Archives

Research

Our research collection includes documents, photographs, maps, newspapers, files, and books. Some documents in our collection have been digitized and can be searched online.

You can visit the Archives' Research Room to find out information on local history such as people, properties, businesses, the Welland Canal, and much more.

There is no charge to use the Research Room, but there are fees for photocopies and reproductions.

If you cannot visit in person, we can do research for you. Simple requests that take less than 15 minutes to complete are free. For anything longer, research fees may apply. To learn more or to ask a research question, contact us.

Rentals

You or your group can rent the Conference Hall at the Archives. The room is suitable for meetings, family gatherings, and other special events.

We have 8 tables and 50 stacking chairs for renters to use. Renters have access to a kitchenette with fridge, coffee urn, and kettle.

Rental Fees

Daily Rental (8 hours) $168 plus HST

Rental fee must be paid in advance and is non-refundable. A refundable security deposit will be required.

Please note that at this time only cash and cheques are accepted as payment for rental fees.

To Book a Rental

Call 905-834-7604

Walking tours

Person standing in a cemetery, surrounded by gravestones and trees.

Reservations must be made in Advance for All Tours: 905 834 7604 archives@portcolborne.ca

Limited Spots Available

Walking Through History Cemetery Tours

Saturday June 6 9:30 am Oakwood Cemetery Tour
Saturday May 30 9:30 am Overholt Cemetery Tour, Part 1
Saturday May 30 12 noon Overholt Part 2 and St. Paul’s Cemetery Tour

Urban History Walking Tours 2026
Fridays 10am

May 29 West St. History Walking Tour
June 12 West St. History Walking Tour
June 19 Main St. Humberstone Village History Walking Tour
June 26 Tennessee Ave. Humberstone Club Walking Tour
July 3 West St. History Walking Tour
July 10 Main St. Humberstone Village History Walking Tour
July 17 Tennessee Ave. Humberstone Club Walking Tour
Aug 7 West St. History Walking Tour
Aug 21 Main St. Humberstone Village History Walking Tour
Aug 28 Tennessee Ave. Humberstone Club Walking Tour

Follow us on Facebook for notice of upcoming Archives' walking tours.

West Street Urban History
Main Street and Old Humberstone Village Urban History
Tennessee Avenue and the Humberstone Club Urban History
Overholt Cemetery Tour Part 1
St. Paul's and Overholt Cemetery Tour Part 2
Oakwood Cemetery Tour
We Will Remember - Honouring Military Service at Oakwood Cemetery Tour

We offer any of our tours for a group of 4 or more people at a time that works for your schedule. Our walking tours are available as “armchair” visual presentations if you cannot access the regular tours. Contact us to book a tour for your group of 4 or more.

Tours are about 90 minutes long.

Suggested donation per person for each tour is $10 minimum

Speakers Series

Held every autumn, join us for presentations on local history by historians at the archives, 286 King St. Free admission.

Follow us on Facebook for more information on the upcoming Fall Speakers Series.

If you or your group would like a speaker or workshop for a meeting or special event, we can provide presentations on a range of topics about local history, just contact us.

Property Research Workshop

Do you want to learn more about the history of your property or your home?

Join us for this workshop about resources and research techniques to conduct your own property research. We will demonstrate how to use onland.ca, other online resources, and archival resources, including insurance plans and directories

April 30, 2026, 6-9 pm

Advance Registration Required: contact us 905-834-7604

L.R. Wilson Heritage Research Archives

286 King St. Port Colborne

Participants are invited to bring their own laptops or tablets to use during the workshop

$20 per person donation

Useful Links resource

Photo Reproductions

Volunteering

Donations

Just for Fun! Puzzles