsible for a collection of uniforms, insignia, badges, artifacts, and books.

Below are examples of the types of records found at the Girl Guides of Canada Nova Scotia Council Archives. For a larger view and item details, click on desired image.

Baden-Powell Card 1924 Training Session

Visit theArchWay database and search for descriptions of records held at the Nova Scotia Council of Girl Guides Archives.

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