Norfolk County Archives

On Saturday, June 13th from 10 am – 2 pm, Norfolk County Archives will be filled to the brim with interesting and informative local history and genealogy books for sale. With such a huge variety of interesting and informative books, you are sure to find your next read! Cash, debit and credit are accepted.

We hope everyone a pleasant Easter season. Please be aware that Norfolk County Archives will be closed Friday, April 3, 2026, for Good Friday, and will reopen for regular service on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

Image ID: Easter window display at Fall's Store in Simcoe, ca. 1920s. Photo from the Norfolk County Archives.

Our new exhibit "Game On! A History of Local Sports & Recreation" is now OPEN at the Norfolk County Archives! Through photographs, archival materials, and artifacts, visitors will explore how sports and recreation have helped shaped community identity, fostered local pride, and inspired lifelong participation.

The exhibit will run until August 28th at Norfolk County Archives (109 Norfolk St. S., Simcoe). It is available for viewing from Tuesday-Friday, 10AM-4PM.

Happy Family Day to all! Whether you’re enjoying a winter walk, sharing a meal, or flipping through old family photos, we hope today is filled with connection and memory-making.
Photo from the Mutrie collection, Norfolk County Archives.

Love never goes out of style ❤️
This beautiful 1920s wedding portrait from the Archives reminds us that while fashions may change, the joy of saying “I do” is timeless.
Wishing everyone across Norfolk County a very Happy Valentine’s Day! 💌

Norfolk County Archives’ new exhibit Game On! A History of Local Sports & Recreation will open on March 24, 2026!

The exhibit will celebrate the rich history of local sports and recreation, from the rise of softball in the area to the captivating wrestling matches at town hall. Through photographs, archival materials, and artifacts, visitors will explore how sports and other recreational activities have shaped community identity and inspired lifelong participation. Norfolk County

Key tips this winter: Remember your mitts, toques, and winter jackets. And most importantly, enjoy the snow, folks!

Children Charlie Sinnesael, Roman Sinnesael and Andy Kolszar brave the snow whilst walking to school on Concession 6, Walsingham, January 1939. This photo was taken by school teacher and amateur photographer Clarence Sadler.

Congratulations to Ron Anderson, UE, the family of Betty Chanyi, the Walsingham Women's Institute and the Friends of the Educational Archives of Haldimand, Norfolk and Brant for being selected as the 2025 Heritage & Culture Dogwood Awards recipients. Come celebrate them at the Dogwood Awards Induction Ceremony on November 16th at 2 p.m. at the Waterford Heritage & Agricultural Museum.

The deadline for nominations for the Heritage & Culture Dogwood Awards is September 30th - Do you know someone deserving of this award? For more information: https://norfolkheritage.ca/discover/awards/

REMINDER: The deadline for nominations for the Heritage & Culture Dogwood Awards is fast approaching! Nominations will be accepted until Tuesday, September 30th at 4:30 p.m. - Mark your calendars!

Launched in 2007 and named after Norfolk County's official flower, the Norfolk County Heritage & Culture Dogwood Awards honour outstanding achievements and contributions to heritage and culture in Norfolk County.

These awards acknowledge the tireless and significant efforts of dedicated individuals and groups who have advanced Norfolk’s vibrant cultural community.

Awards are presented in each of the following categories:

Individual Award

Group award

Youth Award

Lifetime Achievement award

A panel representing the Norfolk County Heritage and Culture sites will review the nominations.

The award recipients will be recognized at a reception held later this fall.

We know that there are many deserving folks out there who deserve to be recognized so please consider submitting a nomination.

Nominations will be accepted until September 30th at 4:30 p.m. The nomination form along can be found on our website at norfolkheritage.ca/discover/awards/