New Heritage Tool Invites You to Help Write Surrey’s History

Surrey, BC - Heritage Services has released a new digital initiative to make local history accessible to Surrey residents. But this time, residents are invited to add their own memories to help shape Surrey’s story. With the Memory Map, users can pin a point of interest on a Surrey map and share why that location is significant to them. The interactive map grows daily as the community adds memories for others to read and to gain a better understanding of their neighbors and community. 

“We’re excited to offer this new way for people to share their stories with each other,” explains Kristin Hardie, Manager of Heritage Services. “History isn’t only about major events; it’s also shaped by personal experiences that connect us through places, perspectives, and generations.” 

Surrey resident Lorene Oikawa was among the first to share a memory on the Memory Map, a childhood childhood memory of attending a Japanese Canadian Bazaar in a North Surrey church hall. She recalls enjoying traditional Japanese dishes quickly to make space for the next set of diners. While she ate, her mother chatted with friends. Little did young Lorene know at the time, such gatherings were a way for interned Japanese Canadians to rebuild their community after the internment of the Second World War when Japanese Canadians were forcibly removed from the West Coast, dispossessed, incarcerated and exiled. 

Lorene says, "I'm excited to see the Memory Map. It's an opportunity to share our stories and reflect the diversity of Surrey. I love hearing the origin stories of how families spent time in Surrey and how certain areas developed over the years. 

Heritage Services hopes others will share memories that help fill gaps in Surrey’s story. Residents are invited to pin their memories to help write a more inclusive, personal history of our city. Add your memory to the map and read the stories of your neighbors at www.surrey.ca/memorymap.

This new online heritage tool, Memory Map, was generously supported through the Government of Canada’s Museum Assistance Program: Digital Access to Heritage. 

Heritage Services is part of the City of Surrey’s Culture Division. It is dedicated to making Surrey’s diverse history available to residents in multiple ways: by operating Surrey Archives, Historic Stewart Farm and Totest Aleng: Indigenous Learning House; and through city-wide programs like online heritage tools, interpretive signage and community outreach. Follow them on Facebook at @HeritageSurrey.