--September 22, 2026.
Bury residents recently came together for a community high tea centred on local history, old photographs, and the stories behind them.
Ten community members spent the afternoon sharing memories of life in Bury, and identifying familiar places and people to help preserve parts of the community’s past that may never have been formally recorded. At the same time they kicked off an effort to rebuild some of the community and culture that many regret has been lost alongside much of the industry in the town.
The event was part of Community Conversations Communautaires, a local history initiative conceptualized by Meghan Dove and Chloé Fortier and organized in collaboration with the Bury United Cultural Centre and supported by funding from the Townshippers’ Association.
The project is recording interviews with longtime residents and digitizing selected family photographs, with the material eventually forming part of a digital archive and public vernissage.
The high tea is only one part of the project. Organizers are also visiting residents in their homes, making it easier for people to participate in a setting where they feel comfortable. So far 20 residents have been interviewed or expressed interest in participating.
“All too often the details of history are lost in a box of pictures or a physical archive locked behind closed doors that loses context without the explanation of the people who were there. Capturing precious memories brings history to life. It’s not just about documentation though. The project aims to learn from the past, to remember how vibrant our community was and the lessons from the past that can bring us closer in the present.” says co-founder Meghan Dove.
The project is still looking for additional participants with photographs, memories, or stories connected to Bury and the surrounding area.
To participate contact Chloé Fortier at 873 339 7389 or email [email protected]