Research

Using the Archives

We welcome individuals from all over Canada and the US to come and perform research at the archives. The Reading Room is equipped with WiFi, a computer for public access to our archival database, and a microfilm reader with printing and scanning capabilities.

The Norfolk County Archives collection includes municipal records in all formats relating to the County’s executive, management and administrative functions and related agencies that are designated for permanent archival retention according to legislative requirements and/or the County’s records retention by-law. Some of these records include, Voter’s Lists, Tax Assessments, Council Meeting Minutes and By-laws. The archives also acquires records from private sources from significant Norfolk County corporate bodies, families, or persons who have had some major impact on Norfolk County’s history or culture. These privately donated archival records can contain genealogical information on local families. Records related to local businesses or community organizations contain important historical information that preserves the memory of these local organizations. The archival collection contains both primary and secondary sources to help researchers with genealogy and local history research. Finding aids, including a variety of indexes, reference material and published resources are accessible in our Reading Room.

Accessing the Collection

Norfolk County Archives offers an extensive archival collection related to Norfolk County’s history and staff and volunteers can instruct users on how to utilize the collection.

There are a variety of methods in which you can obtain records from the Norfolk County Archives. The fees associated with photocopying, scanning and printing copies of archival records can be found in our Schedule of Fees (PDF document).

Photocopying can be conducted on-site in the reading room but photo reproduction will be conducted by the archivist and may take one – two weeks to complete. Please see our Photocopying Policy (PDF document) to learn more about copying records at the archives.

Research Services

Archives staff and volunteers are happy to assist with research requests in person, by telephone, email or regular mail.

If you cannot visit our facility, Norfolk County Archives offers long-distance research services. Staff and volunteers can conduct research on your behalf (research fees will apply – please see ‘Schedule of Fees’ (PDF document) for our current rates).

Our resources and service mandate allow us to accept only research requests with a tangible connection to Norfolk County. However, we can guide researchers to other archival repositories where the records may be available.

For information about services offered by the archives and associated costs, please consult our Schedule of Fees or email us at [email protected]