Library Donors Invest in Local History and Invite Calgarians to Do the Same MEDIA RELEASEFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJuly 24, 2018Calgary, AB—Local history supporters and cultural philanthropists Walt and Irene DeBoni announced a $1 million gift to Calgary Public Library in support of the Library’s local history collection today."Walt and Irene are passionate advocates of Calgary’s history, and have supported the Library’s local history collection for a number of years," said Christine Gingerick, Donor Relations Manager at the Calgary Public Library Foundation. "As we enter Historic Calgary Week, we are delighted to share that the Library has chosen to honour the DeBoni’s with the naming of Calgary’s Story at the new Central Library."Calgary’s Story, presented by Walt and Irene DeBoni, brings Calgary’s and Southern Alberta’s history and heritage to life. Through collections, programs and a digital kiosk, visitors will be able to dive into some of the many stories from Calgary’s past, explore their family history and see photographs of what Calgary looked like at the turn of the century. The feature area will be located on the fourth level of the new Central Library, which Calgarians can explore when the new Central Library opens on November 1, 2018."The Library is a community resource accessible to all, and as history-lovers, it means so much to us to share our story within its newest location," says Walt DeBoni. "We want to invite Calgarians to share their stories by leaving their mark on the new Central Library as a part of the Windows of Opportunity Campaign."Calgarians can choose from three distinct levels of supporting the Library through the Windows of Opportunity Campaign; $100, $2,018 and $5,000. Each level offers different benefits, and all three include adding an inscription to a new Central Library window frame. All donations will support life-changing programs and services at libraries across Calgary. For more information, visit mylibrarywindow.ca.Walt and Irene DeBoni are Founding Partners of Add In — the Campaign for Calgary’s Library, a bold, audacious vision to take a great library system and transform it into the best in the world. The Calgary Public Library Foundation has surpassed $326 million of its $350 million goal for Add In.Calgary Public Library FoundationAdd In — the Campaign for Calgary’s Library, is the largest public campaign for a public library in Canadian history. The $350 million campaign will enhance and support a system of community libraries across Calgary and is inspired by the new Central Library, which will open its doors to the world in 2018. To learn more about Add In and the Calgary Public Library’s vision to create the best public library in the world for Calgarians, visit addin.ca.Calgary Public LibraryCalgary Public Library, with 630,000+ members and 20 locations, has been inspiring the life stories of Calgarians for more than 100 years. It is currently the second largest library system in Canada and the sixth largest municipal library system in North America, with Calgarians borrowing more than 14.6 million physical and digital items and with 6.8 million in-person visits last year. The awe-inspiring 240,000 sq. ft. Central Library — the newest gathering place for our city — opens in November 2018.–30 –Media Contacts:Rachael TernerManager of CommunicationsCalgary Public Library FoundationC: 403.680.0626rachael@addin.caMary KapustaDirector, CommunicationsCalgary Public LibraryP: 403.774.7256mary.kapusta@calgarylibrary.ca
Read more about "Stories"'\n ', "Search over 8,500 biographies of Canadians who lived between 1000 A.D. and 1930. Read histories of significant events in Canada's past.", 'In French and English.', '\n '
Read more about "'Illustrated biographies of notable Canadians'"Tune into talks with local authors, engage with experts on important issues, and explored local history or cultures around the world.
Read more about "Rewatch our most popular programs on-demand."The Côr Cymry Gogledd Welsh Choir perform while highlighting the history of local Welsh pioneers.
Read more about "Celebrating Wales in Calgary"Celebrate Women's History Month by reading one of the most powerful archetypes women can be: witches.
Read more about "The Witches They Could Not Burn"Browse over 30,000 images, maps, games, audio, and video about Canadian history and cultures.
Read more about "Canadian Encyclopedia"The Fidler Map is the first recorded map of the Blackfoot traditional territory. The map details insights from a Blackfoot Chief named Ackomokki — but was named after the European man who transcribed his drawings, Peter Fidler.
Read more about "The Fidler Map"Additional Resources Canada History WWI resources, activities, articles, and more for the classroom, including information on Indigenous veterans. Educator’s Guide to Using Primary Sources This package from the Canadian Museum of History guides teachers and students through basic critical thinking concepts. Field of Crosses Each November, 3,500 crosses are placed in a park along Memorial Drive in Calgary, to remember the thousands of southern Albertans who fought in past wars. First World War Education Resources From lesson plans to articles to podcasts, a list of resources to remember World War I. Government of Canada Personnel records from the First World War database. The Great War Video Series From Canada's History, these videos explain key Canadian battles during the First World War. Heritage Explorers An elementary school framework for undertaking projects that explore local history. Historica Canada Video stories of our national history, including the Heritage Minutes. Historical Thinking Lesson plans for teaching historical content, available in a searchable database by grade and topic. How to Read Old Newspapers A teacher resource to support students in using newspapers for primary source research. Looking at Primary Sources on Archive Canada Printable worksheets for students that include how to look critically at artwork, artifacts, photographs, and sound recordings. Nationalism and Canadian Identity Sample Project This project by students at Jack James High School shows how your class could bring history to life with a similar assignment.
Read more about "Additional Resources"These titles explore the role of museums and cherished artifacts, and the importance of preserving local history. Perhaps most importantly, they've inspired our 2022 Historian in Residence throughout her residency and beyond.
Read more about "Recommended Reads from former Historian in Residence, Shelley McElroy"Early in the Library’s journey of Truth and Reconciliation it became clear that we needed a consistent, systemwide Land Acknowledgment to ensure that the complex history of the land and its people were reflected in Library services and spaces.
Read more about "Our journey of Truth and Reconciliation"Roland is an artist of Stoney Nakoda heritage. Raised in the Alberta foothills, he is widely recognized for his interpretations of nature and traditional themes of language, culture, and history. He is a distinguished mentor to other emerging artists.
Read more about "Roland Rollinmud"Calgary Public Library hosts events and activities throughout June to celebrate and honour First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples and culture.
Read more about "Calgary Public Library Recognizes National Indigenous History Month"Roland is an artist of Stoney Nakoda heritage. Raised in the Alberta foothills, he is widely recognized for his interpretations of nature and traditional themes of language, culture, and history. He is a distinguished mentor to other emerging artists.
Read more about "Roland Rollinmud"Early in the Library’s journey of Truth and Reconciliation it became clear that we needed a consistent, systemwide Land Acknowledgment to ensure that the complex history of the land and its people were reflected in Library services and spaces.
Read more about "Our journey of Truth and Reconciliation"