Collections and Archives

R. Lorne Eedy Archives

A popular feature of the St. Marys Museum is the area for research into local history. A new wing for this community archives was opened in June 2006. The addition to the north of the original building is completely accessible and is well used by researchers throughout the year.

The archive resources include but are not limited to:

Genealogical materials
Newspapers (hard copies and microfilm)
Architectural records
Property history
Municipal records
Cemetery records
Photographs

The archives also features St. Marys newspapers dating back to 1857. This newspaper collection was officially donated to the Museum in March 2007 by their last private owner. In recognition, the research area has been named: R. Lorne Eedy Archives.

Finding Aids

Below is a list of finding aids for archival collections that can be found within the R. Lorne Eedy Archives. Please note that this list is not conclusive and is simply an example of the types of records held in the R. Lorne Eedy Archives.

Accessing our Archives

Archival resources are available for researcher access through pre-booked appointment only.

Admission to the Archives, including a brief orientation from staff, is free of charge. Copies may be made of select archival materials for a fee, based on our Fees for Service Schedule.

Collections

Picture St. Marys Website

Over 2500 of the St. Marys Museum's historic photographs have been digitized and are available for viewing online. The images on the website are watermarked low resolution reproductions. Both electronic and printed high resolution copies are available through the St. Marys Museum for a fee.

More Digital Collections

Donating Artifacts and Archival Material

The St. Marys Museum is currently accepting donations of artifacts and archival material into the Collections by appointment only. We are extremely judicious about adding to the collections and want to ensure that everything we collect is of high quality and fits within our mandate.

Before calling to schedule your appointment, please ensure that you understand the following general guidelines:

Artifacts must be historically significant, meaning they would contribute to an understanding of past human behaviour, customs, activities, events, institutions and personalities. The artifacts collected must be historically significant to Town of St. Marys or the surrounding rural area.
Objects must be in reasonable condition so that the Museum may fulfill its goal of preservation with as little conservation or restoration as possible.
Display of objects is not guaranteed.
Donations are deemed to be unconditional gifts.

If you wish to donate an artifact to St. Marys Museum, prior arrangements must be made with the Curator. Please contact us at 519-284-3556 to schedule an appointment.