L.R. Wilson Heritage Research Archives

L.R. Wilson Heritage Research Archives Research facility specializing in the history of the City of Port Colborne. Regular hours May to Dec Research Room Open Monday to Friday, 1-5p.m. and Sat.

This research facility, on the grounds of the Port Colborne Historical and Marine Museum, was completed in 2006, and designed externally to recapture the spirit of Port Colborne's first Village Hall which was built in 1873. It features:
- a climate-controlled repository for the documentary history of the City of Port Colborne and area.
- a Research Room suitable for the study of those resources,

particularly genealogy and family history.
- a Conference Room large enough to accommodate groups with diverse purposes. by appt
Rental Information: the conference hall can accommodate a variety of groups, including family gatherings, parties, business meetings, etc. Rental includes the use of 8 folding tables, 52 stacking chairs and access to the kitchen area which includes a fridge, electric kettle and coffee pot. Rental Fee: 8 hour rental $120.00 plus HST

Archives Assistant, Julianna was at the Port Colborne Farmers' Market this morning sharing the exciting news that the L....
05/22/2026

Archives Assistant, Julianna was at the Port Colborne Farmers' Market this morning sharing the exciting news that the L.R. Wilson Heritage Research Archives' Urban History Walking Tours will be returning for another summer!

Lace up your walking shoes and explore historic locations around the city and gain insight on how Port Colborne has grown 🚶

Swipe to see upcoming tour dates and contact [email protected] to book your spot now!

Join us for a Walk through History on our Cemetery Tours as we explore the people, culture, and history of our local com...
05/09/2026

Join us for a Walk through History on our Cemetery Tours as we explore the people, culture, and history of our local community.

All tours last approximately 1.5 hours
Suggested donation minimum $10 per person

Tour sizes are limited and participants are asked to register in advance by calling the Port Colborne Museum (905) 834 7604 or by email [email protected]

Z is for . . . Zavitz!Elizabeth ‘Lizzie’ Zavitz Steele and her husband, David Steele sat for this photo c.1870. Both the...
04/30/2026

Z is for . . . Zavitz!

Elizabeth ‘Lizzie’ Zavitz Steele and her husband, David Steele sat for this photo c.1870. Both the Zavitz and Steele families were among the earliest settlers in the area.

Featured: PCHMM 2017.10.5

Y is for . . . YouTube!Check out this video on the history of Steele Street School, produced using research and analysis...
04/29/2026

Y is for . . . YouTube!

Check out this video on the history of Steele Street School, produced using research and analysis by our Archives staff.

5 likes. "Building History: Reports on Port Colborne's Architectural Legacy ~ Ep. 1 Steele St. School"

X is for . . . Xylography! Woodcut of the Bluenose. The artist, Evern Earl Bailly (E. Earl Bailly) is best known for his...
04/28/2026

X is for . . . Xylography!

Woodcut of the Bluenose. The artist, Evern Earl Bailly (E. Earl Bailly) is best known for his paintings. This woodcut was produced to help pay for Bailly's passage on the Bluenose to the Chicago World's Fair in 1933. Bailly (1903-77) lived in Lunenburg, N.S.

At the age of 3 he contracted polio and lost the use of his hands and legs. He learned how to paint by holding a brush in his mouth, and graduated from the Nova Scotia College of Art in 1954.

Featured: PCHMM 2010.8.11

W is for . . . Wedding 💍Fraktur is a form of artwork, sometimes classified as folk art, which uses hand-lettered fonts a...
04/27/2026

W is for . . . Wedding 💍

Fraktur is a form of artwork, sometimes classified as folk art, which uses hand-lettered fonts along with decorative embellishments. Fraktur often records notable events, or was intended for decoration.

This fraktur was created to commemorate the marriage of Peter Neff and Maria Durrin on 31 March 1800. Pennsylvania-German Mennonites brought this artform to Niagara.

Featured: PCHMM 993.36.1, Fraktur commemorating the marriage of Peter Neff and Maria Durrin, married 31 March 1800.

V is for . . . Volunteer! The Archives wouldn’t be what it is without the work of dedicated volunteers like Cynthia! Rea...
04/25/2026

V is for . . . Volunteer!

The Archives wouldn’t be what it is without the work of dedicated volunteers like Cynthia! Read below to learn about Cynthia’s contributions.

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION WEEK 👏 | This week, we’re proud to recognize a volunteer whose dedication to preserving local history continues to make a meaningful impact in our community.

Cynthia Skinner has been a dedicated volunteer with the City’s Archives for over 12 years. A lifelong learner with a deep appreciation for history, Cynthia has always sought out opportunities to explore different cultures and perspectives, bringing that curiosity and care into her work.

Cynthia plays a vital role in the Archives, where she is responsible for indexing local history resources and supporting a wide range of archival tasks, including cataloguing. She believes that documenting everyday life is essential, as today’s ordinary moments become tomorrow’s history. Her work ensures that valuable records are preserved and accessible for future generations.

Beyond her contributions to the Archives, Cynthia is also a strong advocate for accessibility and inclusivity within the community. Having lived in the greater Port Colborne area for decades, including time in Sherkston where she restored a historic post office, general store, and train station, Cynthia’s connection to the community runs deep.

For Cynthia, volunteering is a way to give back and fulfill what she sees as a responsibility to protect and share history for those who come after us.

From April 19 to 25, the City of Port Colborne is celebrating local volunteers across our social channels as part of National Volunteer Week. This year’s theme, “Ignite Volunteerism,” highlights the energy and passion of individuals like Cynthia who continue to make a difference.

✨ Inspired to get involved? Volunteer opportunities are available year-round across a variety of programs and events. Learn more or sign up by contacting [email protected]

U is for . . . Unique! While Dr. Bear thought he should be featured as the most “unique” part of the archives, he did ag...
04/24/2026

U is for . . . Unique!

While Dr. Bear thought he should be featured as the most “unique” part of the archives, he did agree that the Walking and Cemetery Tours offered by Archives’ staff highlight a lot of unique things about Port Colborne.

T is for . . . Tintype!This tintype was taken on Lorraine Rd. In Port Colborne. Levi Kinsey is sitting in a horse drawn ...
04/23/2026

T is for . . . Tintype!

This tintype was taken on Lorraine Rd. In Port Colborne. Levi Kinsey is sitting in a horse drawn sleigh near the Kinsey farm.

Tintypes are created using inexpensive materials, including thin sheets of iron, which made them accessible to a wide range of people.

Although they seem sturdy, tintypes are susceptible to damage from exposure to light and humidity, and physical damage, including scratches, bends and dents.

Featured: PCHMM 2011.39.46

S is for . . . Stereoscope The stereoscopic view depicts the tug, Maggie, tied up on west wall near the entrance to the ...
04/22/2026

S is for . . . Stereoscope

The stereoscopic view depicts the tug, Maggie, tied up on west wall near the entrance to the guard lock on the Second Canal with the McRae block on East St in background, c. 1878.

Featured: PCHMM 986.82.246
For more information on this view and others from the Carter Collection, visit our online exhibit: https://images.ourontario.ca/portcolbornemuseum/638/exhibit

Address

286 King Street
Port Colborne, ON
L3K4H1

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when L.R. Wilson Heritage Research Archives posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Museum

Send a message to L.R. Wilson Heritage Research Archives:

Share

Category