History, straight from the source. Points to the Past offers nearly 200 million digitized pages of primary historical material. Explore newspapers, manuscripts, maps, photos, pamphlets, and more, spanning centuries of global history and culture. This collection is especially useful for academic research, in-depth projects, and curiosity-driven deep dives into topics like colonization, literature, and LGBTQ+ history. Search across collections or browse to uncover original documents that bring historical moments into sharper focus.
Quick-Start Guide
• Go to the ORL website and open Online Resources.
• Select Points to the Past.
• Open the resource directly; no sign-in is required for users in British Columbia.
• Enter keywords to search across collections, or browse by theme or source type.
• Use filters to narrow results by date, content type, or collection.
• Open documents to read online or download for closer study.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What kind of material is included in Points to the Past?
A: It includes digitized primary sources such as newspapers, manuscripts, maps, photographs, pamphlets, portraits, and other historical documents.
Q: Do I need a library card to use this resource?
A: No. Points to the Past uses location-based access, so anyone in British Columbia can use it without logging in.
Q: Who is this resource best for?
A: It’s well suited for students, researchers, educators, and anyone interested in original historical sources.
Q: Can I search across different historical topics?
A: Yes. You can search broadly by keyword or focus your research using filters and specific collections.
Q: Can I download documents for research or study?
A: Many items can be downloaded, allowing you to review and reference materials offline.
Q: Does this resource include newspapers and periodicals?
A: Yes. The collection includes historical newspapers and periodicals alongside other primary source materials.