September 30, 2014
Manitoba Government Commemorates Double Anniversary of Hudson's Bay Company Artifacts in Province
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the arrival of the Hudson’s Bay Company Archives (HBCA) and Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) artifact collection to Canada and the 20th anniversary of their gift to Manitoba, Tourism, Culture, Heritage, Sport and Consumer Protection Minister Ron Lemieux announced today.
“We are proud to have such a vast and valuable collection of Canadian history right here in Manitoba and we are grateful Hudson’s Bay Company entrusted us with the collection,” Minister Lemieux said. “Our unique partnership with HBC and the Hudson’s Bay Company History Foundation has ensured these records are preserved and made available to people locally, nationally and internationally.”
The collection was brought to Canada shortly after Hudson’s Bay Company moved its headquarters to Winnipeg from London and coincided with Winnipeg’s centennial year, 1974. Since arrivingin Canada, they have attracted local, national and international researchers including academics, family historians, Aboriginal groups, students, lawyers, government researchers and history enthusiasts. The research has formed the basis for books, articles, films, television productions, videos, websitesand exhibitions.
“Founded in 1670, HBC has a rich and storied history, and Manitoba plays a strong role in that story,” said David Pickwoad, chair, HBC History Foundation. “HBC’s history directly reflects that of our nation, and the preservation and promotion of the archives and artifacts is very important to HBC and to Canada. We are grateful for the ongoing support and partnership we have with Hudson’s Bay Company Archives.”
In 1994, HBC formally donated the archives to the Province of Manitoba and its artifact collection to the Manitoba Museum. The foundation funds and supports the operations of the Hudson’s Bay Company Archives as a division of the Archives of Manitoba, the HBC artifact collection at the Manitoba Museum and the publication of the Canada’s History magazine by Canada’s National History Society.
“The commitment of the Hudson’s Bay Company History Foundation is essential to the publication of our flagship project, Canada’s History magazine, formerly The Beaver,” said Janet Walker, president and CEO, Canada’s National History Society. “These generous gifts continue to advance the historical knowledge of more than one million Canadians every year through our programs and publications.”
“The Manitoba Museum is extremely grateful to Hudson’s Bay Company for this most recent artifact donation,” said Claudette Leclerc, chief executive officer of the museum. “Their long-standing support of the HBC Museum Collection and the Nonsuch display has enriched the museum experience for anyone who visits.”
The Hudson’s Bay Company archival records from 1670 to 1920 have been recognized on UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register since 2007 and are available for viewing and research at the Archives of Manitoba.
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