- Treasures Old and New, featuring a rotating selection of wonders from the collections, is now on in the free James Anderson Gallery at the Archives. Drop in anytime during Open Hours to see the original terra cotta lion from the Perth County Courthouse and more!
- MugShots! is an everchanging micro exhibit celebrating photograph collections at the Archives by pairing them with related commemorative cups and glasses.
Exhibits & Events
Stratford-Perth Archives 1972-2022 Reflections Garden
The garden at the north end of the Archives' property, full of trees and plants found in this area since before European settlement, has flourished thanks to the hard work of Perth County Facilities staff. One of the ways that we celebrated the Archives 50th Anniversary was a dedication ceremony for this lovely and accessible outdoor space.
James Anderson Gallery
James Anderson understood the importance of preserving Stratford and Perth County's heritage. A former school teacher and fine artist, he was the County's first archivist from 1972-1991. He was once described in the local paper as a "colourful, feisty character that cared deeply about heritage and preserving architecture. In 1981 to protest the disbanding of the Perth County Historical Board, he went on a hunger strike with an overnight stay atop the Perth County Courthouse roof."
Out of his hard work and passion came the Stratford-Perth Archives, the Stratford Perth Museum, and the Brocksden Country School Museum; even the Fryfogel Tavern was better preserved. When he retired in 1991, the Archives Association of Ontario presented him with their first J.J. Talman Award for his pioneering work in archives.
- Send us some suggestions!
2022
- Celebrating 50 Years with 50 Treasures from the collections of Stratford-Perth Archives
-
Life and Library of John Davis Barnett (Western University travelling Exhibit)
2019
- Parades, Picnics and Power: Celebrating 125 Years of Labour Day
2018
- Equal Time: Noted and Notorious Women of Perth County
- The World Remembers: In Honour of the WWI Centenary
- J.D. Barnett's Amazing Library
2017
- "Tastes Just Like I Remember"
- Just Look at Yourselves! Memorable Celebrations in Perth County
- British Home Children
- Family Ties Ontario Turns 150 (Archives of Ontario travelling exhibit)
2016
- Enslaved Africans of Upper Canada (Archives of Ontario travelling Exhibit) plus the stories of Joseph Harrison and John J.E. Linton from the Stratford-Perth Archives
- Santa Claus Parades of Memory around Perth County
2015
- Victory Comes Home: Celebrating the end of WWII
- Cold Winters, Warm Hearts: Christmas Cards and Valentines from the Collections
History Pin and QR Codes
History Pin offers an opportunity to view a community or place as a snapshot in time or throughout the years. It lets the user, like the Stratford-Perth Archives, pin photos and information that are searchable by location and date. Explore our History Pin channel and learn about different sites from around Stratford and Perth County.
Sites and Stories QR Code Exhibit
Our community based QR code initiative takes a 21st century approach to sharing information about seven significant buildings that are key elements of Stratford's heritage. There are signs in place for these buildings: Stratford City Hall, Perth County Court House, the Registry Office, Stratford Jail, Stratford Public Library, Stratford Train Station, and Pump House (Art Gallery). All you need is a smart phone with QR-reading technology to scan the QR code. This will give you information about each of the buildings.
Walking Tours
Stratford's literary history is rich; some of Canada's best-known authors and illustrators have called our city home and found inspirations here, from well-known places like the Shakespearean Gardens to the original sections of Avondale Cemetery. Walk along with us to discover where they may have plotted stories, sketched characters or had that idea that turned into a best-selling novel. The walk will take you about 30 minutes. Celebrate Stratford's Literary Heritage and take the walking tour.
Group Visits and Tours
The Stratford-Perth Archives offers Group Visits and Tours for schools and community organizations. Contact us to set up a tour! Staff presentations on beginning genealogy, researching a house history, and local history topics are also available. There is no charge for community group visits but donations are welcome.