Archives

L.R. Wilson Archives building The Archives provides a climate-controlled, accessible place for researching records about 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 52 chairs for renters to use. Renters have access to a kitchenette with fridge, coffee urn and kettle.

Rental Fees

4 hour rental $75 plus HST

8 hour rental $120 plus HST

A $20 non-refundable deposit is required to book a rental date.

To Book a Rental

Call 905-834-7604

Walking tours

Cemetery Tour

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 can also offer any tour 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 60 to 90 minutes long.

Suggested donation per person for each tour is $5

Speakers Series

You can join us for any of our presentations on local history by historians. Free admission.

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

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