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
  • Hours arrow down
    Today's Hours
  • Locations
  • Get a Card
  • Account
  • Contact
  • How do I?
  • Donate
Guelph Public Library Logo
  • Digital Library
    • Catalogue
    • eBooks and eAudiobooks
    • Get Tech Help
    • Library Apps
    • Online Resources
    • Online Resources for Students
  • Events and Programs
    • Events Calendar
    • Events Registrations
    • Suggest a Program
    • Teen ETCH
  • Services
    • 1,000 Books Before Grade One
    • Book Bundles
    • Book Clubs
    • Born to Read
    • Community Displays & Exhibits
    • Computers and Technology
    • Get Tech Help
    • Makerspace
    • Newcomer Services
    • Printing and Copying
    • Room Rentals
    • Tours and Class Visits
    • Visiting Library Service
  • Collections
    • Accessibility
    • Available Devices and Hardware
    • Borrow From Another Library
    • Catalogue
    • Digital Library
    • Library of Things
    • Local History
    • NextReads Newsletter
    • Suggest a Purchase
    • What to Read Next
  • Your Library
    • About Us
    • Accessibility
    • Coronavirus (COVID-19)
    • Donate
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Friends of the Library
    • Library Board
    • Library Cards, Borrowing and Fees
    • Library Locations and Hours
    • New Central Library
    • News and Newsletters
    • Policies
    • Reports and Publications
    • Staff Directory
    • Share Your Story
    • Volunteer
Contact Us
Guelph Public Library logo
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
    • Microfilm
    • Research My Family Tree
    • Research My Home
    • Special Collections
  • Accessibility
  • Available Devices and Hardware
  • Borrow From Another Library
  • Catalogue
  • Digital Library
  • Library of Things
  • NextReads Newsletter
  • Suggest a Purchase
  • What to Read Next

Research My Home

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

Guelph Public Library footer Logo

Guelph Public Library footer Logo

  • View our Facebook Page
  • View our Instagram account
  • View our Twitter Page
  • View our YouTube Page
  • View our Pinterest Page
Employment OpportunitiesContact UsPrivacyVolunteerDonateMy AccountAbout UsSitemap

© 2023 Guelph Public Library, 100 Norfolk Street, Guelph, ON, N1H 4J6, Phone: 519-824-6220

Designed by GHD Digital