Using the Research Hall

If you are interested in visiting the Toronto Archives Research Hall, you must request an appointment. Once your request is received, a member of the Toronto Archives will contact you to conduct a reference interview.

Prepare for the Reference Interview

• Determine your specific research subject
• Search the online database to identify records of interest
• Complete a records request form, if needed

Requesting materials

• Request or identify the type of material you wish to see before an appointment.
• Box requests must be submitted at least one week before an appointment.
• A maximum of 10 archival boxes can be ordered prior to the appointment. Additional material may be retrieved during the appointment.

Copying materials

• You may bring a phone or camera to copy materials and/or a USB stick to save material from microfiche and film.
• You may bring your own pencils and writing material. Pens are not permitted in the Research Hall.
• Same-day photocopying services are not available.

The Toronto Archives Research Hall is accessible by appointment only.

Hours of Operation:

Tuesday and Thursday: 9 a.m. – noon and 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

You may book one three-hour visit per calendar month and only two researchers are permitted in the Research Hall at one time.

Appointments are currently being scheduled for October 19 – November 30. Please check this page again beginning November 1 for appointments in December.

Book an appointment

The following services are currently available at the Toronto Archives Research Hall:

• Access to archival records (must be ordered in advance)
• Access to microfilm and microfiche
• Access to shelved material including Toronto and Metropolitan Toronto Council Minutes, reference library, building permits indices and paper finding aids

The following services remain unavailable:

• Group tours and visits
• Digital image reproductions
• Same-day photocopies
• Reserving boxes for a follow-up visit. Boxes must be returned to the Record Centre after each visit

An overview of the Archives’ collection is found in What’s in the Archives.

The following records are unavailable at the Archives:

• Birth, death and marriage records
• Census records
• Most building plans
• Indigenous status records
• Property deeds and surveys
• School and education records
• Military records

The health and safety of all visitors and staff remains top priority in all of the City’s re-opening plans. Learn more about the health and safety protocols that are in place.