Library and Archives Canada Announces New $7.5 Million Funding Program for Local Documentary Heritage Communities

REGINA, SASKATCHEWAN--(Marketwired - June 12, 2015) - Library and Archives Canada

Dr. Guy Berthiaume, the Librarian and Archivist of Canada, today announced a new program that will provide $7.5 million in contributions over the next five years to support local documentary heritage communities from coast to coast to coast. Dr. Berthiaume unveiled Library and Archives Canada's (LAC) new Documentary Heritage Communities Program (DHCP) during an address to the annual conference of the Association of Canadian Archivists in Regina.

Through the DHCP, LAC will contribute funds to eligible and successful applicants across Canada, for a variety of projects that will allow citizens to access and engage with their country's history like never before. LAC is strengthening its commitment to supporting the development of local library and archival communities, and helping ensure the stability and sustainability of locally held documentary heritage.

Quick Facts

• Organizations such as archives, privately funded libraries, historical societies, genealogical organizations and societies, museums with an archival component and relevant professional associations, are eligible to apply for funding under the DHCP.
• The deadline to apply for the first year funding cycle is September 4, 2015. Applications received by LAC will be reviewed by an external advisory committee.
• LAC will accept applications for funding of projects up to a maximum of $100,000 (per year per project) for eligible organizations.

Quotes

"As we approach the 150^th anniversary of Confederation in 2017, the Government of Canada is committed to commemorating many important milestones in our country's history. Allowing the keepers of Canada's heritage to work more closely together in this way will let millions of Canadians better connect with their history, and gain a greater knowledge and appreciation of it."

The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

"Library and Archives Canada is ever-mindful that many of the important pieces of our shared history are to be found at partner institutions. Over the next five years, this new funding program will support projects focused on our country's locally held documentary heritage that needs to be preserved and made accessible to current and future generations of Canadians."

Dr. Guy Berthiaume, Librarian and Archivist of Canada-Library and Archives Canada

Associated Link

www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/contributions

About Library and Archives Canada

The mandate of Library and Archives Canada is to preserve the documentary heritage of Canada for the benefit of present and future generations, and to be a source of enduring knowledge accessible to all, thereby contributing to the cultural, social and economic advancement of Canada. Library and Archives Canada also facilitates co-operation among communities involved in the acquisition, preservation and diffusion of knowledge, and serves as the continuing memory of the Government of Canada and its institutions. Stay connected with Library and Archives Canada on Twitter (@LibraryArchives), Facebook, Flickr and YouTube.