Historical Education and Preservation – Genealogical Research – Community Engagement
Welcome to The Cloyne and District Historical Society. We are a not-for-profit, charitable, volunteer organization whose mission is to preserve and record the history of the local area and to share that knowledge with our community. Our catchment area is the Highway 41 corridor from Kaladar in the south to Denbigh,Griffith and, Matawatchan in the north, as well as Flinton to the west and Harlowe to the east.
Pioneer Museum
Archives
Historical Society
Our collections, both in artifacts and documents, reflect the history of this area beginning from settlement times in the 1850s, with emphasis on pioneer life, mining, logging, and tourism along the Addington Colonization Road. With its unique development across county lines, its challenging terrain and its determination to remain viable, this community has generated its own lore, traditions, and legends. In recent years, the addition of an Archives has meant that family histories, photos, land deeds and other paper documents are available for genealogical researchers.
Look Deeper Into Our Digital Resources
Flickr – This is our main photo site with over 2,150 photos, documents, maps and videos.
Facebook and Instagram – Keep informed about our latest events and blog posts.
YouTube – Check out our video archives.
Flickr Cemeteries – A digital archive of our local cemeteries, 1,840 + photos
New! Our free digital app by Bloomberg Connects!
New! Looking Back Driving Tour Is Now Available In Our Bookstore!
Just released, “Looking Back” is a journey in time from the building of Highway #41 in 1933 to the present. Travel along with a booklet that is packed with photos and stories of the people who owned businesses along the way. “Looking Back” is available at the Cloyne Pioneer Museum and Archives for $8.00. The museum is open from 10AM to 4PM every day of the week in the summer.
Our Blog – Featuring Our Latest News, Events, and Items of Interest
Tim Porter Speaks About The Marble Arts Centre, Actinolite
Join the CDHS April 21st. 2025 to hear guest speaker Tim Porter discuss the historic Marble Church in Actinolite and its transformation into the Marble Arts Centre.
Land O’ Lakes Speakers’ Forum – 2025
The Land O’ Lakes Speakers’ Forum is a joint project of the Lions Club of Land O’ Lakes and the Cloyne & District Historical Society. Each month, an expert speaker is invited to talk on a specific topic from April to September. The topics are varied and will appeal to a broad audience. The event […]
‘100 Years of Astronomy’ – Gary Colwell To Speak March 17th
Gary Colwell is our next guest speaker at the Cloyne and District Historical Society meeting March 17, 2025. Everyone welcome!
The History of the Northbrook Hotel by Cindy and Elaine Bolton
On February 17th, 2025, Cindy and Elaine Bolton presented to the Cloyne and District Historical Society on the history of the Northbrook Hotel. Photos and transcript can be seen here.
Chris Hinsperger of Bonnechere Caves – Featured Guest Speaker!
Chris Hinsperger of Bonnechere Caves will be the CDHS featured guest speaker on Monday, January 20th, 2025 at 1 pm, Barrie Community Hall in Cloyne. Everyone is welcome, come join us!
The History of Brown’s Tent & Trailer Park Video – Nov 18, 2024
Join us Nov. 18, 2024 to view this never-seen-before video of Don Brown speaking about the history of Brown’s Tent & Trailer Park. Everyone welcome!
2025 Spring Newsletter 'The Pioneer Times' now online!
In the Spring 2025 edition of the Pioneer Times, you will find reports from CDHS officers and articles on the history of the Tapping Farm, now within Bon Echo Provincial Park. Also learn about the S.S. No. 7 Elzevir (Actinolite ) School, some of our previous events and the upcoming schedule of the Land O’ Lakes Speakers’ Forum in Northbrook, not to be missed!
2025 Spring Newsletter 'The Pioneer Times' now online!
In the Spring 2025 edition of the Pioneer Times, you will find reports from CDHS officers and articles on the history of the Tapping Farm, now within Bon Echo Provincial Park. Also learn about the S.S. No. 7 Elzevir (Actinolite ) School, some of our previous events and the upcoming schedule of the Land O’ Lakes Speakers’ Forum in Northbrook, not to be missed!
CDHS Invites You To Join Us!
Membership allows you to take full advantage of what the Society and Museum have to offer. Members are eligible to vote at all general meetings including the AGM and to run for a position on the Board of Directors. The annual fee is only $10.00 per person. Sign up today to learn and share our history!
CDHS Invites You To Join Us!
Membership allows you to take full advantage of what the Society and Museum have to offer. Members are eligible to vote at all general meetings including the AGM and to run for a position on the Board of Directors. The annual fee is only $10.00 per person. Sign up today to learn and share our history!