The Norwalk Public Library will soon be working to make important collections of materials related to Norwalk’s history available on the web. The library will work with the Norwalk Museum, Norwalk Historical Society and the Town Clerk’s Office to select and scan materials from each institution to be added to the “Treasures of Connecticut Libraries” project sponsored by the Connecticut State Library.

The “Treasures” project is a collection of items that have been digitized and made available online for searching. The items come from libraries and their partnering cultural institutions across Connecticut and include historical photographs, maps, postcards, films and more… new items are added on an ongoing basis.

Much of Norwalk’s rich history is recorded in books, printed family histories, photographs, vital records, documents and artifacts that are housed in different places throughout the city. The library, the museum, the historical society and town clerk’s office all hold valuable parts of the city’s history. Accessing this information, however, can be challenging even for a skilled researcher, because of the limited inventories that exist, limited hours and staffing at the various institutions. Scanning and digitizing these materials will make it possible for anyone to easily access images via the Internet.

The group will be advised on technical matters by the city’s Information Technology department. This is the first time ever that the library, the city and the other organizations have come together to make our respective historic “treasures” widely available to students, teachers, researchers, genealogists, and all other inquisitive minds.

Joining the Connecticut Treasures project is just the first step in this ambitious undertaking. The ultimate goal of the library’s partnership with Norwalk’s historic and cultural institutions is to build as comprehensive a collection as possible by inviting other area organizations, historical societies, alumni associations, churches, synagogues, clubs, or groups that might have important materials to share.

For information about the project call Judith Rivas at Norwalk Public Library 203-899-2780 ext 15142.

The Norwalk Public Library, 1 Belden Avenue, Norwalk, CT. 203-899-2780 ext 15109. Corner of Mott Avenue and Belden Avenue. www.norwalkpubliclibrary.org