Living History Project
You’re invited to share your story and be part of the Library’s Living History Project! The year-long initiative is County-wide and will collect and publish the many ways libraries impact the communities they serve.
All stories are welcome and you can contribute in a number of ways, including writing a short story or poem, creating a piece of art, or channeling your inner movie star in a video interview led by library staff.
Community stories will be shared in a documentary-style video and published in a special anthology, available in 2025.
How to participate: Fill out a Living History Project form online. Paper forms are available to pick up and fill out at all library branches.
Upcoming workshops
| Local History & Exploring the Archives |
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Join us for an evening of exploring our Library’s historical archives. Come learn how to navigate the local history available through the Library. Let us help you do some local historical research, look through old photos of your community, or explore a local event from years gone by.
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Digital archives
Explore an extensive online collection created in partnership with local historical organizations, museums, and generous local families who have donated personal items.
Download a PDF guide to get started or watch the video tutorial below.
This collection includes:
- Maps
- Historical buildings
- Photos and personal letters
- Land deeds
- Military history
- Railroad history
Ancestry and genealogy
Research your family's history using Ancestry Library Edition for free at any of our branches. Download our Ancestry Library Edition guide (in PDF format) here or watch the video tutorial above.
This collection includes:
- Birth, marriage and death records
- Military records
- Court, land and probate records
- Immigration records
- Census records
- School and church records
Archival newspapers and obituaries
Access copies of old local newspapers here:
- the Paris Star newspaper is held by the Paris Museum & Historical Society
- the Brantford Expositor newspaper is held by the Brantford Public Library
