Archives are institutions that contain historical records.
Archivists select, maintain, describe, and assist people in locating archival records in their care. Along with other archives in Ontario, the Wellington County Museum and Archives wants to help people recognize and appreciate those historical pieces. In recognition of the contributions made by archives, the Archives Association of Ontario is proclaiming April 4 to 9 as Archives Awareness Week.
It provides an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of archives in local communities throughout the province.
Is anyone looking for historical information to complete a school project? Ever wondered who used to live in a house or when it was built? Always wanted to research a family history? Students, historians, and genealogists visit the Wellington County Archives to research those and many other questions.
The archives has developed a number of internet research tools to assist with projects. The Virtual History Book gives access to 16,000 pages of the Women’s Institute Tweedsmuir Histories for the entire county. Those scrapbooks contain a wealth of local information about people, places, and organizations that formed the communities.
The online research tool is a consultation device that gives access to artifact and archival collections. The database describes the museum’s collection of artifacts and archival records reflecting local history. Significant artifact collections include textiles, agricultural implements, furniture and household wares.
Archival records include photographs, maps, correspondence, diaries, assessment rolls, voters lists, Newspapers and meeting minutes. The internet resource works using an individual or organizations’ name, place of residence, type of artifact (such as a wedding dress) or archival record (photograph), creator, title and subject.
A visit to the Archives is recommended for additional and more extensive research. Free access to the Ancestry website is available at the Archives along with microfilm inter-loan service from many lending libraries across North America, including the Archives of Ontario and Library and Archives Canada.
The Archives collection has been enhanced over the years through the donation of records from individuals, organizations and member municipalities. Come and visit the new Archives building that opened in June. The new building includes a spacious Reading Room with wireless access, a separate microfilm room and purpose built storage vault.
For more information about the records check the website www.wcm.on.ca or call 519-846-0916 or 1-800-663-0750 extension 5225
