The success of the Argyle Township Court House Archives over its first 15 years of operation resulted in a massive increase in its archival holdings and its use by the public.  By 1997 it was becoming obvious that the archives was simply running out of space, and any further encroachment on the museum space in the building was unacceptable. 

By this time the Argyle Municipality Historical & Genealogical Society was very actively involved in the support of the museum and archives, and had become real partners, along with the Municipality, as supporters and custodians of this important heritage resource.  In 1997 the first overtures were made to the Seventh-Day Adventist Church whose church building occupied the lot immediately to the south of the Court House.  Like many churches today, their membership had declined to the point where it seemed unlikely they would be able to maintain their building for many more years.  The church was a handsome heritage building, built in 1877, and formed an important part of the streetscape around the Court House.   In 2000 the Society was able to purchase the building, and began to plan for its development.

The overall plans called for maintaining and enhancing the exterior appearance of the building, while transforming the interior into a modern archival facility. 

In 2002 the Society approached Municipal Council for $20,000 in seed money in order to engage an architect to provide preliminary plans and cost estimates for the project.  This was approved, and George Rogers of MacFawn & Rogers, Halifax, NS, was chosen to carry out this work.

In 2003 the Municipal Historian & Archivist, Peter Crowell, made a presentation to Municipal Council outlining the costs associated with the New Archives Project, and requested a contribution of $250,000 over two years from Municipal Council.  This request was subsequently approved (May/June 03), and this enabled the Site Development Committee for the New Archives Project to approach other levels of government for support.  The Municipality of Argyle remains the largest government contributor to the project.

Subsequent funding was also obtained from ACOA (federal), Dept. of Canadian Heritage (federal) and the Council of Canadian Archives (federal).  Provincial funding came from the Dept. of Economic Development and the Dept. of Tourism & Culture.  The Society with its “Future for Our Past” fundraising campaign, carried out by Peter Crowell, raised more than $270,000.

Tenders were called for the construction of the New Archives and Garian Construction of Tusket, NS were the successful bidders.  Construction began in October 2005.  The archives was moved into the new building in stages throughout the summer and fall of 2006, and the New Archives opened its doors to the public on 16 November 2006 after a closure of only two weeks.

Grand Opening of New Archives Building

What the New Facility Offers

The Research Room -  The new Argyle Township Court House Archives boasts a large and generous public research room that occupies the majority of the main body of the former church building.  A small office, a wheelchair accessible washroom and a janitor’s room are the only other things occupying this space. 

Archival Vault -  The majority of the ground floor of the extension, that has been built onto the main body of the former church building, is taken up with a large fireproof, climate-controlled vault for archival documents.  It is fully equipped with both mobile and stationary shelving.

Basement – The basement of the extension has a large multi-purpose area, kitchen, furnace room, HVAC room, electrical room and a room that will be developed as a photographic darkroom.

Second floor -  the second floor of the extension remains unfinished at present. It is used for storage, but eventually will serve as additional office space for staff, volunteers and project workers.