Archives Makes Original Loyalist Documents Available Online

The story of one of Shelburne's founding families is now available through a new online resource developed by the Nova Scotia Archives.

The launch of Captain Gideon White Family Papers: Loyalists of Shelburne took place in Shelburne today, July 18. The event coincided with the Grand Re-enactment Weekend, part of the 225th Loyalist Landing Anniversary celebrations.

"The White Family Papers are an outstanding resource for exploring 18th- and 19th-century life in Nova Scotia," said Tourism, Culture and Heritage Minister Bill Dooks. "Through their eyes we can explore Loyalist Shelburne and learn about the triumphs and hardships of that time."

Captain White came to Shelburne in 1783 and his personal correspondence and business records paint an eloquent picture of the fledgling town of Shelburne, which for a brief moment after its founding was North America's fourth-largest community.

After his death in 1833, White's sons continued as Shelburne merchants and local government officials, adding to the documents and preserving the history of their family and the town.

The original papers, which span 150 years of documented family and Nova Scotia history, were donated to the archives in 1938. The collection dates from 1761 in Massachusetts to 1921 in Shelburne and includes correspondence, bills, receipts, election papers, and local government documents.

The new online resource features more than 80 original documents from the 1650-item collection and provides Internet visitors with a time-tour of historic Shelburne as the White family knew it.

"Shelburne's history will be coming alive this year with the 225th anniversary celebrations," said provincial archivist Brian Speirs. "We wanted to create a product that would showcase the White family's contributions as builders and preservers of Shelburne's remarkable heritage and we wanted to make this story accessible to all Nova Scotians."

More information on Captain Gideon White Family Papers: Loyalists of Shelburne is available on the Nova Scotia Archives and Records Management website at www.gov.ns.ca/nsarm/virtual/white/ .

Nova Scotia Archives and Records Management acquires, preserves and makes available the province's documentary heritage.