Archiving is a little known yet an important skill. Archives differ from Museums, as the former preserves records and documents while the latter stores artifacts. Al Haadi School’s Grade 7s and 8s are learning about archiving, the importance of preserving records and how any small or big piece of evidence can unearth or change the story of the past. Students visited the Archives of Ontario, located at York University, where records, documents and pictures regarding the history of Ontario are preserved dating back to 500 years. Students learned the science behind the preservation methods and the cutting edge technology that is used in archives. As the students had been learning about the birth of Canada, which is directly tied to the Indigenous Fur Trade with the European settlers in the early 1600s, they were able to see objects such as old hand-drawn map of Ontario, now extinct pigeons of Ontario, invasive species and the government’s control in the Great Lakes, and eventually play the Fur Trade game to immerse themselves in the experience of the past. The in-house expert at the Archives of Ontario made special arrangements for students to visit the vault that preserves old records such as birth certificates, crime records, blueprints of government buildings and much more.
After exiting the Archives of Ontario building, the students travelled back from the past and into the present day life at York University. They explored the campus’ food scene at York Lanes and were greeted by the Thaqalayn Muslim Association’s team members who gave them an experience of community within the campus. Details and images of this memorable trip shall be archived for the future generations to know the story of Al Haadi’s Grade 7/8 class of 2024-45.
