School Archives
The Archives and Relics were Saved
Although the school itself has closed, many of the school archives have been preserved. In late 1997 a group of Alumnae investors committed to preserving Alma College purchased Alma's remaining chattels and memorabilia. Steve Peters, the Past Mayor of St.Thomas and Past Archivist for Alma College, generously offered us an empty office at City Hall for storage of the archives retrieved from the College. When Steve was elected to the Provincial Government, we moved the archives to other temporary storage until a permanent home could be found.
At the 2002 reunion, the alumnae voted to transfer the archives to Elgin County Museum, at 450 Sunset Drive in St. Thomas, Ontario. This location will secure the archives in a permanent home so that Alma's rich history can be preserved for future generations. We thank the many volunteers who sacrificed their time to first move the Archives to temporary storage, then search out a suitable home.
The Archives have a New Home
The Elgin County Archives has a specific collection called the Alma College Records. Their website has a dedicated web page for Alma, which talks about the first 50 years of Alma College: History, Academics, Sports, Social Life and Residence. The Elgin County Archives is also home for the Scott-Sefton collection. There is a link within the Alma College description to view a selection of Alma images from the Scott-Sefton Collection. What a treasure!
The grand opening of the Alma College Collection on March 5, 2004 received local press coverage in the London Free Press and the St. Thomas Times-Journal. Many thanks to Mary Virginia Towers and other archive committee members for overseeing this important project.
How are the Archives Funded?
The Elgin County archivist, Brian Masschaele, applied for and received a government grant to help with the cost of processing the Alma Collection. The grant, along with alumnae donations allocated to the archives over the past five years, have assisted the preserving of our Archives.
Alumnae who wish to donate to the Archives, and receive a tax receipt may do so by sending a cheque payable to Elgin County Archives re: Alma College Collection and mail to: 450 Sunset Drive, St. Thomas, ON N5R 5V1.
The Relics Need a Home
Once the Elgin County Archives selected items to be added to the Alma Collection, there were still several items that remain. We have affectionately called them the Alma Relics. At present, the Relics do not have a permanent home and are in storage. The goal of the Archive Committee is to raise enough funds to sort and display these valuable and sentimental items.
Alumnae who wish to donate to the Alma Relics, may do so by sending a cheque payable to: Alma College International Alumnae Association re: Alma Relics and mail to: PO Box 8084, London, ON N6G 2B0.