The Records

The Archives of Ontario holds many different kinds of records, with a few of the most heavily used being listed below. They are the starting point for most genealogical investigations. Such records are generally indexed, and they are usually available on microfilm at the Archives or through Microfilm Interloan.

The Archives of Ontario has published a series of in depth research guides on a variety of specific topics to help you with your research.

 

Vital Statistics

Ontario has collected vital statistics (birth, marriage and death) for well over two centuries. Records at the Archives include certificates for marriages from around 1802 to 1928, births from 1869 to 1913 and deaths from 1869 to 1938.

  • Vital Statistics Records (Research Guide 202) [ Word PDF ]
  • Understanding the Vital Statistics Indexes (Research Guide 203) [ Word PDF ]
  • Sources for Birth, Marriage and Death Records (Research Guide 204) [ Word PDF ]

 

Estate Files

Wills, which are available at the Archives cover the years from roughly. 1793 to about 1969 provide important information on family relationships and property.

  • How to Find a Will in Court Records (Research Guide 206) [ Word PDF ]

 

Land Records

Ontario land records fall into two main categories: (i) Crown land records (for property owned by the Crown), which document the history of a property until it was granted or sold by the Crown; and (ii) land registry records (for privately owned property), which document the history of a property after it was granted or sold by the Crown. A few of the most important of these numerous and varied land records are the Ontario Lands Records Index (relating to land grants), Land Patents and Land Petitions.

  • Using the Ontario Land Records Index ca. 1780-ca. 1920 (Research Guide 205) [ Word PDF ]
  • From Grant to Patent: A Guide to Early Land Settlement Records, ca.1790 to ca.1850 (Research Guide 215) [ Word PDF ]
  • Resources for Researching Land Records (Research Guide 225) [Word, PDF]
  • Finding Land Registration Records (Research Guide 231) [Word, PDF]

 

Other Records and Resources

After you have taken these initial steps, be prepared to go further. At the Archives of Ontario you may consult naturalization records, passenger lists, maps and tombstone recordings, as well as church, court, military, hospital and school records. You may also consult city directories and voters’ lists.

  • Student and Teacher Records (Research Guide 216) [Word, PDF]
  • Census Records (Research Guide 220) [Word, PDF]
  • Directories, Telephone Books and Voters Lists (Research Guide 221) [Word, PDF]
  • Genealogy Collections and Published Genealogies (Research Guide 222) [Word, PDF]
  • Guardianship and Adoption Records (Research Guide 223) [Word, PDF]
  • Patient and Health Practitioner Records (Research Guide 224) [Word, PDF]
  • Resources for Researching Land Records (Research Guide 225) [Word, PDF]
  • Militia and Military Records (Research Guide 226) [Word, PDF]
  • United Empire Loyalist Records (Research Guide 227) [Word, PDF]
  • Immigration, Naturalization and Citizenship Records (Research Guide 228) [Word, PDF]
  • Finding Change of Name Records in Ontario (Research Guide 229) [Word, PDF]
  • Criminal Justice Records at the Archives of Ontario (Research Guide 233) [Word, PDF]
  •  Family History Centres in Ontario
  • Genealogical Researchers in Ontario [ Word PDF ]
  • Links to Other Genealogical Resources