The Coquitlam Archives digitized thousands of records in 2024, enhancing accessibility.
In 2024, the Coquitlam Archives succeeded in digitizing thousands of documents and photos, while also expanding its permanent collection with unique records.
As the City of Coquitlam Archives continues to grow, it increasingly employs technology to preserve and disseminate the community’s history. These efforts and other highlights are outlined in the 2024 Archives Annual Report available at coquitlam.ca/CityArchives.
By employing technology, the Archives protects fragile materials and offers greater access to its growing collection, benefitting both local and international residents and researchers.
Notable achievements from 2024 include a 55% increase in traffic on the Quest online portal compared to the previous year, and 29,484 page views from users spanning Canada, the U.S., China, Singapore, Hong Kong, the U.K., Ireland, the Philippines, Australia, and Japan.
The Archives received 135 reference requests from the public and city staff, hosted 43 on-site researchers, and launched three new online exhibits. These accomplishments can all be further explored in the 2024 Archives Annual Report.
The Archives engaged with the community through various events, presentations, and partnerships in 2024, including Jamie Sanford’s ‘Archivist Talk, City Archives Uncovered’, a genealogy presentation to the BC Genealogical Society, and participation in Canada Day celebrations.
Coquitlam’s archival resources supported numerous local projects such as Coquitlam Heritage’s exhibits and the ‘Headlines from the Past’ series by Tri-City News. Archival photographs also featured in the publication ‘Ever a Nurse: The Story of Lil Sheehan’.
Coquitlam’s online exhibits provide a unique glimpse into the city’s history, covering various topics. In 2024, new exhibits included ‘Fraser Mills Logbook Illuminates South Asian Millworkers’, ‘Don Cunnings: City Champion’, and ‘Emeri Paré’s Police Logbooks’.
These exhibits are frequently updated with new stories, acquisitions, and details on upcoming events, accessible at coquitlam.ca/OnlineExhibit.
The name Coquitlam originates from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm, meaning ‘Red Fish Up the River’. The City honors its location on traditional kʷikʷəƛ̓əm lands, shared with other Coast Salish Peoples.