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.

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) $160 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

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
• We Will Remember - Honouring Military Service at Oakwood Cemetery Tour

We offer any of our tours for a group of 4 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 4 or more.

Tours are about 90 minutes long.

Suggested donation per person for each tour is $10 minimum

Speakers Series

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

2025 Speakers Series

September 27        1 p.m.

A Journey Examined: Harriet Tubman returns to Niagara

Douglas Mitchell, great-great nephew of Harriet Tubman

Mr. Mitchell will share the scope and nature of what has become an epic, multi-year research odyssey for him, along with some of the more interesting details of Tubman's life and legacy, including unexpected research findings and challenging experiences

Free Admission

October 25      1-4 p.m.

Property Research Workshop

Learn how to research a local property using online and archives resources; Participants should bring their own laptop or tablet to work on their research projects

Advance Registration Required           Suggested Donation $20 per person

November 15     1 p.m.

Struggle and Strife: Conflict and Controversy on the Early Welland Canals

Michelle Vosburgh, Ph.D.

Free Admission

November 29     11 a.m.

Samplers, Seashells, and the Domestic Sphere: Victorian Women and their Handicrafts

Anna Carlsen, M.A.

Free Admission

November 29    1:30-3:30 p.m.

Embroidery Workshop – Victorian-Inspired Snowflake Ornament

Learn the basic embroidery skills needed to make a snowflake Christmas ornament. Each participant will get all the supplies needed to create their own ornament.

Advance Registration Required           Workshop $20 per person

For more information or to register for workshops: 905-834-7604

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

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: TBA 

Photo Reproductions

Volunteering

Donations

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