AGM
Our Annual General Meeting will be held at 4:30 pm on May 2, 2024, via Zoom. We hope to have as many members as possible join us to reflect on the past year and look ahead to the next.
Please register prior to the meeting at: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUlcO6prTMjHtOJJ_roUXv8Ks7q4c0NMqBy
The Archives
Housed in the Historic Jail, The Charlotte County Archives’ rich and varied collection reflects the diversity, experience, and achievement of Charlotte County people. Archival materials dating from the 18th to 21st centuries include hundreds of thousands of original records reflecting individuals, families, groups, and businesses contributing to the social, cultural, economic, and political life of the region.
During most of the year, the Archives is open for visits and tours but opening hours vary depending on season and availability of summer staff for tours. During the winter months (normally November to March) the Archives is open to the public by appointment only. If in doubt please call ahead to ascertain current opening hours or check our Facebook page.
Visitors to the archives have access to more than 25,000 photographs, from the 1850s to today, and over 170 shelf metres of correspondence, maps, diaries, architectural drawings, albums, ledgers, ships-logs, deeds, and more. Our research room includes family histories; a small library of books relevant to the history of the area; microfilmed versions of regional newspapers dating back to the 1820s, many of them indexed for births, deaths, and marriages; and other resources for researchers of all kinds.
We welcome research visits, but please contact us ahead of time, which will help us help you. Many of our collections databases are searchable online – we encourage you to have a look!
The Site
The Old Charlotte County Gaol was constructed in 1832 of grey granite blocks, 2.5 feet thick. The gaol is a solid square building with austere jail cells in active use until 1979. Each cell is completely closed in by granite blocks except for a very narrow iron door, creating an atmospheric tour site and doubtless a claustrophobic experience for prisoners. Additional resource material can be found via this external site link.
The Charlotte County Courthouse, a light-filled provincial and national heritage site, provides a markedly different experience from the gaol. Designed by Thomas Berry and built in 1840, this classical-revival style courthouse is the best-preserved example of mid-nineteenth century Maritime Courthouses. In the early years of its history, the Courthouse was the focal point for community activities such as elections, fairs, parades, and official visits. It was the oldest courthouse in continuous use until 2016.
Our hours of operation for 2024 are:
May/Oct Monday – Friday (10 am – 4 pm)
June/Sep Tuesday – Saturday(10 am – 4 pm)
July/August Sunday to Saturday (10 am – 4 pm)
October to May Open by appointment – please contact us.
Tours are offered during opening hours. Organized and group tours (8+) must be booked ahead.
Newsletter
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