Heritage Research | City of Kawartha Lakes

Are you interested in doing your own research about local history and heritage?

There are many local research resources where you can learn more about Kawartha Lakes. Visit one of our local museums and historical societies or access digital resources online to get started on your local history research.

Do you need some more assistance with your research? Come to one of our workshops or contact us for more help.

City Records and Archives

The City's Municipal Records and Archives, located at 31 Mary Street East in Lindsay, holds the official records of the City of Kawartha Lakes and its predecessor municipalities as well as privately donated collections that preserve the history of the area.

Kawartha Lakes Public Library

Visit one of the 14 branches of the Kawartha Lakes Public Library to access local history books and resources. Additional resources are available at the Reference Department at the Lindsay branch and in the library's digital collections.

Trent University

The Trent University Archives, located in Peterborough at the Bata Library, holds a variety of records pertaining to the history of Kawartha Lakes. This include collector and assessment rolls for the different former townships and the Victoria County court records, as well as private and family collections that have been donated to the University.

Trent Valley Archives

Trent Valley Archives, located in Peterborough, is a private archives that holds a variety of records related to the history of the Trent Valley and surrounding area. This includes records related to both Kawartha Lakes and Peterborough County.

Kawartha Lakes Museum and Archives

The Kawartha Lakes Museum and Archives, located at 50 Victoria Avenue North in Lindsay, is a private museum and archives that has a variety of research material for you to consult. You can access their exhibits and collections both in person and online.

Local Historical Societies

Many of our local historical societies also have a range of records, artifacts and archival materials that may be helpful to your research. These organizations include:

Kirkfield and District Historical Society
Manvers Historical Society
Shedden and Area Historical Society
Boyd Heritage Museum
Beaverton Thorah and Eldon Historical Society

Reach out to their helpful volunteers who can assist you in finding what you are looking for.

Digital and Online Resources

Internet Archive

Internet Archive is home to a large selection of online books and historical resources that can assist you with your research. In particular, there are a number of local history books online, digital copies of the Lindsay Post and local and area directories.

Canadiana Online

Canadiana Online is a free online resources devoted to the preservation of Canadian documentary heritage online. There are a range of resources that touch on Kawartha Lakes history including directories, historic books and church publications.

McGill Historic Atlases

McGill University has undertaken a project to digitize historic county maps across Canada. Many maps from southern Ontario have been digitized including Kawartha Lakes. For Manvers Township, consult the Durham County map.

Library and Archives Canada

Library and Archives Canada has a range of digital resources related to Kawartha Lakes including photographs and fire insurance plans which can be accessed through its online catalogue. Many Library and Archives Canada collections can only be accessed in person in Ottawa.