Archives and Special Collections

Search the Archive

Algoma University has developed its archival and special collections materials through the generosity of donors in and from the Algoma region. Our areas of expertise include records relating to Algoma University, the Algoma region, regionally signficant individuals and organizations, and community organizations.

Donations

We encourage donations of papers, photographs, ephemera, books, audio-visual material, and other items that are related directly to Algoma University and the Algoma region. This includes items from faculty, staff, students, and alumni, as well as persons in the community, institutions and associations. We welcome donations that enhance the strengths of existing archival collections and support the teaching and research programs at Algoma University.

Contact Us

For more information about our holdings and services contact our Archives Department.

Significant Fonds

Shingwauk Residential School Centre

Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre Logo

The Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre (SRSC) is a cross-cultural research and educational project of Algoma University (through the technological and archival expertise of the Arthur A. Wishart Library) and the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association (CSAA), which includes former students of the Residential schools, staff, descendants, family, and friends. Algoma University is located on the site (and uses some of the buildings) of the former Shingwauk and Wawanosh Indian Residential Schools in Sault Ste. Marie. Governance for the SRSC runs through a joint AU/CSAA Heritage Committee, which shares responsibility for the Centre evenly between the two partners.

The partners work together with the Survivor groups, church entities, educators, First Nations and others to research, collect, preserve, and display the history of the residential and day schools across Canada. They also develop and deliver projects of sharing, healing, learning, and individual and community cultural restoration in relation to the impact of the schools. They also work to realize Chief Shingwauk’s vision of cross-cultural synthesis of traditional Anishnabek and European knowledge and learning systems.

For information on the predecessor to the SRSC, check out The Shingwauk Project.

Anglican Diocese of Algoma Archives

Anglican Diocese of Algoma Coat of Arms

Algoma University is proud to be the repository for the Anglican Diocese of Algoma’s archives.  The archives are held in a climate controlled facility within the university’s Arthur A. Wishart Library.  The university received the first deposit of over 30 linear metres of archival materials in May 2009 from the Diocese; more accruals are expected.  The diocesan archives cover over 150 years of the documentary history of Northeastern Ontario from Mattawa in the east to Thunder Bay in the west. 

The archives are  processed, arranged and described in an online archival catalogue according to Canada’s Rules for Archival Description.  As each record file is catalogued, it becomes searchable online.  Please note that this is a catalogue of descriptions of the records not digitizations of the records themselves.

Parish Records Policy

    • 1.1 Requests to view parish registers for an individual's own records will be granted upon due identification.
    • 1.2 Requests to view parish registers for third party records will be granted upon due identification under the following conditions:

Baptismal records: 100 years or older
Marriage records: 75 years or older
Burial records: 50 years or older

  • 1.3 Requests to view parish registers for third party records that are less than the time frames stated in 1.2 will be granted upon due identification under the following conditions:
  • 1.3.1 Baptism Records: The requester is the parent of the child named on the certificate, and their name is on the baptism record, or The requester is the closest next-of-kin, executor, or "estate trustee", and the person named on the record is deceased. Proof of death will be required.
  • 1.3.2 Marriage Records: The requester is the child, natural or adoptive, of the bride or groom, or The requester is a parent of the bride or groom, or The requester is the closest next-of-kin, executor, or "estate trustee", and either the bride or groom is deceased. Proof of death will be required.
  • 1.3.3 Burial Records: The requester is the deceased's closest next-of-kin, executor, or "estate trustee".

Accessing the Archives

Currently, staffing constraints prevent the Arthur A. Wishart Library from scheduling regular research hours in Diocesan Archives. However, physcial access can be gained by scheduling a research appointment through the University Librarian at Arthur A. Wishart Library. All research requests are governed by the Diocesan Policy on Access to Parish Records (above).

Search Requests

Library staff can perform simple search requests for certified transcripts of Baptism, Confirmation, Marriage, and Burials, as well as preliminary genealogical or historical research requests that take no more than 30 minutes. All research requests are governed by the Diocesan Policy on Access to Parish Records (above).

These requests must be processed through the Synod Office using the attached form/fee schedule. Once Algoma University receives the form and fees, the extracts of the requested records are sent to the Synod Office to have the certificate prepared. Normally, it is then forwarded back through the nearest clergy member so that appropriate identification may be requested before the release of the document.

This process is in place for consideration of AlgomaU staff time. They are not able to deal with walk-in requests due to scheduling and staffing constraints. When requests go through appropriate channels the library staff are able to schedule the time required to deal with them so as not to interfere with their many other responsibilities.

Any additional genealogical or historical research beyond the first 30 minutes is subject to human resources available to complete the request. For more information, please contact Liz Hamel, Diocesan Office Administrative Assistant or visit the Contact Us page

FEE SCHEDULE

Certificate or certified transcript of Baptism, Confirmation, Marriage and Burial $30 each
Preliminary genealogical / historical research requests (taking up to half an hour to carry out)* $30
Genealogical / historical research requests (each subsequent hour or part) $40
Access to Parish Registers on official church business* No charge
Photocopies / scans / digital images 20 cents per page *

*Photocopying and photographing parish registers is not permitted under any circumstances
*Subject to Privacy/Confidentiality/Conservation/Size of Request restrictions

Search Request Form Anglican DioceseDownload

Lest We Forget Remembrance and Military Library

The “Lest We Forget” Remembrance and Military Library (“LWFRML”) was established to create and maintain a center of excellence, for the study and promotion of remembrance and military history, in Sault Ste. Marie and the surrounding area.  It is organized and maintained by the Senate of the 49th (Sault Ste. Marie) Field Artillery Regiment, R.C.A.

RCA Cap Badge

The 49th (Sault Ste. Marie) Field Artillery Regiment, R.C.A. is a Canadian Forces Primary Reserve regiment based in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. The regiment is part of Land Force Central Area’s 31 Canadian Brigade Group. The regiment was granted the Freedom of the City of Sault Ste. Marie on 1 July 1967.

31 Canadian Brigade Group Badge

The LWFRML possesses specialized resources in Canadian Military History and the history of 49th Field Regiment (Sault Ste. Marie) and its predecessor regiments in Northern Ontario dating back to the 19th Century. The purpose of the Library is to establish and maintain a center of excellence, for the study and promotion of remembrance and military history, in Sault Ste. Marie and the surrounding area.

Partners

The Arthur A. Wishart Library is a member of the following archival organizations: the Association of Canadian Archivists, the Society of American Archivists, the Archives Association of Ontario, and the Anglican Church of Canada Archives.

Partner Logos