Heritage Renfrew

Heritage Renfrew is an incorporated Ontario not-for-profit organization and a registered charity dedicated to preserving and promoting the heritage and history of Renfrew, Ontario, and the surrounding area. The organization operates with the motto "Preserving Yesterday for Tomorrow" and focuses on the collection, preservation, and dissemination of historical and cultural materials relevant to the region.

History and Purpose

Heritage Renfrew was established to bring together individuals interested in the heritage and history of Renfrew and its environs. Its main objectives include:

• Collecting and preserving documentation that illustrates the history, heritage, and culture of the area.
• Cooperating with the National Archives of Canada and the Archives of Ontario to ensure archival preservation and accessibility.
• Providing archival facilities for public access to historical materials for study and research.
• Promoting public interest in local history through publishing, educational meetings, lectures, and discussions.
• Encouraging the marking of historic sites, buildings, and roads following their official designation by federal, provincial, or municipal authorities.
• Utilizing media and organizing historical tours to raise awareness.
• Ensuring all profits are reinvested into advancing the organization's heritage-related objectives.

The organization is governed by a Board of Directors and operates according to a Constitution and Bylaws, welcoming all interested parties to become members.[1][5]

Activities and Collections

Heritage Renfrew manages an extensive collection of historical materials related to Renfrew and the people who have shaped the region. Their archives include family histories, vital records such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, cemetery and church records, and local newspapers. A notable digital resource is a scanned archive of The Renfrew Mercury negatives covering the years 1961 to 1999, comprising thousands of photographs documenting four decades of local events and people.

The archives provide public research services, allowing visitors to use microfilm readers, scanners, and other resources for genealogical and historical research. Assistance is offered to researchers, and copies can be printed for a small fee. Heritage Renfrew also encourages volunteers to support its archival and research activities.[2][4][5]

Facilities and Access

The Renfrew Archives, sponsored by Heritage Renfrew, are housed in the National Archives building located on Gibbons Road in Renfrew. While Heritage Renfrew itself does not conduct research, it provides the facility and access to archival materials to the public free of charge. The facility is open on designated days, and visitors are requested to sign a register and share any research results that contribute relevant local historical information.

Heritage Renfrew's archival services support students, scholars, and researchers seeking to study the cultural and historical heritage of Renfrew and its surrounding areas.[5][3]

In summary, Heritage Renfrew plays a vital role as a local heritage organization facilitating the preservation, access, and promotion of the historical and cultural heritage of Renfrew, Ontario, ensuring that the region's past remains available and meaningful for future generations.