Vaughan Archives

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City of Vaughan Archives

The City of Vaughan Archives is a municipal government business unit that manages government records which document important municipal policies, programs, decisions, allocations, functions, and activities. This ensures the availability of documentary evidence for legal and administrative purposes, as well as long-term reference and planning needs.

The Archives also collects, preserves, and makes available for research permanently valuable non-government records from the Vaughan community that document the rich and diverse heritage of the City of Vaughan.

Types of Records Held

All City Records With Long-term Legal and Administrative Value (e.g. By-Laws, Council Minutes, Assessment Rolls, Financial Records, Reports, Correspondence, etc.)
Historic Photographs
Maps, Plans, and Architectural Drawings from the 1850's on
Records of Local Organizations, Past and Present
Papers of Residents and Families Including Diaries, Journals, Logs, Letters, Family Histories, etc.
Unpublished Histories and Studies
Land Records Dating Back to the 1790's
Newspapers and Directories
Census Records
Business, School, and Church Records

The Archives is also the official records repository for:

The Woodbridge Agricultural Society
The Vaughan Township Historical Society
The Burwick, Vellore, and Maple Women's Institutes

Who Uses the Archives?

Everyone! City of Vaughan staff, teachers, archaeologists, lawyers, urban planners, landscape architects, artists, real estate professionals, administrators, high school and university students, local historians, people seeking information about their family, property, or community and many others. The Archives is not limited to Vaughan residents; research requests from other continents are quite common.

Facilities and Services

Records Management Consultation for City Staff (hardcopy and digital records)
Research and Reading Area
Microfilm/Fiche Readers
Local History Library & Reference Files
Professional Reference Staff to Advise and Assist
Limited Research Service for Those Unable to Attend the Archives
Tours for Local Interest Groups and Schools
Educational Tool Kits and Online Resources

The Way We Were: Image of the Month

"Dominion of Destiny" Pageant, 1953

In August of 1953, members of the Elder's Mills Women's Institute participated in the "Dominion of Destiny" pageant, a special Canada Day event that took place during the Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW) Conference held in Toronto. Performed as a drama, the pageant recreated several major events in Canadian history from pre-settlement to the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Thirty-five scenes were performed in total and included full costume, lighting and music. Pictured here are ACWW members recreating scenes from the June 16, 1936, Peace Bridge event, where the Canadian President of the ACWW presented a plaque called "The Pilgrimage of Friendship" to the American President. The pageant also featured performances from a choir and ballet group, the Military and Air Force, the Red Cross, the YMCA and YWCA, and the Boy Scouts and Girl Guides.

Contact Information

City of Vaughan Archives

Phone:
905-832-2281 ext. 8793

Email:
archives@vaughan.ca

Location:
City Hall
Level 000
2141 Major Mackenzie Drive
Vaughan
L6A 1T1

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