​Bruce County Museum celebrates Archives Awareness Week, April 7-11

In recognition of Archives Awareness Week, the Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre is offering free admission to the Archives and Research Room from April 7-11. There’s also a behind-the-scenes tour of the research room and archival storage area, Saturday, April 11, at 3:30 p.m.

In accordance with this year’s theme, Marine Heritage, the tour will offer a special opportunity to view a selection of items rarely on display, including ship logs, vessel registers, and more.

For generations, the lakes have shaped trade, transportation, industry, and daily life along the Bruce County shoreline. The archives preserve documentation from early shipping and fishing to lighthouse keeping, harbour development, and modern navigation, including photographs, letters, ledgers, books, and business records. Together, they reveal the influence a close connection to water has on the local communities.

Anyone wishing to participate in the guided tour is encouraged to register at brucemuseum.ca as capacity is limited.

The museum also welcomes individuals, families, and organizations to donate materials related to the region’s marine heritage, to the archives.

“The photographs, documents, videos and books donated by community members reflect Bruce County’s story,” says archivist Deb Sturdevant. “The archives preserve a wide range of marine-related materials that support historical research, family history, education, and underwater archaeology. Donations help ensure that the experiences of sailors, fishermen, shipbuilders, lightkeepers, and waterfront workers, are remembered and shared.”

Individuals, businesses, and organizations interested in contributing to this collective history, may contact the archives to discuss potential donations by E-mail at archives@brucecounty.on.ca or by calling the research room at 226-909-2890.

Celebrated each year during the first week of April, Archives Awareness Week provides the opportunity to highlight the importance of preserving the documentary heritage of Ontario’s communities.