The Township of Wilmot Archives (also known as the Sir Adam Beck Archives) holds a rich variety of material pertaining to the history of Wilmot Township. The official name given to the archives, The Sir Adam Beck Archives, does not reflect the scope of the collection, but rather serves as a tribute to one of Baden's most prominent men, Sir Adam Beck (June 20, 1857 - August 15, 1925). Sir Adam Beck was born in Baden and served as a Member of Provincial Parliament for Ontario (1902-1919, 1923-1925), and was an advocate who founded the Hydro-Electric Power Commission of Ontario.
The Archives is the official repository for historical documents, photographs, business records, New Hamburg Independent newspapers, Tweedsmuir histories and municipal records for the Township of Wilmot. These records preserve the identity and heritage of Wilmot Township.
Tweedsmuir History Books
In 2007 the New Dundee Women's Institute celebrated their 100th anniversary. To mark this very special occasion they created a legacy gift to the community. The Tweedsmuir History Books were digitized and put on-line where they can be viewed and enjoyed by anyone interested in the history of Wilmot Township. In addition to the New Dundee Women's Institute branch of books, other Tweedsmuir books were included in the project: Haysville and New Hamburg Women's Institutes. What a huge undertaking this project was for a group of sixty Women's Institute women. After the project, the Tweedsmuir Books from the Women's Institute chapters of Wilmot Township (New Dundee, Haysville and New Hamburg) were donated to the archives. Staff at Castle Kilbride/Township of Wilmot Archives were delighted to have these treasures as part of the permanent collection. View the on-line collection of the Tweedsmuir books of Wilmot Township.
New Hamburg Independent Newspapers
With kind support from the Kitchener Public Library and the Waterloo Historical Society, staff were able to make copies of forty-four microfilm reels that contain scanned copies of the New Hamburg Independent from the late 1800s to 1990. If you would like to view the microfilm, please email us or call for an appointment. Please note the Reading Room is available weekdays only.
Conducting Research
The Ralph Shantz Reading Room is a wonderful space housing local history. Staff are happy to assist you with general enquiries. However, please note that staff are unable to assist with inquiries pertaining to property/land information, birth, death, or marriage records. We hope Research resources and contacts for Waterloo Region will provide you with additional resources to assist you with your research. If you are researching your family history our genealogy page may also assist you.
Looking to donate?
Through the generosity of donors, the archival collection continues to grow. Archival and artifact donations are welcomed and appreciated by Castle Kilbride staff. If you have something you would like the Township of Wilmot Archives to consider for donation, please email us or call and speak with the Castle Kilbride Curator.
Contacts