The Windsor Public Library is taking over custody of a critical archive of Windsor's history, the Windsor Star Archives.
"For over a century, The Windsor Star has diligently captured and chronicled the unfolding stories of our city, becoming an invaluable witness to its history," said Mayor Drew Dilkens. "Its archives stand as a testament to the remarkable journey that has brought us to this day."
The archives include microfilm, photos, negatives, bound newspapers, compact discs, and an envelope of historical circulation data from 1917.
The newspaper has covered Windsor and Essex County since 1890 as a daily, in 1860 as a weekly paper. It's undergone numerous name changes since its inception, including "The Windsor Record," "The Border Cities Star," and "The Windsor Daily Star." It was named "The Windsor Star" in 1959.
For many years, the collection was only accessible to journalists.
They were in storage at the Starway printing plant, but the move became necessary when it closed earlier this year.
"The Windsor Star archives are, in my opinion, by far, the most important historical photo collection in Windsor and Essex County," said Managing Editor Craig Pearson. "It's a rich trove of history documenting wars, strikes, celebrations, accomplishments, and much more. I'm thrilled the City of Windsor has become the caretaker of the Windsor Star Collection and will soon share it with the public."
Library staff will catalogue the archives, and a plan for public access will eventually be shared.
"I can't think of a better fit for this historic information and, in turn, being able to make it accessible to all than the Windsor Public Library," said Library Board Chair Mark McKenzie.