Close
Close
Browser Compatibility Notification
It appears you are trying to access this site using an outdated browser. As a result, parts of the site may not function properly for you. We recommend updating your browser to its most recent version at your earliest convenience.
Skip to Content
Guelph Public Library Logo
  • eLibrary
    • Catalogue
    • eBooks and eAudiobooks
    • eLearning
    • eResources
    • Get eExpert Help
    • NextReads Newsletter
    View our Available Devices and Hardware page
    Available Devices and Hardware
  • Services
    • Accessibility
    • Book Clubs
    • Born to Read
    • Borrow From Another Library
    • Computers and Technology
    • Events Calendar
    • Event Registrations
    • Exam Proctoring and Requests
    • Home Delivery Service
    • Library Cards, Borrowing and Fees
    • Newcomers to Canada
    • Older Adults
    • Printing and Copying
    • Room Rental
    • Suggest a Program
    • Tours and Outreach
    View our Older Adults page
    Older Adults
  • Collections
    • Available Devices and Hardware
    • Borrow From Another Library
    • Catalogue
    • eBooks and eAudiobooks
    • eLibrary
    • Local History
    • Suggest a Purchase
    View our Local History page
    Local History
  • Kids and Teens
    • Kids
    • Teens
    Kids and Teens Image
    Kids and Teens
  • About Us
    • Accessibility
    • Donations
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Events Calendar
    • Friends of the Library
    • Library Board
    • Library Locations and Hours
    • New Central Library
    • News and Newsletters
    • Policies
    • Reports and Publications
    • Staff Directory
    • Volunteer
    View our About Us page
    About Us
  • How do I?
    • Ask a question
    • Donate to the library
    • Find my closest library branch
    • Get a library card
    • Learn about the Friends of the Library
    • Log in to my account
    • Pay a fine
    • Renew an item
    • Replace a lost or stolen library card
    • Request an item not on the shelf
    • See entire catalogue
    • See employment opportunities
    • See news
    • Sign up for home delivery
    • Subscribe to newsletter
    • Volunteer
Contact Us
My Account

Bookshelves

Research My Home

HomeCollectionsLocal HistoryResearch My Home
  • Open new window to share this page via Facebook Facebook
  • Open new window to share this page via LinkedIn LinkedIn
  • Open new window to share this page via Twitter Twitter
  • Email This page Email
  • Local History
    • Archives
    • In Flanders Fields
    • Research My Family Tree
    • Research My Home
  • Available Devices and Hardware
  • Borrow From Another Library
  • Catalogue
  • eBooks and eAudiobooks
  • eLibrary
  • Suggest a Purchase
  • View your accountMy Account
  • View our Book Clubs pageBook Clubs
  • View our CatalogueCatalogue
  • View our Events CalendarEvents Calendar
  • View our Pay Fines pagePay Fines

Local newspapers

We have a collection of local newspapers. You will find some are available on microfilm. You will also find a curated newspaper collection that may contain information about:

  • neighbourhood histories
  • historic homes
  • property owners or builders

You may ask us for help in using these resources.

Photographs

We have a large collection of photographs from two local newspapers. You can use photographs to view how a home may have looked. We highlight photographs on our website which you can search using Archeion. Archeion is a database the library uses to host our photographs and descriptions of archival records. You can request an image, although we may charge a fee. You will need permission to use the photograph. Available newspapers and dates for which the library holds the original photographs include:

  • The Guelph Mercury, 1960 to 1999
  • The Guelph Tribune, 1986 to 2003

Please note that not all photographs have been processed.

City directories

You can use city directories to learn the approximate date a home was built. You may learn that a business may have operated from the home. You may discover that a well known Guelphite lived at the address you are researching. We have city directories on microfilm from 1852 to 1980. Please see us at the information desk for hard copies after 1980.

Couling inventory

If you discover your home was built before 1927, we have a resource that lists streets alphabetically and then chronologically by street number. Brief information is provided about:

  • location
  • architect
  • contractor
  • original owner
  • original use
  • construction date and building material used

You may ask for a photographic print which is included with this information. You may use this resource through Archeion.

Assessment rolls

We have assessment rolls that were created to assess and record property values. You may find changes in property values over time. This may mean a change occurred in the building itself. You can use this resource to learn about the property owner such as age, religion and/ or occupation. You will find that the assessment rolls are arranged by year, then alphabetically by ward name. We have 1852 to 1898 available on microfilm. Additional records are stored offsite.

Fire Insurance plans

We hold a collection of fire insurance plans. You will learn that these plans can show where a building may have been located. You may get a sense of the size or shape of the lot. We hold the following:

  • 1897 (incomplete)
  • 1897 (revised 1907)
  • 1960

Contact(s)

Receive Email Updates...

Contact UsPrivacyVolunteerDonateMy AccountFriends of the LibraryFeedbackSitemapEmployment Opportunities

© 2017 Guelph Public Library, 100 Norfolk Street, Guelph, ON, N1H 4J6, Phone: 519-824-6220

Designed by eSolutionsGroup

×