Explore Our Archives
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The Archives & Heritage Centre is one of many charming buildings that line Bayfield’s historic Main Street. But did you know our building was first used in 1893 by Alfred Erwin, furniture maker and undertaker?
Other proprietors operated the building in the 1970s when it was donated to the village and moved across the street to our present location at 20 Main Street North for use as the library and archives. We shared the space with the library until the current library was built.
Since 2013, the Bayfield Historical Society has been a cultural anchor in our village, advancing the learning and love of local history and a place for welcoming tourists and visitors.
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Our Archives & Heritage Centre maintains an extensive archival collection. Of the historical societies in Huron County, we are the only one with a dedicated space for exploring these records. Under the expert guidance of our volunteer archivist and adhering to rigorous archival standards, we collect and catalogue hundreds of documents, newspaper clippings, photographs, books, textiles and other artifacts in a safe and temperature-controlled environment, and provide reference support to researchers and members of our community.
History at your fingertips
We follow international standards for archival description and use web-based archival software to maintain a searchable database for ease of access. We also leverage digital media to make learning history exciting and engaging.
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If you wish to conduct research on-site, please get in touch with our archivist ahead of time to indicate what you are looking for (it may take some time to locate the information you are seeking) and to make an appointment for your visit.
We also welcome research requests. Because searching for information and responding requires time, there is a $20 per hour fee for this service.
Fees for reproduction or commercial purposes are quoted on a case-by-case basis.
Please contact our archivist at bhsmembers@gmail.com. Service fees are used to maintain our archival records.
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Photos and documents in the collection may not be used without the prior written consent of the Bayfield Historical Society. This also applies to the reproduction of all materials published by the Archives.
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Julia Armstrong, who grew up on a farm near Bayfield, has always been interested in the area’s history and the stories told by her grandmother, Jean (Lindsay) Bell, who lived on Bayfield Terrace and was a long-time member of the Bayfield Historical Society. Julia holds a master’s degree in archival and library science from the Faculty of Information, University of Toronto.
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Do you have a question or research request? Our archivist can help. Please complete and submit the form below. Please note, some requests may take longer to search than others. We will reply as soon as possible.
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Assessment Rolls & Ephemera
Our Archives & Heritage Centre maintains assessment rolls for the village of Bayfield. These rolls were compiled annually and identified the head of the household and the number of occupants.
We also maintain an extensive collection of ephemera, such as broadsides, newspaper clippings, prints and postcards for research purposes.
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Family Histories
Families who have played significant roles in shaping the history of Bayfield have donated photos, papers and other materials to our Archives, providing a glimpse into their lives and events that contributed to the character of our community. We take great pride in honouring the legacy of these families through the preservation and cataloguing of these records.
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Newspapers, Books & More
Our Archives & Heritage Centre has a small library of township histories, Huron County atlases and more to help you with your local history search. We can also consult Bayfield Council minutes dating from 1876 to 1965, including directories.
The digitized Huron County Newspapers are an excellent resource for local history research. You can search them at this link.
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Bayfield Historical Web Map
Our historical web map of the village was created on our behalf in 2021 by Ben Woodward, a University of Waterloo graduate. The map is a unique tool that helps you become familiar with our image collection while connecting you to our vibrant past. Start discovering!
10,000 years in
20 minutes
A brief history of Indigenous People in Huron County Prior to European Settlement
Encampment Among the Islands of Lake Huron by Paul Kane (1810–71).
Royal Ontario Museum, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
Do you have items you would like to donate? Please email us at bhsmembers@gmail.com to speak with our archivist about whether your items fit our collecting policy. We thank our archival donors for contributing to our enduring legacy.
External Links
