Pickering-Ajax Digital Archive Launch

March 22^nd, 2004

By:  Paul Savel

On Monday March 22^nd, the Pickering Public Library officially launched the Pickering-Ajax Digital Archive (PADA).  This joint project between the Pickering and Ajax Public Libraries is designed to provide an internet accessible digital archive and research database, containing information relating to the history and issues of the Pickering and Ajax communities.  Additional support has been provided for the project by Human Resources Development Canada.

Since the boundaries of Pickering and Ajax have shifted over the years, there is an overlap of the history for both municipalities.  PADA allows for an amalgamation of the divided historical collections relating to each community.

The first stage of PADA, containing a cemetery index and over 100 years of the local newspapers was launched on October 25^th, 2003.  In addition to this, the archive now contains over 2000 photographs, plus a substantial historical collection of maps and documents.  There is even a provision for visitors to add their unique stories to the photographs collection.  The data within the collection can easily be searched by various criteria including year, name and subject.

Work is continuing on the Archive to further increase its scope.  In the future, PADA will provide additional research tools including a birth, death and marriage index.

Not only does the Archive provide an easy method to access the collection, but it also helps to ensure that it is preserved for future generations to enjoy.

Visit PADA on the web at www.pada.ca.