Files and Items

The Archives' collection includes millions of individual files and items. These include records in many media, including paper files and volumes, photographs, maps, architectural drawings, documentary art, sound recordings, and moving images.

The information in the description of a file or item is usually brief and may include a title, dates of creation, a physical description of the object (e.g. 1 photograph : black and white or 1 file of textual records), possibly a brief description of its contents, and ordering information.

For information on how to view files or items, see Requesting and Viewing Archival Records. Please note that only a portion of all of the files and items are described in the database. New information is added on a regular basis.

Every file and item forms part of a group of archival records. A link is provided to the group of which the file or item forms a part. See How Archival Records are Organized for more information.

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Groups of Archival Records

The records in the Archives' collection are organized into groups based on the person, organization or Ontario government office that created or accumulated them. These groups are called fonds, series and sub-series.

A description of a group of archival records will provide information that answers questions such as:

• How much and what type of material is this?
• When was it created?
• What personal or governmental activities generated these records?
• How can I view these records?
• Are there restrictions on access to these records?

A description of a group of archival records may also include links to other related descriptions:

• to a list of all of the files and items that make up the group of records
• to a description of the person, group, or part of the Ontario government that created the records

See How Archival Records are Organized for more information.

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Record Creators

Record creators are the people, organizations, or parts of the Ontario government that created or accumulated the groups of records that form the Archives' collection. 

Descriptions of record creators provide valuable information that helps to explain who created a group of records and what individual or business activity generated the records.

Each description of a record creator provides links to the group or group(s) of archival records that the person, organization or Ontario government office created.

See How Archival Records are Organized for more information.

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