Reception for returned troops, 1919 The Leaside neighbourhood is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. It was incorporated as a town by an act of the provincial legislature passed on April 23, 1913. The centennial festivities include an archival exhibit, the Layers of Leaside, that explores the area’s cultural landscape over many years. The […]
Getting Started The Humanities and Social Sciences Department at the Toronto Reference Library houses extensive research material for genealogists and local historians, including the Deposit Collections of three genealogical societies (Ontario Genealogical Society, Jewish Genealogical Society of Toronto, and the Canadian Society of Mayflower Descendants). Searching the Library Website Suggested Keywords: Black Canadians genealogy Blacks […]
Getting Started This guide had minor revisions in October 2014 and May 2023. Trace your Chinese ancestors in Canada using immigration records and head tax certificates. The Humanities and Social Sciences Department at the Toronto Reference Library has an extensive Asian genealogy collection. Unique collections are also available in our Chinese Canadian Archive. In both cases, some […]
From 2012 to 2014, Canadians and Americans will commemorate the War of 1812 – a seminal event in our shared histories. This spring, a unique series of lectures, debates and conversations will be presented by the Toronto Public Library in partnership with Heritage Toronto, the Royal Ontario Museum, Luminato and several community heritage organizations. AT […]
Getting Started This guide has had minor revisions January 2014 and August 2015. With recent changes in provincial legislation across Canada, it is now possible for adoptees to often obtain health related information, adoption orders and even their own birth information form. They can also register that they do, or do not, wish to be […]
Getting Started This guide has had minor revisions in June 2013 and April 2014. Historical land records in Ontario are with the Ontario government, either with the Archives of Ontario or in local land registry offices. The Archives of Ontario website has useful research guides on land records. The Toronto Public Library houses various indexes […]
Getting Started This guide has had minor revisions Dec. 2013. Find out if you have native ancestors in census records as they indicate an individual's ethnic origin. Some Aboriginal individuals are also found in parish records, land claims and even military records. The Library has handbooks on how to find and use these records. Digitized […]
Bird's-eye view, looking north from harbour to north of Bloor St… I have to admit that ever since I began working in the Canadiana Department I have been fascinated by Ontario place names, the histories associated with the places and maps. The place names Athens, Baden, East Garafraxa, Lotus, Morningstar and Zavitz all sound […]
Getting Started This guide had minor revisions in September 2014. The Humanities and Social Sciences Department at the Toronto Reference Library has resources from many towns and regions across Ontario to help in your genealogy research. We collect Ontario local history and family histories. Searching the Library website For an introductory guide to Ontario genealogy try A beginner’s […]
Getting Started This guide has had minor revisions in January 2017. Note: This research guide provides general information regarding birth, marriage and death records for conducting genealogical research. If you are trying to locate specific personal information and require research assistance, please send an e-mail to Toronto Public Library. Library staff will then reply to you […]