Arnprior McNab/Braeside Archives

06/12/2026

It is with heavy hearts that we share the sad news of the passing of longtime volunteer Jackie Patterson on June 5, 2026. We extend our sincere condolences to her family and friends during this difficult time.

Jackie was a dedicated supporter of the Archives for several years, generously sharing her time, knowledge, and passion for local and family history. We are deeply grateful for her contributions. It was a privilege and an honour to know and work alongside her, and she will be greatly missed.

For those who wish to learn more about Jackie's life and legacy, her obituary can be found here:

(nee Ryan) With sadness the family announces that Jackie passed away suddenly, but peacefully in the comfort of her home at Island View Residence on Friday morning, June 5, 2026. She was 88. Predeceased by her husband and best friend, Bill in 2012. Dearly loved Mom of Carla Patterson, Dennis Patters...

06/10/2026

Please join us in welcoming Daniel Meehan to the Arnprior & McNab/Braeside Archives as our Canada Summer Jobs student.

Daniel is currently completing a Master of Museum Studies at the University of Toronto and brings experience in collections management, object handling, documentation, research, curatorial practice, and public engagement. His background includes work with exhibitions, cataloguing, preventative care strategies, archival materials, and communications, along with strong research and writing skills.

With his knowledge, energy, and enthusiasm, Daniel brings more than just expertise to the Archives. Over the coming months, he will help us organize archival materials, support backlog reduction, assist with research and description work, and contribute to making the history of Arnprior, McNab/Braeside, and the surrounding area more accessible to our community.

As part of his work with us, Daniel will also curate an exhibit emerging from the processing of backlog materials, and we are excited to see the creativity and skills he will bring to that project.

We are very happy to have Daniel with us this summer. Welcome to the team, Daniel!

06/02/2026

New on our website

Arnprior’s Municipal Park Wharves - Blog Post

Our latest blog post explores the history of Arnprior’s municipal park wharves and their important role in transportation, industry, and community life along the Ottawa River. Based on research by Dave Forsyth and supported by archival maps, photographs, and records, this post uncovers another fascinating chapter of local history preserved in our collections.

Visit our website and discover how the Arnprior & McNab/Braeside Archives helps keep these stories alive.

📖 Read the full story on our blog:
https://www.adarchives.org/blog/behind-the-vault-arnprior-s-municipal-park-wharves/
💬 Share your memories or let us know if you recognize any details in the article!

📣 A reminder to properly credit and respect the work of our volunteers, their dedication and research are vital to keeping our local history alive.

05/29/2026

More great news to share for AMBA!

We’re excited to announce that your community archives has received Government of Canada funding to launch free family history workshops for local seniors.

The project will help participants preserve photographs, documents, memories, and community stories for future generations.

Read our full news release and stay tuned for more details coming soon!

https://www.adarchives.org/media/2138/news-release-amba-nhfs.pdf

05/25/2026

We are thrilled to announce that our archivist Janis Hernandez was recently awarded the 2026 Emerging Leader Award by the Archives Association of Ontario.

Janis is deeply supported by dedicated volunteers and together they are putting our community archives on the map. Her leadership, commitment, and collaborative spirit are helping to raise the profile of local history and strengthen the impact of our first-class community archives.

AMBA is incredibly proud of Janis and grateful for the energy and passion she brings to this work. Congratulations Janis on this well-deserved recognition!

04/26/2026

"Z" is for ⚡️Zap!⚡️

This photo of the Arnprior Electric Light Company station was taken by Charles Macnamara in 1894. The station was originally used to power the lights for the McLachlin Bros. Lumber company. Later, it was also used to provide electric light to Arnprior's streets.

Photo: https://bit.ly/3AnCl42
Check out our online exhibit: Charles Macnamara, Arnprior's Citizen Scientist here: https://www.adarchives.org/learn-explore/exhibits/charles-macnamara-arnprior-s-citizen-scientist/

04/25/2026

"Y" is for Yard.

This image is from a 1924 album of the McLachlin Bros. Lumber Company. It shows the company's vast lumber yard on the east side of the Madawaska River. If you look closely to the left, you can see the old Roman Catholic Church in the distance.

Photo: https://bit.ly/3UZwXxN

04/24/2026

"X" is for X-pedition! (We had to get creative with this one 😅)

This photograph, from the Carol Dieltgens fonds, shows the Girl Guides around a campfire while on a guiding expedition around 1949 in the Arnprior area. The leader on the right is identified as Karen Shaw.

Photo: https://bit.ly/3V3RP6N

04/24/2026

For National Volunteer Week, we’re highlighting the people who keep the Arnprior & McNab/Braeside Archives thriving.

We’ve launched a new webpage featuring our volunteers—their projects, interests, and the many ways they support the Archives, often behind the scenes. Their work shapes how our community’s history is preserved and shared.

Take a moment to explore and get to know the people behind the work: https://www.adarchives.org/volunteers/

04/23/2026

"W" is for Water Tower.

This is an image of the water tower at the Kenwood Mills, date unknown. Founded in 1918, Kenwood was at one time the largest employer in town with 300 employees. The plant was later taken over by Weavexx, which closed its Arnprior operations in 1996.

Photo: https://bit.ly/3LduZql