Part 1: Context

In the catalogue for the 1972 exhibition, Archives: Mirror of Canada Past, which marked the centenary of the Public Archives of Canada, the then Dominion Archivist, Dr. Wilfred I. Smith, noted “The Public Archives of Canada can report some amazing achievements in the last century, but development of public awareness of its role, the encouragement of popular participation in what should be a co-operative mission, and the sharing of the benefits and the increased enjoyment of its treasures must be a challenge for the next century.” In 1972, few could have anticipated the rapid developments in technology which would, within several decades, provide a tool – the World Wide Web – to enable the realization of Dr. Smith's stated objectives.