Wasaga Beach to build living history of memories and stories

Wasaga Beach is inviting the public to help preserve local history with their photos through its Memories Project with the Wasaga Beach Public Library.

A partnership between the Town of Wasaga Beach and the Wasaga Beach Public Library will celebrate the town’s rich history through stories from residents past and present.

The Town wants your stories, photos, memories and experiences that showcase Wasaga Beach and how it’s been shaped throughout history.

The Memories Project will encompass a variety of methods to collect memorabilia from the public.

The library’s pop-up museum

The Wasaga Beach Public Library is hosting a pop-up museum, a free community event open to the public on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will have a gallery of photos and artifacts, interactive displays and hands-on activities all related to the town and its history.

Local historians will be on site regaling the public with stories about the town. Additionally, the library invites members of the public to share their stories about life in Wasaga in an open mic storytelling session from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The program marks the ending of the library’s Bridging Generations program funded through a $24,000 Ontario seniors community grant.

“Community definitely sets the tone. That is the history of Wasaga Beach and how wonderful this community is and all the connections that have been built and the really strong memories that are associated with this place,” says Jennifer Jones, the Wasaga Beach Public Library CEO. “Come share your own stories and connect with your peers and your colleagues and your neighbours and the rest of the community.”

Digital Archive

The initiative, the first of its kind in the town, is introducing Wasaga Beach’s first digital community archive, which will be comprised of photos, videos and written stories.

The Town is inviting anyone with anything to contribute to submit it on the archives website.

Fireside Chats

A series of storytelling sessions is planned for the fall. They will be all about the beachside town where community members can share anecdotes on beach culture, iconic landmarks and prominent people in the community who helped to shape it.

The Town says the focus for the Memories Project is to build a living history through a shared record that celebrates the people, special places and moments that have made Wasaga Beach what it is today.