Alberta ’s Estonian Heritage: a new website now online on the World Wide Web!!

Dave Kiil

As production on the ‘ Alberta’s Estonians’ documentary film got underway in 2006, we also proceeded with the so-called Alberta Estonian website project. The project involves the design and production of Alberta’s Estonian Heritage website as part of the AlbertaOnline Encyclopedia. The website makes the history, culture, traditions and achievements of Alberta’s Estonian community accessible via the World Wide Web.

Using documents, digitized images and other materials collected since the AEHS accepted an invitation to participate at the West Coast Estonian Days in Los Angeles, we partnered with the Heritage Community Foundation (HCF) to develop a storyline for the website. Five major thematic elements emerged: History, People, Communities, Cultural Life, and Multimedia Resources.

These were further subdivided to allow for greater in-depth presentation of material. The website presents a more comprehensive overview of Alberta’s Estonian community-past and present-than was possible in the 30-minute documentary film.

The website (Phase I) was designed and produced by the staff of the HCF with funds from the Community Initiatives Program of the Alberta Government. Following initial completion and review of the site in late July, additional material was incorporated into the prototype website. Extensive review and editing of the site was carried out to provide a comprehensive treatment of the subject matter. It should be noted that the design and content of the present site was limited by the availability of funds; as such, it is a work in progress and will be further enhanced in the near future.

The stories and pictures used in the production of Alberta’s Estonian Heritage website were almost entirely contributed by members of the AEHS, their families and friends. Collectively, we now possess a large data base, or a ‘digital archive’, for use by anyone interested in the history of Alberta’s Estonians. Thank you for the support and encouragement in helping to launch Alberta’s Estonian Heritage website at www.Albertasource.ca.

Grant application approved!!

November 27, 2007: We have just been informed that our grant application to the New Horizons for Seniors Program has been approved. These funds will enable us to develop a more comprehensive Albertasource.ca website, utilizing materials submitted by members and friends of the AEHS.