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Region of Waterloo Archives
The Archives is the official home of records created by the:
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County of Waterloo (1829-1972)
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Region of Waterloo (1973-present)
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Township of Woolwich (1851-present)
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Town of Elmira (1886-1972).
The Archives exists to acquire and preserve records of archival value, provide access to the records, and support the development of the archival community in the Region.
About Us
The Archives was established in 1990 when a Corporate Archives policy was approved by Regional Council. It is a public space where records are kept in a secure vault, yet are accessible to citizens. However, unlike a library, material in the Archives cannot be removed or borrowed.
The Archives provides assistance to researchers by email, phone, fax, mail or in the research room. The Archivist is available to discuss research topics, provide possible archival sources, give instruction in searching and provide information on the preservation of records and archival practices.
There is no charge to use the Archives. However, there are fees for photocopies, microfilm copies, copies of photographs and for providing detailed assistance with research inquiries.The Archives adheres to the both the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and the Copyright Act.
In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, accessible formats of archival records are made available whenever possible.
Search the Archives
We are pleased to announce that Archives Online, a searchable database is launched!
Archives Online allows researchers to:
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browse holdings
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search for archival records by keyword
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search histories of municipalities, agencies, boards and commissions
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view popular searches
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view digital copies of archival records
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view online exhibits
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make comments or link to related material
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share records through social media
The development of Archives Online was made possible by funding from the Museum Assistance Program, Department of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.
In the Headlines
- Region of Waterloo Archives video, by Mathew McCarthy, Waterloo Region Record
- Region's archives contain pearls of local history, by Frances Barrick, Waterloo Region Record
- Stories of Woolwich's past go digital, by Colin Dewar, Woolwich Observer
- Field naturalist's archives find new home, by Dianne Wood, Waterloo Region Record
A Trip Accross the County: Accessing Regional Records
Click here to view a presentation on how to conduct genealogical research at the Region of Waterloo Archives.
Reference Material
To see what resources are available, visit the Archives Research Room.
Hours of Operation
Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., preferably by appointment.
Note: evening research hours are available by appointment.
The Archives is on closed weekends and holidays.
Fee Schedule
- Photocopies: 20 cents/page
- CD-ROMS: $10 each
- Long-distance research services: $7.50/15 minutes
Job Opportunities
The Archives occasionally has job opportunities posted on the Careers page of the Region's web site.
Summer student positions are usually posted at the end of April and in early May. We thank all applicants in advance; we will only contact applicants selected for an interview.
Internships
We welcome applications for unpaid internships from students who need a work placement as a requirement of graduation in archives, library science, information management and museum studies. Interested students may contact the Archivist.
Social Media
You can follow us and view our Archives content on the following sites:
- ACHEION: fonds level of description
- Facebook: daily updates, facts and photographs
- History Pin: photographs of County of Waterloo buildings
- Archive-It: archived crawls of Regional web sites and social media sites
Professional Affiliations
- Archives Association of Ontario
- Association of Records Managers & Administrators
- Association for Information and Image Management
- Association of Canadian Archivists
- Municipal Archives Interest Group
- Waterloo Historical Society
- Waterloo Wellington Museums and Galleries Network
