You can explore the new ANIMALIA: Animals in the Archives exhibit online, as well as at the Archives of Ontario at York University.
The Archives of Ontario exhibit demonstrates the important role animals have played in the lives of Ontarians throughout our history, from pets, to farming and hunting, to service animals, with more than 100 archival records documenting different species across Ontario as far back as the late 18th century.
The free exhibit explores five distinct animal groups — bears, birds, dogs, fish and horses — and their significance to Ontario's history:
Each animal's section features:
- A summary of the animal's changing role in Ontario
- A selection of records demonstrating the animal's importance in Ontario's past
- A spotlight on the work of an external institution to document, study, and/or maintain the animal's role in Ontario
- An interactive moment to engage visitors in the exhibit content.
Curriculum-linked educational lesson kits and a workshop are also available.
The exhibit is open during regular business hours at the Keele Street Campus of York University. Learn more here.
The Archives of Ontario offers many services to the public, including research guidance on genealogy and other records holdings. Learn more here.
