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Oxford County Archives is launching a new web archiving project called “Untold Stories,” aimed at capturing the online history and stories oflocal underrepresented and equity-seeking groups, i.e., women, Indigenous Peoples, members of visible minorities, people with disabilities and the 2SLGBTQIA+community.

This project, initiated after discovering a lack of historical records for many of the County’s minority communities, will capture websites and social media from local cultural groups and organizations.

“Untold Stories” is a collaboration with the Muslim Association of Woodstock, the Oxford Caribbean Canadian Association, the Oxford Local Immigration Partnership, Oxford County Pride, the Oxford Housing Action Collaborative, and local Black history historian Heather Rennalls,who have all partnered with the Archives to have their online content preserved.

The information collected will be available on the online database Archive-It.

Oxford County Archives is hoping to connect with other community groups and organizations over the coming months. The project is focused on non-Eurocentric communities,the region’s underrepresented and equity-seeking groups, and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Community groups interested in having web content archived can contact the archives at archives@oxfordcounty.ca or at (519) 538-9800 x 3071.
 

Comment

Ayesha Sajid, Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity Officer, Oxford County
"This initiative by Oxford County Archives is a milestone and will act as a bridging gap, in terms of knowledge transfer, between the local’s history and current and future diverse communities of the region. Initiatives like these ensure our connection with the historical culture of the region and its people. What can be more fascinating than learning from history and being able to know the untold stories of our diverse communities".

Megan Lockhart, Archives Technician, Oxford County
“Website and social media content is fleeting; that’s why the Oxford County Archives is aiming to preserve online content through this new web archiving project before it disappears. As most communication takes place online now, it’s important that online information is also archived so the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the region is fully represented.”
 

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About Oxford County

Located in the heart of southwestern Ontario at the crossroads of Highways 401 and 403, Oxford County has a population of approximately 125,000 people across eight area municipalities that are “growing stronger together.”Asa partnership-oriented, two-tier municipal government,Oxford County is emerging as a leader in sustainable growth through the Future Oxford Community Sustainability Plan and County Council’s commitment to achieving 100% renewable energy, becoming a zero waste community and working towards zero poverty. Situated in one of Ontario’s richest areas for farmland, agriculture is a key industry that is driving innovation in sustainable industries and diversifying the local economy. Oxford County offers a thriving local arts, culture and culinary community, as well as conservation parks, natural areas and more than 100 kilometres of scenic trails. The Oxford County Administration Building is located in Woodstock, Ontario. Visit www.oxfordcounty.ca or follow our social media sites at www.oxfordcounty.ca/social. Oxford County’s Strategic Plan is at oxfordcounty.ca/strategicplan.