Archives Collections

Archival Records These include the official original minute books, records and
documents of the present Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board, the former Hamilton
Board of Education, the former Wentworth County Board of Education, and the former school
areas or sections of the Townships of Ancaster, Barton, Beverley, Binbrook, Dundas,
Glanford, East Flamborough, Stoney Creek, and West Flamborough. These are available to
the public for research purposes.

Student Attendance Records All students enrolled in the public school system have
their daily attendance recorded in "Student Registers". These Registers were originally stored
in their schools. Most of these Registers are now housed at the EAHC. Although not all
Registers have been located, there are many thousands of these documents now in storage
and available to the public for research purposes. Many of these attendance documents date
from the mid to late 1800's right up to 2004. These documents provide a great insight into not
only daily attendance, but often the addresses, parent names, occupations, religion and
nationalities of students in a particular classroom.

Photographs The EAHC has thousands of photographs of schools, classes, student
events. These are fully catalogued on a database and are available for loan or copying.

Books and Documents The EAHC has a collection of over 8,000 textbooks and
curriculum documents used in the school systems in this area. There is also a selection of
local elementary and secondary school yearbooks. These are available for loan and research
purposes.

Artifact Memorabilia The EAHC has a large collection of trophies, plaques, paintings,
prints, certificates, diplomas, school name letters, cornerstones, student desks, clocks,
bells, and other miscellaneous items, which have been collected either by former teachers or
students and donated for display purposes. Also included is a vast number of instructional
items and equipment in many subject areas. Many of these items are available for loan to
schools holding important anniversaries or reunions.

Display Areas A large Display Hall at the EAHC illustrates the development of education
in this part of Ontario. Displays include a look at different ways in which various subjects
were presented; a typical school office; and the world of the custodian. As well there is a
display of some of the memorabilia of schools now closed, but not forgotten. Nearby is the
Hall of Schools, which contains school name letters and plaques, honour rolls, photographs,
and bells of schools of yesteryear. Outside the Macassa Avenue site, are our memorable
displays of school cornerstones, architectural fixtures and school names.