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
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!
A Legacy Preserved: The Success Story of a Volunteer-Run Museum
the Cloyne Pioneer Museum & Archives stands as a beacon of history and a testament to the power of collective effort. From its inception, the museum has grown from humble beginnings to becoming a cherished institution, preserving the rich heritage of the region.
2024 Fall Newsletter 'The Pioneer Times' now online!
In the Fall 2024 edition of the Pioneer Times, you will find the year-end report on Museum attendance, the history of the Farrow family in the Skootamatta Lake area, with additional articles on Loon Lake and our history in maps. In 2024, we joined Bloomberg Connects, joining over 500 museums and galleries worldwide. Learn about our new museum guide through this amazing app.
2024 Fall Newsletter 'The Pioneer Times' now online!
In the Fall 2024 edition of the Pioneer Times, you will find the year-end report on Museum attendance, the history of the Farrow family in the Skootamatta Lake area, with additional articles on Loon Lake and our history in maps. In 2024, we joined Bloomberg Connects, joining over 500 museums and galleries worldwide. Learn about our new museum guide through this amazing app.
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!