(Brampton) - Dig up some history at the Peel Heritage Complex during Archives Awareness Week, April 2 - 8, 2006. A special tour of the Archives will be available on Friday, April 7 from 1 to 4 p.m. The public is invited to bring an item of their choice to discuss with Archives staff.

Created in 1977, the Archives houses over 2,000 cubic feet of records. What began as a collection of government records has expanded to include business records, correspondence, deeds, maps, newspapers, photographs, posters and more. The collection is stored in a secure, state-of-the-art room with electronic compact shelving that protects the Archives from environmental and fire damage.

“The Region of Peel Archives holds thousands of old, hidden treasures that are just waiting to be explored and remembered,” says Diane Allengame, Registrar of the Peel Heritage Complex. “Our friendly staff is always happy to help you uncover the possibilities of what you can learn.”

Every year approximately 1,000 researchers use the Archives, including teachers, students, lawyers, engineers, TV and film researchers and local history buffs.

Some of the most popular services requested at the Archives include genealogy, the study of family history, and the research of older homes in Peel. Archives’ staff can also teach you how to properly store and care for your family antiques and offer free consultation of paper treasures.

The Region of Peel Archives is the recipient of the 1999 Award of Merit presented by the Ontario Genealogical Society for preserving and maintaining historic records of the Region of Peel and for providing public access to the records.

The Peel Heritage Complex is operated by the Region of Peel and is located at 9 Wellington St. E. in Brampton. The Complex is open to the public Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; weekends from noon to 4:30 p.m., and Thursday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. Admission fees are $2.50 for adults; $1.50 for seniors; $1 for students and $7 for families.

The Peel Heritage Complex is made up of the Region of Peel Museum, the Art Gallery of Peel and the Region of Peel Archives. Together they collect, preserve and display a variety of materials related to Peel’s heritage.

For more information about the Peel Heritage Complex, call 905-791-4055, Ext. 3632 or visit our Web site at peelheritagecomplex.org