Archives Committee
Purpose: To ensure the on-going recognition, collection, and preservation of all official documents, briefs, and publications of the Society. To ensure the gathering and preservation of an historical collection of material related to occupational therapy in Manitoba.
The Archives Committee of MSOT was first established in 1982 with the leadership of Sharon Jorgenson (now Eadie) who was the first chair of the committee. Margaret Faber, the second chair, continues to serve in this capacity and we are fortunate to have her continuing guidance.
Over the past 17 years, a number of MSOT members have served on the committee:
Shirley Ashton
Cathy Cochrane
Sharon Eadie
Margaret Faber
Barbara Granger
Mildred Herman
Mary Judd
Mary Pflueger
Christina Sikorsky
Pearl Soltys
Charlotte Westdal
Mary Wilson
WHY ARE ARCHIVES IMPORTANT?
Know Your Roots: This is the 35th anniversary of MSOT but the profession has been practised in Manitoba for much longer. Manitoba occupational therapists have been national leaders in many endeavours (see "Highlights of Occupational Therapy in Manitoba@) including the development of the first legislation in Canada to register members of the profession. Having access to this history not only strengthens our professional identities, it is a source of pride.
Be Inspired: In 1960, a small group of determined occupational therapists were successful in opening a School of Occupational Therapy at the University of Manitoba. Their vision of the need for a school and the enduring consequences of this act is remarkable. Reading about the exploits of earlier Manitoba occupational therapists is both humbling and inspiring.
Be Efficient: MSOT was formed in 1961 with 10 members...their first priority was PUBLICITY! Maintaining and referring to records kept by earlier members helps us keep track of what worked and what needs more work. We can see farther when we stand on the shoulders of giants.
Inspire Others: Manitoba occupational therapists have a lot to be proud of. Our belief in the importance of occupational therapy for the health of Manitobans is well-founded....based on fact and not professional pride alone. We have the both the opportunity and the responsibility to use these facts to inform the public, health planners, managers and future members of the profession to support the ongoing growth and development of occupational therapy in Manitoba.
WHAT ROLE DO MSOT MEMBERS PLAY?
It is essential that MSOT board and committee members preserve historic materials and add to them to ensure that each successor receives a complete set of original materials in the file. A list of documentation that should by formally archived is available. This material becomes the responsibility of the Archive Committee to process....but not until it is turned over for this action. Check the current Archive Guidelines...has your committee been following them?
Other MSOT members also play a role. There are always materials other than official records that should be preserved for the historical record. We are extremely fortunate that someone thought to cut out, save and frame the front page from the 1923 Winnipeg Evening Tribune. Another example is photographs of MSOT events...does anybody know what happened to the album of photos from the 25th anniversary? Check your photos and memorabilia...if you plan to donate them to the Archives Committee, please write names and dates on them.