Local History and Genealogy

A collection of assorted church, school and family histories as well as information about local architecture and the history of Caledonia is available at the Caledonia branch. The Caledonia branch also holds bound periodicals of the Grand River Sachem newspaper from 1972 through 2005. These collections are available for in-house use during regular library hours.

Interested in more Caledonia history? Visit Edinburgh Square website.

The DDHA is a heritage group promoting interest in and appreciate of the heritage of Dunnville and its surrounding areas by collecting, preserving, and making available to the public historical and genealogical information. DDHA collections and volunteers can be found in the local history room of the Dunnville branch (2nd floor). 

Volunteers are on site Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. or by appointment.

For general inquiries or to book an appointment, you can email the DDHA at dunnvilleheritage@gmail.com .

You can also follow the DDHA on Facebook.

An interesting collection of household artifacts from the Hager family, dating back to 1862, are on display at the Hagersville Library. You can also find high school year-books, published and unpublished family and town histories, and more available for in-house use.

The Cayuga Library + Heritage Centre is a shared use facility holding both the library and the archives of the previous Cayuga Museum & Archives. Boasting a large exhibit space, special events and programs as well as museum staff on site to assist the public – this local history and genealogy gem should not be missed.

Learn more about Haldimand Museums.

Also, in partnership with the Haldimand Museums, a digital archive of WW1 information is available for browsing.

The Jarvis Local History room holds a collection of both published and unpublished works about the history of the Jarvis community and it’s library. The collection also includes unique and rare artifacts such as:

·         Locally made and drawn quilts and maps

·         A training bomb from WWII

·         Food packaging from historical local industry

·         A chunk of the OPG smoke stacks and much more!

 This collection was developed by the work for dedicated volunteers. It is accessible to the public during regular library hours (link: branches and hours).

Link to Jarvis Record

NESHS maintains an extensive archival collection of local history and genealogical resources at the Selkirk branch.  This collection includes:

·         Local census and tax assessment records from the 1800’s and 1900’s  

·         A microfilm reader and large microfilm collecting including birth, death and marriage records, and the Jarvis Record and Selkirk Star newspapers

·         Cemetery books for various local townships

·         And early marriage records, some farm log books, an extensive oral history collection and extensive photograph collection.

These collection is accessible to the public during regular library hours 

NESHS meets three times per year in March, June and October, plus an annual outing.

NESHS organizes the annual Heritage Day event, held on the 3^rd Monday in February, at the Selkirk Centennial Community Centre.

For more information contact Cliff Dosser, Member at Large, at 905-776-3513. 

For more information about Selkirk's history, visit the Wilson Macdonald School Museum website.