Hillier map

The history behind the history: A virtual exhibit

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.

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

Array of vintage photographs

Featured: Brickman Family Collection

The Brickman Family Collection provides some interesting insights into the activities of the Brickman family and in particular Audra Brickman, who was a very active community member and volunteer. The collection is also notable for the dozens of beautiful photographs it included. Sadly, we estimate that over 60% of the photos are unidentified. Anyone with a good (visual) knowledge of the Brickmans and affiliated families is welcome to visit and help us put names to these forgotten faces.

Other items in the collection include:

  • Records of various social and community organizations
  • Wartime memorabilia (War bond canvassing materials, emergency war committee meeting minutes)
  • Letters home from WWII airman Joe Foley, who was posted overseas
  • Letters to Audra Brickman from many correspondants.
  • Business papers – covering the Brickman’s agricultural, canning and other endeavors.

The collection also includes items related to a number of well-known County families: Adams, Bonter, Foley, and Sherry, just to name a few.

We’re looking for your stories

Are you open to being interviewed? Do you like to present? We’d love to connect with you about your local memories of Prince Edward County.

We’re dedicated to preserving the human heritage of The County whether it’s by helping family historians discover their roots or gathering family histories so that they are not lost to time.

If you have stories to tell or material related to your family history that you’d like to donate or share, we can help with that. Please contact us by taking this short survey.