Government of Ontario

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Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery




Donating to the Archives of Ontario

Why does the Archives of Ontario collect private records?


Established in 1903, the Archives of Ontario is Canada’s largest provincial archives. Our objective is also to capture the records of enduring provincial significance illustrating the history and development of Ontario.

We act as the guardian of Ontario’s documentary memory under the Archives and Recordkeeping Act (2006). As the official repository for the archival records of the Province of Ontario, we strive to acquire records from the private sector which document the many facets of Ontario's diverse society, and provide a reflection of the interaction between the government and its citizens.

The records in our collection are from individuals and organizations that tell the stories of Ontario’s people, document events and trends with wide-ranging social or political impact, and reflect the province’s cultural diversity.

Walking along the harbourfront, Toronto
Learn more about the types of records we collect.
Female military personnel working in an office
The Archives of Ontario works to broaden the representation of Ontario society in our collections.
Colourful photograph of a woman derssed in an elaborate costume for the Caribana festival in Toronto
The Archives of Ontario invites you to consider making a gift to the province by donating your records.
Black and white photograph of a woman, from the waist up, posing for the camera
Our rich and varied collection would not be possible without our donors. Learn more about those who have generously donated records to the Archives of Ontario.