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 Archives
Flickr – This is our main photo site with over 1,800 photos, documents, maps and videos.
Facebook and Instagram – Keep informed about our latest events and blog posts.
YouTube – Check out our video archvies.
Flickr Cemeteries – A digital archive of our local cemeteries, 1,200 + photos
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
The Land O’ Lakes Speakers’ Forum is a new cultural event to bring together residents and tourists to listen to expert keynote speakers,
Memories of Camp Mazinaw – An Interview with Jim Smart
Camp Mazinaw was a boys camp on Mazinaw Lake. Jim Smart – a camper and, later a Councillor, talks about the impact of the Camp on the lives of boys.
1994 Bon Echo Provincial Park Visitor Guide
Check out the Visitor Guide from Bon Echo Provincial Park in 1994. Downloaded from the Internet Archives, this document was digitized and saved by The University of Toronto Library.
We Are Hiring Summer Students for the Cloyne Pioneer Museum – 2023
Looking for a great summer job? The Cloyne and District HIstorical Society is seeking two more summer students for the 2023 season. The Cloyne Pioneer Museum and Archives will be the work location.
Guest Speaker – CDHS February General Meeting – 48th Highlanders of Canada
On February 20th, 2023 at the Cloyne and District Historical Society General Meeting, a speaker will discuss the 48th Highlanders of Canada and the connection with the County of Lennox & Addington. Our general meetings are held at the Barrie Community Hall in Cloyne at 1 pm. Everyone is welcome to attend!
The History of the NEO (Northern Emergency Organization) by David Savigny
David Savigny was guest speaker at the January 2023 CDHS meeting and shared the history of the Northern Emergency Organization.
2022 Fall Newsletter 'The Pioneer Times' now online!
In the Fall 2022 edition of the Pioneer Times, you will find updated reports from our President Shirley Sedore and a Patron report from Catherine Grant. It’s been 50 years since the Pioneer Club began in 1972. This newsletter highlights the growth of the organization and formation of the Cloyne and District Historical Society over the years. In May, we had our first Trunk and Book Sale which was a big success. This year we welcomed the Matawatchan-Griffith region into our catchment area and feature an article on the History of the Black Donald Mine. Enjoy!
2021 Fall Newsletter 'The Pioneer Times' now online!
In the Fall 2021 edition of the Pioneer Times, you will continue your journey of Highway 41 landmarks and people with staff writer Marcella Neeley; join Josie Heyman and Rebekah Delyea as they pay tribute to long-time Harlowe resident, store owner and Reeve, Tom Neal; learn how a visit to the Pioneer Museum led Tracy Robertson to discover details about her grandmother’s early life at the Bon Echo Inn; and join us in saying goodbye to our good friend and longtime Historical Society member Muriel Meeks Van Ness. Enjoy!
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 Become A Member!
Membership allows you to take full advantage of what the Society and Museum have to offer. Members are eligible to vote at 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 and join us!.
