Heritage and History

The Brockton Heritage Register is a by-law that designates and lists properties that are historically significant in Brockton. Please visit our Heritage Properties page to learn more about the process of designating or listing a property and to learn which properties in Brockton are on the register. 

Our heritage driving tours take anywhere from one and a half to two and a half hours. The walking tours will take approximately one hour each. These begin at the Walkerton Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion at 505 Scott Street, Walkerton.

Take part in a virtual tour of Brockton, including the former Township of Greenock, Township of Brant, and Town of Walkerton using our Interactive Heritage Tours feature on the Brockton Heritage Storymap!

The Brockton Heritage Committee's archive collection is stored at the Greenock Works Shop. 

The Bruce County Public Library (Walkerton Branch) opened an archives room in 1999 including local books, microfilm, newspapers and pictures. The majority of the Library's former archive collection has been combined with the Brockton Heritage Committee's archive collection at the Greenock Works Shop. 

The Walkerton Library has a microfilm reader (view scan) computer, which has been relocated to the basement of the library. To ensure availability, please book your visit through the Walkerton Library. There is no fee to use the microfilm reader, but a fee may apply for photocopies. Users can also send copies of viewed items to their personal email through the microfilm reader's computer at no charge. 

The Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre in Southampton also houses historical artifacts and documentation from Bruce County. Visit the Bruce County Museum's website, and check out their Research page to learn more about their  archive collection, and resources the Museum can provide. 

Brant Township and Greenock Township History Books

The Brockton Heritage Committee has several copies of the Brant Township History Book and limited copies of the Greenock Township History Book available.

Copies of the Brant Township and Greenock Township History Books are for sale at the following locations:

• Municipal Office - 100 Scott Street, Walkerton
• Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre - 33 Victoria Street North, Southampton *Brant Township books only

Peter Schmalz Historic Books

The Brockton Heritage Committee have a surplus of historic books written by Peter S. Schmalz on The Impact of the Great Depression on Walkerton, and The County Town Question. Residents are able to pick up a free copy at the Municipal Office, 100 Scott Street, Walkerton, or call the Municipal Office at 519-881-2223 to have a copy reserved for pick up.

Local Archived History Books

• View our List of Local Archived History Books 

Bruce County Genealogical Society 
The Bruce County Genealogical Society can provide resources and assistance in researching your family history.

Bruce County Historical Society
The Bruce County Historical Society works to protect, preserve and promote the history of Bruce County and its people and has organized projects such as the Bruce County Military Project and the Bruce County Barn Project. The Society works to encourage the preservation and protection of buildings and structures of historical and architectural significance, protect unique natural landscapes and mark historic sites, structures, trails. They also produce a number of publications and host well attended programs and meetings for those interested in Bruce County history. 

Bruce County Virtual War Memorial
The Bruce County Virtual War Memorial lists Bruce County individuals who lost their lives at war. Names are organized by township and town and some are linked to records at the Canadian Virtual Memorial which includes personal photographs and memorabilia. 

Brockton Cemeteries
Learn more about the cemeteries in Brockton.

Land Registry Office
Look up abstracts or transactions of land purchases for a specific property back to 1850 through the Ontario Land Registry Office. The local Land Registry Office for Brockton is listed as "Bruce - LRO 03". The physical office was formerly located in Walkerton; however, all land registration services are only available online through OnLand and reference the local Land Registry Office. There may be a fee for each computerized search. 

Ontario Genealogical Society
The Ontario Genealogical Society can provide resources and assistance in researching your family history.

Ontario Historical Society (OHS)
The OHS is a non-profit corporation, publisher, and registered charity who aims to bring together people of all ages, all walks of life and all cultural backgrounds interested in preserving some aspect of Ontario's history. Check out their site for resources, a heritage directory, publications, programs and webinars.