Community invited to celebrate the Sudbury Secondary Archives on May 30th

The community’s oldest school will celebrate its rich history with the opening of the Sudbury Secondary School Archives on Thursday, May 30, 2024 at 6 pm in the school library. Members of the general public will have an opportunity to peruse the material and memorabilia as Sudbury Secondary School honours its legacy.

The collection, curated by long-time Library Technician Bev Bellrose, features letters written by Sudbury High School graduates who were fighting overseas during World War II. There is also a comprehensive collection of yearbooks dating back to the 1920s as well as minutes from the Sudbury High School Students Council from the 1950s.

“The library at Sudbury Secondary School has been the unofficial location for archival records,” said Principal Heather Downey. “Throughout the years, we received donations of keepsakes and artifacts from alumni who recognized the importance of preserving the rich history. This includes yearbooks, original photographs, playbills, newspaper clippings, and more.”

Principal Downey says the material has now been archived in a climate-controlled space in appropriate archival boxes. This is where the archives will be safely and securely retained for generations to come.

“Beyond reunions, this is the first time we have ever showcased archival material and invited the public to come take a walk down memory lane,” said Principal Downey. “Everyone is welcome, regardless of whether or not they attended the school. There is a good chance they may know a family member who was a student here.”

The original Sudbury High School was built in 1909. Mining, technical and commercial classes were added to the curriculum, and, in 1921, the Sudbury Mining and Technical School officially opened.  Sudbury High School and Sudbury Mining and Technical School, which became Sheridan Technical School in 1960, operated as two schools on the Mackenzie/Davidson block until 1974 when the schools merged and Sudbury Secondary School was born.

“The archives have been accessed by community researchers who appreciate the historical material in the collection,” said Principal Downey. “History classes have accessed newspaper clippings and the World War II letters, while media arts students have browsed the collection and created animated reels on topics of interest.”

She added: “With these archives, we have been able to give our students 21st Century learning opportunities that have been a hundred years in the making, connecting the past to the present. Today’s students will also be part of the school’s rich history, making the experience that much more meaningful. For some, generations of family members have graduated from Sudbury Secondary or its predecessor schools. As the community’s oldest school, we certainly have a history that is well worth preserving and celebrating.”

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Media Contact:

Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor,
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning,
Rainbow District School Board, 674-3171, ext. 7217.