Archives

Library & research area

We have agreed that the MHSA will engage:

the interest and support those who are interested in basic Mennonite history
those doing Mennonite genealogy/family history research
those who are interested in the preservation and display of Mennonite historical documents and cultural artifacts
and especially those interested in "doing" various facets of Alberta Mennonite history

Visit us!

Library & research area

We are open every Saturday from (10:00 to 4:00) and Fridays by appointment. Members, visitors, researchers & helpers are welcome to drop in. See About Us for more details.

Our archival holdings (known as fonds) are described on our website in detail according to Canadian standards ("Rules for Archival Description") and are indexed with the Archives Network of Alberta and Canadian Archival Information Network. The holdings listings are continually being increased and inventoried. The fonds are kept in an environmentally controlled vault for security and long term preservation reasons. See also our listing of fonds held at other archives, but of relevance to those interested in Alberta Mennonite history.

Genealogical researchers will find a great many resources on our websites (this one - especially the Projects Page (our projects), the Mennonite Genealogical Data Index (comprehensive listing of on and offline genealogy resources for Mennonite researchers), and our MHSA Blog (hints 'n tips and motivational entries!).

Our Library Holdings page identifies the books (including family histories, local histories, genealogical reference materials, major Mennonite history works, old hymnals and textbooks) and copies of all the major Mennonite periodicals.

Our Commitment to Privacy

Personal Information Disclosed in Archival Records

Alberta’s PIPA (Personal Information & Privacy Act) requires that care is taken regarding archives’ provision of personally-identifying information. Part 4, Section 12, Subsection 2 outlines the requirements and results in our carrying out the policies below.

We will provide personally-identifying information for research purposes if:

The identifying information is specifically needed for the research (e.g., genealogical research)
The identifying information would not harm that person (e.g. information regarding birth or death dates for persons who are deceased or which is already available to the public) and
It seems reasonable that the identifying information be shared (e.g., most individuals would agree that there is a reasonable research need)

If all three conditions cannot be met, the MHSA can strike a formal research agreement to ensure that the personally-identifying information is:

only used for research purposes
physically secured by the researcher
kept confidentially by the researcher (not released)
not used by the researcher to contact anyone related to the information and
destroyed as soon as it’s research purposes are over

The research agreement will also specify that any breach of the points above will be reported to the MHSA.
Prepared 2005 April

Our History

An initial home for MHSA and MCA (Mennonite Church Alberta) archival materials was been found in the basement of the MCC (Alberta) building on Skyline Crescent NE in Calgary, Alberta.

But, before long we outgrew this. And, in summer 2002, the MHSA moved to the mezzanine level of the MCC Thrift Store in Calgary (2946 - 32 Street NE, Calgary, AB T1Y 6J7). In summer 2004 we moved again - to a newly constructed 1500 sq foot space on the same floor. See the building journal.

Donations Needed

There are lots of little tasks, technical tasks, donations (cash, labour, in kind & archival records) that are needed - so that everyone can help a little.

General Queries/Comments: Contact MHSA