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 and 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
Our First-Ever Book and Trunk Sale!
The CDHS is holding its first-ever Book and Trunk Sale at the Barrie Community Hall on Saturday, May 21st of the May long weekend. The sale will run from 10 AM to 4 PM. The parking area will accommodate up to 25 vendor vehicles, so it is suggested that you book your spot early. The cost is $15 per vehicle. You must be registered, and your spot paid for one week before the event.
Contact: Janet Wilson via email or FB messenger or you call 613-480-5278 or cell 613-243-0125. There will be a BBQ and drinks available for purchase, and entertainment featuring Pickled String Band and Coop De Ville.
'Whiskey & Wickedness' is now available.
The frontier land of what is now North Frontenac and Addington Highlands was rough and lawless in the nineteenth century. Larry Cotton, who has been featured on CBC, CTV, and The Discovery Channel has unearthed stories of this area that have never before been told. He is a tireless researcher of old newspapers, atlases, and archives.
His accounts of body snatchings, robberies, and murders will take your breath away. Newly released with over 400 pages, Whiskey and Wickedness, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington is now available at The Museum Bookstore.
Our Blog – Featuring Our Latest News, Events, and Items of Interest
Tim Potter Speaks About The Marble Arts Centre, Actinolite
Join the CDHS April 21st. 2025 to hear guest speaker Tim Potter 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!
'Whiskey & Wickedness' is now available.
The frontier land of what is now North Frontenac and Addington Highlands was rough and lawless in the nineteenth century. Larry Cotton, who has been featured on CBC, CTV, and The Discovery Channel has unearthed stories of this area that have never before been told. He is a tireless researcher of old newspapers, atlases, and archives.
His accounts of body snatchings, robberies, and murders will take your breath away. Newly released with over 400 pages, Whiskey and Wickedness, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington is now available at The Museum Bookstore.
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!
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 Extends Free Membership Through 2022
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 has usually been $10, but this continues to be waived for 2022 due to the restrictions the COVID pandemic has placed on activities. Sign up today to take advantage of this special offer.
CDHS Extends Free Membership Through 2022
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 has usually been $10, but this continues to be waived for 2022 due to the restrictions the COVID pandemic has placed on activities. Sign up today to take advantage of this special offer.