Donating Records to the Archives of Ontario - Page Banner Photo: Interior of Massey Hall, Toronto, [ca. 1890]
Interior of Massey Hall, Toronto, [ca. 1890]
Josiah Bruce
Black and white print
Reference Code: F 1125-1-0-0-108
Archives of Ontario, I0001871

The Archives of Ontario – preserving Ontario’s history

Established in 1903, the Archives of Ontario is the largest provincial archives in Canada. It is dedicated to the preservation of Ontario's rich documentary heritage and acts as the guardian of Ontario's collective memory for future generations.

The Archives collects records from the Ontario government and the private sector with the goal of establishing a balance between information documenting government activities and those of private individuals and businesses.

Contribute to the documentary heritage of Ontario

People from all walks of life donate records to the Archives of Ontario, such as farmers, lawyers, artists, business people and social clubs. Important business collections maintained at the Archives include: The New PL – the second Canadian privately owned TV station to go on the air; Moriyama & Teshima Architects; the T. Eaton Co. and the St. Lawrence Starch Co.

The Archives of Ontario invites you to consider making a gift to the province by donating your records. When making a donation, you will:

  • contribute to documenting the history of our province for future generations;
  • ensure that your records are described and maintained in a safe environment; and
  • increase the profile of your records by allowing visitors from across Canada and around the world, including school children, university academics, documentary filmmakers and journalists to examine and learn about your records.

    “Through this partnership with the Archives of Ontario we are pleased that the New PL’s extensive news film collection is being made readily available to the public at large and will be preserved for posterity.”

    Greg Mudry, Vice-President and General Manager of the New PL, London, Ontario.

What does the Archives of Ontario collect?

The Archives of Ontario preserves records that have enduring significance to the history of Ontario and works to achieve a balance between acquiring records of the Ontario government and the public at large.

Private records include personal and family papers such as letters, diaries, scrapbooks, photographs, audio and videotapes as well as records from businesses and organizations, such as articles of incorporation, executive board and committee minutes, by-laws, correspondence, planning documents, summary financial documents, reports, newsletters, memoranda, directories, press releases, staff files and more.

What happens to your donation?

A donation is the legal transfer of ownership of archival material from a private individual, organization or business to the Archives of Ontario.

  • Professional staff at the Archives can meet with you to discuss issues such as copyright, and access or use restrictions. In addition, and, if eligible, they will provide you with a tax receipt for the fair market value of your donation.
  • The Archives of Ontario will publicly acknowledge your donation in a variety of ways if you wish.

Things to think about

Copyright

  • The intellectual rights of records creators are protected under Canadian Copyright law.
  • Copyright usually belongs to the author and is often bequeathed to family members through a will. It can be transferred legally from one person or institution to the Archives of Ontario.
  • Copyright owners are encouraged to transfer copyright to the Archives of Ontario.

Sensitive records

  • Does your collection contain records of a sensitive or personal nature? Archives staff can discuss options for restricting access to those records and addressing your concerns about sensitive materials.

Not ready to part with your records yet?

  • The Archives of Ontario can arrange for the transfer of your records at a later date through a signed agreement, which includes a schedule for future donations.
  • Staff at the Archives can help you plan a bequest of records. Planned giving is an excellent option if you wish to transfer your records as part of your estate.

Need more information?

We encourage you to get in touch with us at the Archives of Ontario to talk about a donation. Send us a message via e-mail at reference@ontario.ca or call 416-327-1600 or our toll free number 1-800-668-9933. Or write to:


Acquisitions
Archives of Ontario
134 Ian Macdonald Blvd,
Toronto, Ontario
M7A 2C5

A member of our staff will be pleased to contact you to discuss your donation.

Recognizing Our Donors | Corporations | Individuals | Library Donations
Government of Ontario Art Collection | Donating Records | Acquisition Mandate