In order to increase accessibility and ensure the future preservation of fragile materials we’ve digitized selected items from our local history collection. Our
local history digital collection includes a mixture of local directories, almanacs, municipal documents and items created by local authors. The collection includes over 150 resources all focused on exploring Chatham-Kent’s rich history.
Visit
OurOntario to explore our library’s collection!
Chatham-Kent Public Library gratefully acknowledges the support of the Government of Ontario through the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport.
Directories
Included in our library’s digital collection are over 75 local directories published between 1875 and 2007. These directories provide invaluable information for genealogists hoping to learn about past Chatham-Kent residents. Here are links to some directories from the collection. For the full collection, visit
vitacollections.ca/ckpl.
Almanacs
CKPL's digital collection also includes a series of Kent County almanacs published by the Soutar’s publishing company between 1881 and 1890. These almanacs include information of local, national, and international relevance. Each directory includes descriptions of local communities and officials. Our digital collection also includes two Kent County almanacs produced by CFCO. For the full collection, visit
vitacollections.ca/ckpl.
Municipal Documents
A variety of municipal directories, annual reports, plans, strategies, and by-laws are also included in CKPL's digital collection. Explore the history and development of municipal institutions using these varied resources. For the full collection, visit
vitacollections.ca/ckpl.
Kent Historical Society Publications
The Kent Historical Society has generously donated some of their publications for inclusion in our library’s digital collection. Our digital collection includes all ten volumes of “Papers and Addresses” as well as “Kentiana” and “Some Historical Notes on Kent County”. These Kent Historical Society publications focus on the history of Chatham-Kent detailing the growth and development of various local communities and explore the lives of influential Kent residents. For the full collection, visit
vitacollections.ca/ckpl.
Books by Local Authors
CKPL's digital collection also contains a variety of works produced by local authors. Many local authors generously agreed to participate in our project and donated their books to our digital collection. These books examine a range of interesting Chatham-Kent topics, including the history of local industries and businesses; the development and growth of local communities; the history of local churches; and the stories of noteworthy historical figures. For the full collection, visit
vitacollections.ca/ckpl.
