diff --git a/.github/BRANCH_PROTECTION.md b/.github/BRANCH_PROTECTION.md
index 657ee307..eb8d5c11 100644
--- a/.github/BRANCH_PROTECTION.md
+++ b/.github/BRANCH_PROTECTION.md
@@ -35,6 +35,14 @@ pull-request reviews.
 If validation exposes a blocker, disable the ruleset rather than deleting it so
 its configuration and history remain available.
 
+## Activation record
+
+Repository ruleset `19051697` was activated on 2026-07-16 after preparation
+PR #172 established `Required CI`, remediation PR #174 passed the strict
+current-base gate, and merged master run `29501928124` completed with all 43
+executed jobs successful. This documentation update is the after-activation
+canary for the normal protected pull-request path.
+
 ## Normal publishing flow
 
 Create a scoped feature branch, open a pull request to `master`, wait for