This year, the Simcoe County Archives is marking an important milestone, our 60th anniversary. Since 1966, the Archives has been dedicated to collecting, preserving, and providing access to records that document the history of Simcoe County.
To celebrate, we are highlighting the stories of three community members who use and contribute to the Archives. Read on to learn how the Archives supported their research and their understanding of Simcoe County’s history.
Advancing Scholarly Research
One such researcher is Michael Moir, Archivist Emeritus and Senior Scholar at York University, whose research explores Canada’s shipbuilding history. At the Simcoe County Archives, Michael examined records to support his research on the transition from wooden to steel shipbuilding in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in Collingwood, Ontario.
“When I was up at the Archives, I started looking at Collingwood’s municipal records, such as the minutes of council and by-laws of Collingwood, which really helped trace the relationship between shipbuilding and the town,” he said. “People tend to think of shipbuilding as simply as a capitalist endeavor by individual entrepreneurs, but that wasn’t what happened in Collingwood.”
His research revealed how local decision-making around intermodal transportation influenced the development of Collingwood’s shipyards and the decision to transition to building steel ships – an evolution uniquely documented through municipal records preserved at the Archives.
Michael also experienced the serendipity of archival research. “It was brought to my attention that there is a lot of Port Arthur Shipbuilding Company material in the Collingwood Shipyards fonds at the Archives,” he said. “I found almost 50 original photographic prints that I had never seen before of the Port Arthur Shipyard and was able to have them digitized at the Archives.” These images are now informing his current book project on the history of shipbuilding in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
Reflecting on the role of archives in research, Michael shared, “Archives provide the historical context so people can make better informed decisions about the future. When I look at my research in maritime history, particularly the transition from wooden to steel shipbuilding, it gives you insights into the importance of stimulating domestic industry within Canada that echo today through our national shipbuilding strategy.”
Discovering Genealogical History
Family historians are another important part of the Archives’ community. Barbara Jones, a long time Simcoe County resident, has used the Archives extensively to trace her family’s history and their stories.
“On several occasions, I have visited the Simcoe County Archives to expand my research on my family’s ancestors,” said Barbara. “The sources I have used on these visits were all beneficial in my ongoing genealogical research.”
Over more than twenty years, Barbara has constructed a detailed family tree dating back to the 1800s in the County of Simcoe. She credits the Archives for helping her navigate both physical and digital resources.
“It has been helpful to be referred to the right resources, supported in accessing online resources, and able to view records in person to retrace my family’s steps in the community,” she said.
Barbara also has used the Archives as a member of the West Oro Baptist Church Cemetery Board to research the history of the cemetery lands. “For this research, I utilized the Ontario Land Registry, Oro Township Historical records, municipal by-laws, and the Women’s Institute Tweedsmuir histories,” says Barbara.
“Since attending the Simcoe County Archives, I have increased my research skills tremendously due to the support of the staff,” she added.
Preserving Local History
Equally important to the Archives are the donors who ensure records find their way into the Archives. Donna Jebb, current President of the Simcoe Area Women’s Institute, has supported the Archives through ongoing donations and advocacy.
The Women’s Institute has been closely connected to the Archives since its founding. Local branches were instrumental in establishing the Simcoe County Archives in 1966 as a County Centennial Project.
Through the donation of Tweedsmuir History Books and other records, the Women’s Institute has helped preserve stories of everyday life across Simcoe County, from local farms and homes to community initiatives and social movements. These materials remain valuable for researchers, municipalities, and community members seeking to better understand the past.
“We wanted to make sure history was preserved, and the Archives was the place to have our records instead of somebody’s basement,” Donna explained. “Centralizing these materials in the Archives ensures they are protected and accessible to all Women’s Institute members.”
“The Archives have helped the Women’s Institutes endure over time,” Donna added.
Conclusion
The stories of Michael, Barbara, and Donna show the different ways our community has used and contributed to the Simcoe County Archives over the past 60 years. Whether it’s for academic research, family history, or preserving records, the Archives continues to be a valuable place to advance the heritage of our Simcoe County. Thank you to our community of researchers and donors who continue to support the Archives as we celebrate this milestone.
If you are curious to joining our community, learn more about the services offered at the Simcoe County Archives.
Written by Abbey McCauley, Archives Assistant