Research Links
Niagara Peninsula Branch
Ontario Genealogical Society
The purpose of the branch is to collect & preserve local genealogical & historically related material for future generations; to share experiences and knowledge, and assist members; to promote high standard of accuracy; to issue genealogical publications; to hold meetings and present stimulating, informative, and interesting speakers; and to maintain a library of Genealogical and related material for use by the members
St. Catharines Historical Society
http://stcatharineshistory.wordpress.com/
The Society was founded in 1927 and maintains its mission to increase the knowledge and appreciation of the history of St. Catharines and vicinity. We formally meet eight times a year plus gather together for special events and excursions. The Society is affiliated with the Ontario Historical Society.
On-Line Searches
Niagara GenWeb
This history and genealogy site includes information from censuses, vital statistics, land, court and probate records, queries and much more. A must visit for the Niagara researcher.
Rootsweb Message Boards
Niagara http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.canada.ontario.niagara/mb.ashx
Lincoln County http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.canada.ontario.lincoln/mb.ashx
Welland County http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.canada.ontario.welland/mb.ashx
Why reinvent the wheel? Look for others researching your Niagara ancestors in this queries site. For more than a decade this has been the meeting place for family genealogists.
The Libraries
There are many local historical publications at the libraries in the Niagara Region. The on-line catalogues are a helpful resource for those planning a research trip to Niagara.
Welland Public Library http://www.welland.library.on.ca/
Niagara Falls Public Library http://www.nflibrary.ca/
Fort Erie Public Library http://www.forterie.library.on.ca/
Port Colborne Public Library http://www.portcolbornelibrary.org/
Niagara-on-the-Lake Library http://www.notlpubliclibrary.org/
St. Catharines Public Library http://www.stcatharines.library.on.ca/content/genealogy
Brock University Special Collections and Archives http://www.brocku.ca/library/collections/special-collections-archives
The Niagara Collection was established in 1967. It has been developed through individual purchases, donations, and grants. The collection covers all aspects of the Niagara Peninsula (former Lincoln and Welland Counties) and includes current and retrospective published materials relating to the Niagara Peninsula. Subjects covered include: settlement history, geography, geology, military history, economics, planning, urban renewal, literature. The collection holds extensive materials on the War of 1812, the Welland Canal, and early travellers' journals.
The Museums
What better way to understand our ancestors than to view the artefacts they used in their daily lives? The museums also have local history collections including hard-to-find books and manuscripts.
Welland Museum http://www.wellandmuseum.ca/
Niagara Historical Museum http://niagarahistorical.museum/
Niagara Falls Museum http://www.niagarafallsmuseum.ca/
St. Catharines Museum http://www.stcatharineslock3museum.ca/
Fort Erie Museums http://www.museum.forterie.ca/WebSite/museumweb.nsf/index.html
Port Colborne Museum http://www.portcolborne.com/page/museum