In 2000 the Fernie and District Historical
Society was the recipient of a collection of images donated by
Fernie photographer Bruce Kurschenska. In the summer of 2001 we carried out
preliminary cataloging and documentation as part of an evaluation of
the collection. Initial estimates that the collection was comprised
of about 3,500 images were proven wrong – the collection is now
estimated to be 15,000 - 20,000 images or more. These prints and slides
document the work done by Mr. Kurschenska from the early 1970s to
the mid-1980s, focussing both on his work for BC Coal/Westar as well
as other events in the Elk Valley.
Human Resources Development Canada and the Fernie
and District Historical Society provided funding for the initial
evaluation. Tom Nally was hired for the summer with this funding to
complete this work on the collection. Tom organized the collection
in keeping with the original order maintained by Bruce Kurschenska
and entered basic information about the collection into a database.
The work to properly document this collection
will go on for years and its benefits as a record of our community’s
history should endure for generations. Ultimately, the Society will
work to put as much of this collection as is practical into digital
format for ease of use and access to the researchers and the public.
