The Toronto Archives has launched a new database. Use these instructions to learn how to find and request material about Toronto’s history and culture. Click the Search the Archives button to access the database.
Use our Database Definitions page for assistance with the technical and archival terms found in these instructions.
The simplest way to search our collections is to use the Basic Search (Keyword) field. The Archives’ database looks for exact matches to words entered in this field. You can use keywords like street intersections, topics, people, places and events.
Use the keyword “cn tower” and click the Search/magnifier icon. Narrow your search for only scanned photographs by clicking Filter On/Off for Digital Records.
Tip: Clear between searches.
To see more details about a result, click the bold record title. Let’s click “Ellis Wiley fonds”.
After clicking on the record, more information will appear. Explore the Summary Information such as Form of Material, Biographical Sketch and Scope and Content.
Scroll down to “Consists Of”. Listed are records included within the fonds, series or file (see Database Definitions). Click on a record of interest to view more details.
View File 13
Use criteria options to narrow your search by applying multiple fields at the same time such as keyword, year range and type of material. When you have filled in your search criteria, click the Search/magnifier icon.
Here’s an example of a search for “council minutes” from “Etobicoke” for the time period “1865-1870”. In this example, it is known that the desired records belong in the City of Etobicoke fonds, which is why “Etobicoke” is used in the field Forms Part of (Number or title).
You can use the sidebar to further narrow results by Dates, Level of Description, Creator, Subjects and Material Type.
Use the menu bar to search the Archives’ collections by Browse Fonds, Browse Creators or Browse Subjects. These features list examples alphabetically and some include a search bar.
Here’s an example of using Browse Fonds alphabetically for Alexandra Studio fonds.
Here’s an example of a keyword search for Alexandra Studio using Browse Creators. Select the creator’s name from the list to view biographical/administrative information and related collection records.
The Browse Subjects feature is an access point to records related to creators and topical keywords. Search by Subject Names or Subject Topics to browse the collections. Please note that not all records are linked to subject terms.
Using the keyword/name “Turofsky” you can browse records linked to this name. Click on a bold record title to see more information.
Begin by clicking Digital Image Search on the menu bar. Perform a simple search by entering one or more keywords in All Fields (Keyword) and click the Search/magnifier icon.
See How to Order Photographs Online for more information on searching or ordering digital records.
Many of our records are not scanned – if you would like to look at them you will need to request specific files or items to view in person at the Toronto Archives.
If you book an appointment archival records can be requested prior to your visit. Records can also be requested after your arrival, but you may have to wait for up to one hour. Please follow the steps below.
The first step is creating a list of records you want to see. Explore your search results, click the checkbox to the left of a record of interest and select Add Collection Record(s) to Cart. A notice stating “Added 1 item(s) to Cart” will appear.
Your Collection Records List will timeout if it is left idle for two hours, which may result in losing your saved records.
Tip: Periodically create a Printable Records Request Form (PDF) to keep track of records in your cart for future reference (see instructions below).
Once records are added, click Cart to view your Collection Records List. Click Submit Request to begin your electronic request to the Toronto Archives.
Fill out the Archival Records Request including your name, email, phone number and desired appointment day in Additional notes or instructions. Complete and submit the request by clicking Save & Exit at the top right. Archives’ staff will contact you following your request.
Only files and items can be requested, not fonds, series or subseries. If a record has restricted access conditions, researchers are required to apply for access and will not be able to view the requested records immediately. See Requesting Records with Restricted Access for more information.
To create a printable form that can be submitted when visiting in person, begin in your Cart. Then click Print and select the Printable Records Request Form (PDF).
A new window will appear. Confirm the report name is Collection-*Printable Records Request Form (PDF)* and the format is Portable Document Format (PDF). Click Print to download.
The Printable Records Request Form (PDF) will be available in your downloads and can be saved for your records. If it does not download, try turning off the ad blocker on your web browser.
Printable Records Request Form (PDF) example:
To return to the Archives’ database, locate the window titled “Search City of Toronto Archives”. Click Done in the upper right corner to return to Cart interface.