“Ever wonder where Ontario’s stories are kept?” Right here, standing before the Archives of Ontario. It is more than just a building. It’s a treasure trove of our province’s documentary heritage. Since 1903, the Archives of Ontario has been collecting. It has been preserving and making available the records that tell the story of Ontario.
The Archives of Ontario is the largest provincial archives in Canada. It serves as the premier source of information about Ontario’s history. The Archives of Ontario is located on the York University campus since April 2, 2009. But its story began long before. The Archives of Ontario was originally located in the Ontario Legislative Building. It was known then as the Bureau of Archives.
Alexander Fraser was the first Provincial Archivist. He served from 1903 to 1935. Fraser was a Scottish-born Toronto journalist and academic. He understood the importance of preserving our history. He actively sought records from private individuals and organizations. These records reflect Ontario’s diverse history.
Imagine handwritten letters dating back to the 16th century. Think of maps, architectural drawings, and photographs. Consider films, sound recordings, and even electronic documents. The Archives of Ontario holds all of these and more. The Archives of Ontario’s collections document the decisions and activities of the Government of Ontario. They also include records donated by individuals, businesses, and organizations. These records illustrate Ontario’s history and development.
In the Depression era, the Archives faced closure. Premier Mitch Hepburn wanted to shut it down as a cost-cutting measure. James J. Talman, Fraser’s assistant, saved the Archives. He agreed to move its office and collections to basement vaults.
The Archives of Ontario moved to the Canadiana Building in 1951. It was then known as the Department of Public Records and Archives. In 1972, the Archives relocated to 77 Grenville Street. Its name changed to the Archives of Ontario. The reading room at the Grenville building closed in 2009 before the move to York University.
Today, the Archives of Ontario continues its important work. The Archives of Ontario acquires records from the private sector. These records document Ontario’s diverse society. They reflect the interaction between the government and its citizens.
The Archives of Ontario offers many ways to engage with its collections. You can conduct on-site or online research. You can order personal copies of records. You can attend educational workshops and building tours. The Alexander Fraser Reading Room is open to the public. The Helen McClung Exhibit Area showcases fascinating items from the collection.
The Archives of Ontario also enhances its presence online. It shares digital materials on Wikimedia Commons. This encourages editors to use the Archives’ resources for writing articles. They improve metadata and other forms of collaboration. The Archives of Ontario has undertaken bulk uploads of photographs. These include photos from the Alvin D. McCurdy fonds and the Bartle Brothers fonds.
The Archives of Ontario is not just a repository of old documents. It is a living, breathing institution. It connects us to our past. It informs our present. It inspires our future. The Archives of Ontario ensures that Ontario’s stories are preserved for generations to come. It is a place where history comes alive.