In recent years, the Ottawa Jewish Archives has undertaken a significant endeavour to digitize their entire collection. Spearheaded by Teigan Goldsmith, the archivist, this project aims to make these resources accessible to a broader audience and to protect their historic value from wear and tear or other elements that may threaten a physical collection.
The motivation behind this effort stems from the belief that inaccessible archives severely limit their educational purposes, prompting Goldsmith to ensure that these historical documents can be accessed, studied, and learned from for years to come. That said, some documents will not be made public for reasons of community safety and security.
The breadth of the project is extensive, including 150 documents spanning 120 years of Ottawa Jewish history and featuring maps and blueprints from key Jewish Ottawa historic locations. Within the collection are maps and blueprints dating back to the first synagogue in Ottawa, Adath Jeshurun in 1904, and documenting subsequent additions to the original Chapel Street campus such as the addition of synagogues, schools, and a gymnasium.
Additionally, original site plans for the first and second Jewish cemeteries, as well as detailed maps and blueprints of some of the synagogues, historic and current, in Ottawa—including Adath Jeshurun on King Edward, Machzikei Hadas on Murray Street, the current location in Alta Vista, Rideau Street's Agudath Achim, Temple Israel, Agudath Israel, and Beth Shalom (attached to the original JCC). These have already been digitized.
The digitization process involves using a drum scanner to ensure high-quality digitization of historical artifacts, many of which have been stored in rolled format and have not been accessed for years. Despite the progress made on this project, including the successful digitization of 40 pieces, challenges persist. Approximately 100 pieces remain to be digitized. Due to the complexity of the process an outside company is contracted for the work. This process is expensive and as such, Goldsmith projects completion of this project in 2026. 
Goldsmith emphasizes the importance of uncovering maps and blueprints that have been buried in the archives for decades, possibly making her the first person in decades to examine them closely. This rediscovery underscores the historical value these documents hold for understanding of the evolution of Ottawa's Jewish community.
In addition to maps and blueprints, the Ottawa Jewish Archives houses an extensive collection of materials, including 250,000 photographic negatives and too many photographs to count. Goldsmith estimates that she has digitized about 30% of the total archives collection, with maps constituting less than 5% of the total.
Community involvement is vital for the success of the digitization project. Goldsmith urges those with relevant maps and blueprints to contact her about donating them to the archives for digital and physical preservation. Financial contributions are also encouraged to speed up the digitization process, ensuring these historical records are preserved and accessible to future generations.
By digitizing these maps and blueprints, Goldsmith ensures their preservation and enhances access to Ottawa's Jewish heritage for the local community and those further afield. It also provides further comfort and security so that should anything happen to the originals, the history is not lost permanently.
As the project progresses, it stands as a testament to archivists like Goldsmith, who are dedicated to bridging the past and present through digital innovation.
To learn more about the Ottawa Jewish Archives click here.