WINNIPEG - FEBRUARY 18, 2005 - On February 21st - Heritage Day - the City Clerk's Department, City of Winnipeg Archives will launch its first digital exhibit, Pathways to Winnipeg History, 1874-1924.

From its beginnings in 1874 to its celebratory 50th anniversary year, Winnipeg faced all manner of challenges to emerge as Canada’s then fourth largest city. Pathways offers a glimpse into these early years through selected documents, artifacts and photographs held by the City of Winnipeg Archives.

Pathways is made up of four thematic paths that allow visitors to learn about events, personalities and the look and feel of our City in the 50 years that followed incorporation. As well, the site features lesson plans for teachers of S1, S2 and S3, based on the new Manitoba curriculum, and scavenger hunts and puzzles for students of all ages. Development of this portion of the site was made possible through a grant from the Heritage Grants Advisory Council, Culture, Heritage and Tourism, Government of Manitoba.

Pathways will be a featured link on the City of Winnipeg home page. It will also be accessible via the City of Winnipeg Archives’ home page and the home page of the City Clerk’s Depart-ment, or simply add the URL to your Favorites: winnipeg.ca/Pathways.

With the launch of Pathways, the City Clerk’s Department, City of Winnipeg Archives begins a year of programming to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the opening of 380 William Avenue, the City’s first public library building, now home to Winnipeg’s rich documentary history.