Skip to content

Genealogical Society partners with The Reach in Abbotsford

Resource centre moves from Clearbrook Library to the gallery museum.
9484abbotsfordAGSResourceCentre
The Abbotsford Genealogical Society's resource centre is now located in The Reach Gallery Museum.

The Abbotsford Genealogical Society (AGS) recently partnered with The Reach to share collection space in the archives at the Reach Gallery Museum on Veterans Way.

The AGS Resource Centre was located in the Clearbrook Library since 1996.

The re-opening reception on Aug. 29 in the lobby of The Reach was well-attended,  and long-time volunteers and supporters were recognized.

Premier Christy Clark’s best wishes were conveyed by Abbotsford-Mission MLA Simon Gibson.

Tours of the new facility were offered following the official ribbon-cutting by Abbotsford Mayor Bruce Banman, The Reach board chair Milt Walker and AGS president Jim Muirhead,

The AGS and Reach historical collections are housed in a space that is available to the public.

The AGS centre is staffed by volunteers for two hours every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., and on Thursdays between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m.

Reach personnel will assist the public in the absence of AGS volunteers.

The AGS began 36 years ago with five individuals who met in their homes. Over time, the group convened in a variety of libraries for meetings only.

The old Clearbrook Library (South Fraser Way and Trethewey) became the first permanent home for the group's collection.

In 1996, the AGS moved its collection to a room in the new Clearbrook Library on George Ferguson Way.

From one plastic milk crate, the collection has grown to 6,000 items, including books, CDs and periodicals.

For more information about AGS, visit abbygs.ca.