The Brockville Museum houses a treasure trove of local history, and among its most intriguing artifacts is the Scott Funeral Home ledger. This meticulously kept record offers a captivating glimpse into the lives and deaths of Brockville residents from a bygone era, revealing social trends, family histories, and the evolution of funeral practices. This detailed exploration delves into the significance of this ledger, its contents, and its invaluable contribution to understanding Brockville's past.
What information is contained in the Scott Funeral Home ledger?
The Scott Funeral Home ledger contains a wealth of information, far exceeding a simple list of names and dates. Each entry typically includes the deceased's full name, date of death, age, place of death (often specifying residence), and the date of the funeral service. Beyond the basic facts, many entries provide additional details such as the cause of death (when available), names of surviving family members, and sometimes even the location of burial. This detailed record allows researchers to reconstruct family trees, trace the spread of diseases, and gain insights into the social structures of Brockville during the ledger's active period.
How old is the Scott Funeral Home ledger?
The exact age range covered by the ledger is unknown without access to the document itself. However, given the nature of historical records held in museums, it's highly likely that the ledger spans several decades, potentially covering a significant portion of the 19th or early 20th century. This timeframe would offer a valuable window into a period of significant change in Brockville and Canada as a whole.
What can the Scott Funeral Home ledger tell us about Brockville's history?
The ledger serves as a microcosm of Brockville's history. By analyzing patterns within the entries, researchers can gain insight into demographic trends such as life expectancy, prevalent causes of death (reflecting public health issues of the time), and the migration patterns of families within the community. The names themselves offer connections to prominent Brockville families and businesses, allowing for a richer understanding of social hierarchies and community dynamics. The details of funeral arrangements also reflect the evolving social and economic landscape of the town.
Is the Scott Funeral Home ledger accessible to the public?
The accessibility of the Scott Funeral Home ledger depends entirely on the Brockville Museum's policies. It's advisable to contact the museum directly to inquire about viewing the ledger in person or if digital copies or extracts are available for research purposes. They may have specific guidelines for researchers and may require appointments or the completion of necessary forms.
What kind of genealogical information can be found in the Scott Funeral Home ledger?
The genealogical information within the ledger is potentially extensive. As mentioned earlier, many entries list family members of the deceased, providing invaluable links for those tracing their ancestry. The detailed information on dates of birth, death, and familial relationships can be critical in building family trees and corroborating information from other genealogical sources. This data could provide crucial connections for generations of Brockville families.
How does the Brockville Museum protect the Scott Funeral Home ledger?
The Brockville Museum, as a responsible custodian of historical artifacts, likely employs various preservation techniques to protect the Scott Funeral Home ledger. This may involve environmental controls to maintain a stable temperature and humidity, proper handling procedures to prevent damage, and potentially digitization to allow access while protecting the original document from wear and tear. The precise methods used would be best ascertained by contacting the museum directly.
By studying the Scott Funeral Home ledger, we gain a unique and personal connection to Brockville's past. This seemingly simple collection of records unlocks stories of individual lives, reveals broader societal trends, and significantly enriches our understanding of the community's history. Further exploration of this and similar artifacts at the Brockville Museum promises continued fascinating discoveries about this rich historical landscape.
