Updated Government Histories Available Online

Nova Scotians interested in the history of their provincial government now have a completely revised and updated version of a popular web product, Government Administrative Histories Online, compiled by Nova Scotia Archives and Records Management.

Government Administrative Histories Online is a database containing the administrative history of 110 public bodies, some dating back 250 years. This includes the Department of Justice which traces its origins to 1749.

The updated online resource also includes public bodies less than a decade old, including the Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs, established in 2004, and the Department of Health Promotion and Protection, established in 2006. The latest update is from January 2009, when Economic Development changed its name to Economic and Rural development, to better reflect its role and goals.

"We are pleased to bring this significantly revised and updated government resource to the web," said provincial archivist Brian Speirs. "We aim to provide a one-stop source for historical information on all government departments, past and present, as well as all current agencies, boards, commissions and offices."

Each public body has its own entry, highlighting the body's origins, mandate and functions, and changes in name or responsibilities. You will also be referred to entries for related public bodies, particularly predecessor and successor departments. The information is based on official sources, primarily statutes and orders in council, as well as government publications or other authoritative sources.

Government Administrative Histories Online is on the Nova Scotia Archives and Records Management website at http://www.gov.ns.ca/nsarm/gaho/ .

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