Government of Ontario Archives of Ontario
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Location: Ministry of Government and Consumer Services > Archives of Ontario > Search the Collections

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Our Collections: An Overview
Go to Our Collections: An Overview

The collections held by the Archives of Ontario are comprised of original documents from a wide variety of sources that provide a unique connection to Ontario's past. This page has been created to help you navigate through the Archives' vast holdings and find the records you are seeking. To begin your search follow the links below. For a general introduction to our collections, click the link to the right.

Note: Not all of the Archives' holdings have been described. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, call, email, or visit the Archives in person. Our reference staff will be happy to help you navigate our reading rooms and the resources you’ll find there.

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Databases and Frequently Accessed Records

Vital Statistics: Birth, Marriage and Death Registrations The Archives of Ontario holds historic birth, marriage and death records. These records must be searched on microfilm as no database is available. Follow the link for information on how to carry out a search for both local and long-distance researchers.
Archives Descriptive Database

The online Archives Descriptive Database (ADD) provides information about many of the holdings and how to search for them. Use it to look up records and find out how much material is available, what the holdings include, and how to access the records. To learn what has recently been added to the ADD click here.

Visual Database The Visual Database provides access to thousands of scanned images of photographs and documentary art held by the Archives of Ontario.
Government of Ontario Art Collection Database Search a selection of images from the Government of Ontario Art Collection.
BIBLiON Library Catalogue Search the catalogue of the Archives of Ontario library.
Immigration Records This database is an index to the four volumes of assisted immigration registers created by the Toronto Emigrant Office between 1865 and 1883.
Second Heir and Devisee Commission Case Files Database This database is an index to the 5184 case files that document claims made to the second Heir and Devisee Commission.

Research Guides and Tools

Follow the links below to various guides and tools that are designed to assist you in the use of particular types of records or to provide information about the Archives' policies and services.

Topics

Bills and Statutes

  • Researching Ontario Bills and Statutes (Research Guide 207) [HTML, PDF]

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Divorce Files

  • Finding Divorce Files in Ontario (Research Guide 210) [HTML, PDF]
  • Finding York County Divorce Files (Research Guide 211) [HTML, PDF]

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Genealogical Family History Research

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Land Records

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Municipal Records

  • Records of Ontario Municipal Board Hearings (Research Guide 208) [HTML, PDF]
  • Municipal Records at the Archives of Ontario (Research Guide 209) [HTML, PDF]
  • Municipal Land Use Planning (Research Guide 214) [HTML, PDF]

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Policies and Services

  • Copyright and Your Research (Customer Service Guide 108) [HTML, PDF]
  • Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (Customer Service Guide 109) [HTML, PDF]
  • Freelance Researchers List (Customer Service Guide 112) [HTML, PDF]
  • Genealogical Researchers in Ontario (Customer Service Guide 111) [HTML, PDF]
  • Guide to Citing Archival Records (Customer Service Guide 107) [HTML, PDF]
  • How to Order Reproductions (Customer Service Guide 106) [HTML, PDF]
  • Microfilm Interloan Service (Customer Service Guide 110) [HTML, PDF]
  • Reading Room Rules (Customer Service Guide 101) [HTML, PDF]
  • Research During Extended Hours (Customer Service Guide 104) [HTML, PDF]
  • Reproduction Services Fees (Customer Service Guide 105) [HTML, PDF]
  • Sound and Moving Images Reading Room (Customer Service Guide 102) [HTML, PDF]
  • Special Collections (Customer Service Guide 103) [HTML, PDF]
  • What Records We Have… What Records We Don't Have (Research Guide 201) [HTML, PDF]

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Reference Maps of Ontario

The Changing Shape of Ontario: A Guide to Boundaries, Names and Regional Governments

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War of 1812

  • Records Relating to the War of 1812 at the Archives of Ontario (Research Guide 213 ) [HTML, PDF]

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Wills and Estate Files

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Telephone Service: For general ministry information, call (416) 326-8555 or Toll free 1-800-268-1142 (in Ontario).
For consumer information and advice: (416) 326-8800 or Toll free1-800-889-9768.
TTY/Teletypewriter users only: (416) 325-3408 or Toll free 1-800-268-7095.

Please send your comments, feedback and inquiries to: Info.mgcs@ontario.ca

Please send Archives of Ontario reference inquiries to: reference@ontario.ca

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