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
2026 Speakers’ Forum Schedule – April to September
A fourth season of the Land O’ Lakes Speakers’ Forum will commence on April 22nd and run for six months, with the fourth Wednesday of each month featuring a speaker on a wide array of topics.
Two Early Videos To Be Shown At the CDHS AGM!
At our Annual General Meeting, two videos will be shown that haven’t been seen in several years. An episode of For The Record that featured Gene Brown and Nadine Brumell was shown on TVO or CBC (or both) in the 1980s.
A History of the United Church in Flinton, Ontario 1876 – 1976
The history of the United Church in Flinton, Ontario from 1876 – 1976 is documented in this booklet by Betty Davison and Verna Andrew.
The History of the Flinton Memorial Library (1940 – 1984)
The history of the Flinton Memorial Library from 1940 to 1984 was well documented in this 24-page booklet by Yvonne Brushey and Vera Charlton.
Memories of Flintshire Farms 1977 – 2003, New Video!
Join us at our next General Meeting, Monday, February 16, 2006, 1 pm at the Barrie Community Hall for a never-before-seen video on the history of Flintshire Farms (1977-2003).
Eileen Flieler – My Life Video
The video, ‘Eileen Flieler – My Life’ can be seen on the CDHS YouTube Channel. The premiere showing was at the Barrie Community Hall, Nov. 17, 2025 to a full audience. A link to the 4K video is provided.
2024 Spring Newsletter 'The Pioneer Times' now online!
In the Spring 2024 edition of the Pioneer Times, you will find the Treasurer’s report and the full program for the upcoming 2024 Speakers’ Forum. Margaret Axford has a new book published on the history of Bon Echo. Eileen Flieler shares the history of the S.S.#8 Barrie School. Plus, you will find an interesting history of Spencer’s Store in Cloyne and an interview with Rachael Spencer about living during the Depression.
2024 Spring Newsletter 'The Pioneer Times' now online!
In the Spring 2024 edition of the Pioneer Times, you will find the Treasurer’s report and the full program for the upcoming 2024 Speakers’ Forum. Margaret Axford has a new book published on the history of Bon Echo. Eileen Flieler shares the history of the S.S.#8 Barrie School. Plus, you will find an interesting history of Spencer’s Store in Cloyne and an interview with Rachael Spencer about living during the Depression.
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!