Heritage

The Walkerton Archives Room at the Walkerton Public Library was opened in May, 1999. The Archives houses a local historical collection which includes books, microfilm, newspapers and pictures. Additional materials for the archives are held in the Walkerton Fire Hall.

Vita Collections - Brockton Heritage Search is an Ontario-wide digital collection of cultural and historical documents. The Brockton Heritage Committee has set up a digital Brockton archive through this site. The collection features:

• a listing of culturally and architecturally significant sites in Brockton
• a collection of archival and photographic resources
• genealogical resources
• some items date back to 1861

To explore the local collection visit the Brockton Heritage Committee Archive site or submit a search through the button below.

On January 14, 2020 Brockton Council passed By-Law 2020-003 adopting a Brockton Heritage Committee Donation Policy. The policy was revised by By-Law 2020-059 on May 12, 2020. 

The Brockton Heritage Committee wishes to accept donations that are of historical importance to the Municipality of Brockton, or former Townships of Brant and Greenock, and the former Town of Walkerton.

If you are interested in donating a historic artifact to the Brockton Heritage Committee please review the policy. The policy defines the type of donations(s) that will be accepted by the Heritage Committee, the procedure for accepting and storing the donation(s), the procedure for returning or disposing of the unaccepted donation(s), and the Transfer of Ownership Agreement attached as Appendix A to the policy.

The Brockton Heritage Committee also has a Donation Brochure inviting residents to donate their historical donations to the Committee in accordance with the Brockton Heritage Committee Donation Policy. 

Ancestry Family Tree
Start a family tree for free using Ancestry's Family Tree Creator.

Bruce County Genealogical Society 
Resources and assistance in researching your family history.

Bruce County Historical Society
The 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. Their site lists some great local research resources.

Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre
A hub for local history, artifacts and archives.

Bruce County Virtual War Memorial
This site lists the men and women of Bruce County 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. To do a search of a property you will need the legal description for the property. There is a fee for each computerized search. Some searches may involve accessing microfilm and staff are available for assistance.

Ontario Genealogical Society
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. 

Walkerton Branch of the Bruce County Public Library
The Library is where the Brockton archives are based and the archive room is open to the public during regular library hours.

A microfilm reader (view scan) is available for public use. To ensure availability, please book your visit through the Library. There is no charge to use the microfilm reader, but there is a fee for copies. Users can send copies of viewed items to their personal email through the microfilm reader's computer at no charge.

• The Robert Sutherland Archives - a collection of material of historical interest to the Municipality of Brockton and former Town of Walkerton, Township of Brant, and Township of Greenock which includes an archive of local Walkerton newspapers dating from circa 1870 to present day including microfilm archives for The Bruce Times, The Telescope, Walkerton Herald Times, and a German language newspaper. These are indexed for Birth, Deaths and Marriages. 
• Local History Books - collection of local histories from the surrounding area and communities.
• Family Histories - collection of materials donated to the Library.
• Papers and Pictures - collection of materials donated to the Library from  personal collections and organizations from Walkerton and the surrounding communities.
• Microfilm Collection - Census; Ontario Vital Statistics; Bruce County Surrogate Court Records; Bruce County Land Records; Council Minutes for Town of Walkerton and Brant Township

Please contact the Library for further information.