Collections and Research

The Grimsby Museum collections consist of approximately 15,000 artifacts and growing. We collect objects, archives, photographs, textiles, archaeological material, books and art that relate to Grimsby. We are responsible for preserving the artifacts for current and future generations.

Are you looking for information on Grimsby's history? We offer access to our full collection through research requests. The Grimsby Museum's collection includes documents, letters, photographs, diaries and other material relating to families, businesses, organizations, places and events in Grimsby's history.

Please note appointments are mandatory for all research requests. We are not able to accept walk-ins.

For research appointments, please email us a description of what you are looking for and include any relevant information you have that may aid in our search, example: addresses, birth or death dates, maiden names, parent or sibling names etc. Alternatively, non email users may call us to make an appointment: 905-945-5292. Even if you call, an appointment is still required.

Research Fees:

* Research fees will be quoted in advance and will depend on your individual needs.

initial assessment: FREE for everyone
research appointment: $ 20.00 (plus tax).
retrieval fees starting at $1.00- $ 20.00 (plus tax) (depending on your needs. A quote and options can be discussed).
research conducted by a Museum representative: $ 30.00/hour (plus tax)

How it works:

We conduct an initial assessment to see if we have anything within our collections relevant to your research request. There is no charge for this initial assessment.
(optional) If no information is found during our initial assessment than no further appointment is needed. If we do find something that is of interest to you than a formal appointment is needed. Depending on the request, appointments can be conducted in person at The Museum, by phone or by email. Each request is handled case-by-case. There is a $ 20.00 (plus tax) fee for this service.
(Optional) If you want photocopies or digital copies than extra retrieval and supplies fees apply.
(Optional) depending on what you are researching, you can hire a Museum representative to conduct research for you. There is a $30.00/hour (plus tax) charge for this service.

We also recommend checking out the 'additional resources' listed in the tab below and our 'online collections' listed above which may also aid in your research.

Donating to the collection

The Grimsby Museum relies on the generosity of donors to grow the collection and amplify the appreciation for Grimsby’s history. We are most interested in items that represent Grimsby and surrounding areas.

As a community history museum, we collect both historic and contemporary items, analog and digital formats, and numerous topic areas.

If you are interested in making a donation, we invite you to contact us to discuss options. The more information you can tell us about an object’s story, the better.

When a donation is received, the donor is asked to complete a Temporary Custody Receipt. This form gives The Grimsby Museum permission to consider the gift for the collection. New acquisitions will go to our Culture Advisory Committee for review. Donations are evaluated based on their connection to our mission, whether there is documentation and history of it, whether it is already represented in the collection, and its condition. Other criteria specific to each donation may also be considered. If the donation is accepted, a Deed of Gift form that legally transfers the ownership from you to The Grimsby Museum will be completed. All donations are unconditional and unrestricted gifts. We are unable to accept donations with restrictions on exhibit or long-term loans.

Additional resources for local history

Grimsby Museum
6 Murray Street
P.O. Box 244
Grimsby, ON, L3M 4G5
T.: 905-945-5292
F.: 905-945-0715
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