Local History & Genealogy

What is in the Local History Collection?

The main focus of the collection is the present City of Pickering and the former Township of Pickering in particular, but also encompasses materials from the former county of Ontario in general.

The collection includes:

How To Access the Collection:

Due to COVID-19 impacts and restrictions, in-person access to the Local History Collection is unavailable. Please check back for on-going updates. Phone and video consultations can still be booked with the Local History & Genealogy Librarian.

The Local History Room is located on the 2nd floor of the Central Library. Access to original materials in our Local History collection is by appointment only. However, the majority of our Local History collection has been digitized and is conveniently available on the Pickering Local History Collection Digital Archive. The online collection contains books, photographs, maps, newspapers, family histories, and much more.

A small reference collection containing duplicate copies of the most popular items in the local history collection, is located at the Central Library and is available during all operating hours.

Appointments can be made by visiting in person, emailing the Library at localhistory@pickeringlibrary.ca, or by calling 905-831-6265 ext. 6240.

Genealogy Services:

Vision and Mission:

The Pickering Local History Collection (PLHC) will tell the story of Pickering from its earliest people to today’s growing City by collecting, preserving, and making available Pickering’s recorded history to the community. Our aim is to acquire, conserve, protect, interpret and promote the collection, make the materials available to the public, and support community building through our shared connection to Pickering.

Make an Appointment: