Category Archives: Collections

Family chart an photos

Featured collection: The research of Gordon Crouse (1911-1982)

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An accomplished genealogist leaves few stones unturned and this is why Gordon Crouse’s research collection is unparalleled. A professional genealogist whose research pre-dated the internet, Crouse was relentless in his quest to flesh out the details of not just the Crouse line, but those of the Bradshaws, Fairbairns, Ackermans, McTaggarts, Grieves, Hicks and many others.

What we found most interesting in this collection are his notes, correspondence and photos, and, while not quite as organized as his ‘completed’ works, are extremely interesting in their own right. As he was quoted as saying in an interview with the Whig-Standard in 1982, “Today we see so much change and artificiality. People want to get hold of something real.” Gordon Crouse’s research papers could not be more a more real look into the mind and process of a dedicated family researcher.

Interested in diving into the details of Gordon Crouse’s work? Contact us to learn more.

Selection of books and photos

Featured collection: Marjorie Van Damme

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Marjorie Van Damme’s quest for family history information was far reaching and extended well beyond our region to the UK, Ireland, Scotland, United States, and the Netherlands –resulting in an extensive collection of books on Loyalists, Quakers, Canadian history, immigration and more.

In addition to these, Marjorie has authored and compiled extensive research on a number of well-established County families that form the branches of her family tree:

  • The Pioneer Maxwells of Hastings County, Ontario, Canada
  • Mordens of the Bay of Quinte (includes Parliaments, Williams, Bowman families)
  • The Swayne Family in Canada
  • Ahnentafel of Marjorie Swayne Van Damme
  • Williams, John Sr. U.E.
  • Mohawk Valley Families
  • and research on the Cotter and Creeper families.

Beginning your own family history research might seem daunting, but having access to rich collections like this can be an enormous help in fleshing out your own tree.

To see this and other collections of Loyalist family research, drop by or book an appointment (see the Quick Links on the right) to see this and other collections in our research library.

Hillier map

The history behind the history: A virtual exhibit

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Edith D. Taylor Ashton’s book on the history of Dorland’s Creek and its mills is not only an exhaustively researched and comprehensive look into Hillier’s early days but also presents a wider glimpse of the early days of Prince Edward County.

Follow in the footsteps of a historical author and gain an understanding of the breadth of research needed to accurately convey the stories of the past. This exhibit aims to showcase the resources referenced in the making of this book.

View the exhibit

Interested in the book? Copies may be purchased from our bookstore.