L.R. Wilson Archives buildingThe Archives provides a climate-controlled, accessible place for researchers looking for information on the history of Port Colborne and area, including Humberstone Township, Humberstone village, Petersburg, Stonebridge, and Wainfleet.

Research

Our research collection includes documents, photographs, maps, newspapers, files, and books. Some documents in our collection have been digitized and can be searched online.

You can visit the Archives' Research Room to find out information on local history such as people, properties, businesses, the Welland Canal, and much more.

There is no charge to use the Research Room, but there are fees for photocopies and reproductions.

If you cannot visit in person, we can do research for you. Simple requests that take less than 15 minutes to complete are free. For anything longer, research fees may apply. To learn more or to ask a research question, contact us.

Rentals

You or your group can rent the Conference Hall at the Archives. The room is suitable for meetings, family gatherings, and other special events.

We have 8 tables and 50 stacking chairs for renters to use. Renters have access to a kitchenette with fridge, coffee urn, and kettle.

Rental Fees

Daily Rental (8 hours) $150 plus HST

Rental fee must be paid in advance and is non-refundable. A refundable security deposit will be required.

Please note that at this time only cash and cheques are accepted as payment for rental fees.

To Book a Rental

Call 905-834-7604

Walking tours

Cemetery Tour

 

Reservations must be made in Advance for All Tours: 905 834 7604 archives@portcolborne.ca

Limited Spots Available

 

Follow us on Facebook for notice of upcoming Archives' walking tours.

  • West Street Urban History
  • Main Street and Old Humberstone Village Urban History
  • Tennessee Avenue and the Humberstone Club Urban History
  • Overholt Cemetery Tour Part 1
  • St. Paul's and Overholt Cemetery Tour Part 2
  • Oakwood Cemetery Tour Part 1
  • We Will Remember - Honouring Military Service at Oakwood Cemetery Tour

We offer any of our tours for a group of 5 or more people at a time that works for your schedule. Our walking tours are available as “armchair” visual presentations if you cannot access the regular tours. Contact us to book a tour for your group of 5 or more.

Tours are about 90 minutes long.

Suggested donation per person for each tour is $5 minimum

Speakers Series

Held every autumn, join us for presentations on local history by historians at the archives, 286 King St. Free admission.

Follow us on Facebook for more information on the upcoming Fall Speakers Series.

If you or your group would like a speaker or workshop for a meeting or special event, we can provide presentations on a range of topics about local history, just contact us.

Community Scan Day 2024 

Conserve pieces of your own history! Book an appointment and create digital scans of; photographs, documents, recipes, mementos, and more. This is in collaboration with the Port Colborne Public Library. 

 

Date: January 17, 2024 

Time: 10:00am-4:00pm

*Appointments Required. Call 905-834-7604 or 905-834-6512 for more information. 

 

Additional Information: 

  • 30-minute time limit per appointment 
  • Patrons must bring their own USB drive to save digital files - minimum 16 GB. 
  • Paper/photos only - no negative or slides. 
  • Maximum size for items is 11 by 17 inches. 
  • All items will be scanned at 300 dpi and saved in jpeg format. 
  • All items must be ready to be scanned on a flatbed scanner i.e. no frames, staples, paper clips, pins, free of surface dirt and dust, etc. Staff will not be responsible for preparing items to be scanned. 
  • Staff will not be responsible for any damages to items before, during, or after the scanning process. 

Photo Reproductions

You can buy copies of some photos in our collection.

Volunteering

We welcome volunteers at the archives.

Donations

Donate to the archives
Just for Fun! Puzzles

Port Colborne Village Street Names c.1914 Word Search

Humberstone Village Street Names c.1900 Word Search

First Ships through the Welland Canal at Port Colborne, 1833 Word Search

Ships through the Welland Canal at Port Colborne, Aug 1837 Word Search

Follow us on Facebook for upcoming events, workshops, and information on local history