The Fort Nelson Public Library and Archives is actively gathering and preserving historical records related to the Northern Rockies region. Marking its 40th anniversary at its current site, the library is reaching out for contributions of photographs, narratives, and recollections to expand its local archives.
Engaging with a wide audience on social media, the archive generates significant interest by sharing vintage images of renowned structures and locales. Residents of the approximately 2,600-strong town frequently engage with these posts, sharing their own memories and photos.
Positioned at Mile 300 of the Alaska Highway, Fort Nelson lies around 440 kilometers south of the British Columbia-Yukon border. The archives were founded in 2014 by Sylvia Bramhill, a retired library employee and longtime local resident. Her father, Silvester (Silver) Arychuk, relocated from Edmonton to Fort Nelson in the late 1940s.
Initially planning a short-term job stint, Arychuk settled in the town, working as a heavy-duty mechanic for life. He brought Bramhill’s mother from Fort Simpson in the nearby Northwest Territories. Katelyn Vandersteen, the current local history librarian succeeding Bramhill, notes that it is common for individuals to arrive in Fort Nelson temporarily for work but end up becoming permanent fixtures in the community.
The local archive serves as a valuable resource, often assisting individuals seeking information on their family heritage by providing access to old photographs or news articles featuring their relatives. Founded in 1805 as a fur trading post, Fort Nelson predates the construction of the Alaska Highway, a pivotal development shaping the town’s identity during World War II.
In addition to settlers, the Northern Rockies region is home to several First Nations groups, including the Acho Dene Koe, Dene Tha’, Kaska, Fort Nelson, Doig River, and Prophet River nations. While many consider Fort Nelson as the original “Mile 0” of the highway, this designation later shifted to Dawson Creek in the southbound direction.
During the war, the United States collaborated with the Royal Canadian Air Force to operate an air force base in Fort Nelson, refueling approximately 8,000 aircraft. Bramhill’s dedication to the archives is fueled by a mix of subtle and rapid changes in Fort Nelson, cherished stories from seniors, and a sense of pride in her family roots.
Passionate about preserving the town’s history, Bramhill gathered oral histories from elderly residents, recognizing the importance of safeguarding these narratives. The online-accessible archive hosts over 400 photos sourced from over 100 contributors, along with maps and editions of the Fort Nelson News spanning from 1959 to 2023.
Continuing its collection efforts, the library actively seeks photographs of Fort Nelson’s businesses and structures, particularly those of small-scale enterprises, while encouraging residents to share their personal narratives about the region.