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Conrad Grebel

The Mennonite Archives of Ontario, adjacent to the Conrad Grebel University College library, is the location of source documents related to the history of Mennonites in Ontario, including congregations, institutions such as Mennonite Central Committee Ontario, and individual Mennonite leaders. This archival collection continues to grow. In addition to paper documents, the collection includes photographs, audio tapes, video tapes, microforms. CDs and DVDs.

The Archives is open to any serious researcher. In addition to graduate students doing original research, church historians, genealogists, and others use the resources of the archives. Projects have included Mennonite alternative service in World War II, immigration to Ontario in the 1920s, studies of the influence of Bishops S.F. Coffman and Jacob H. Janzen, and analysis of mutual aid among Ontario Mennonites.

To Find the Archives

Conrad Grebel University College is located north of the intersection of Westmount Road N. and University Ave. W. in Waterloo, Ontario. For a map, check the map to Conrad Grebel University College. The Archives is located in the building next to the parking lot on the same floor as the College Library -- just follow the signs. If you are visiting the Archives, be aware there is a parking charge of $1/hour to a maximum of $4 for the day.

Contact Information

Mennonite Archives of Ontario
Conrad Grebel University College
140 Westmount Rd. N.
Waterloo, ON N2L 3G6

Phone: (519) 885-0220 x24238 (x24240 May 1-August 31)
Email: marchive@uwaterloo.ca

The Mennonite Archives of Ontario has staff person -- Laureen Harder-Gissing, who also works for the Conrad Grebel University College Library. One contract employee, Linda Huebert Hecht, also works part time.

Hours of Operation

The Archives is generally open 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. It is imperative to make an appointment.

To Explore Our Collections

Check the Archives Overview or follow the links at the top of the page. You can also do a Boolean search on our Search Page. Collections listed which do not have links remain as paper-only finding aids.

Electronic Files

At the present time (2005) electronic files are listed in finding aids as if they were paper files. Their electronic format will be noted in the finding aid. Generally this will be either in the in the file format of creation (Microsoft Word, WordPerfect, etc.) or in a pdf (Adobe) format which although it is proprietary, is more universally accessible. Electronic files are only accessible at the Archives.

Genealogy

The Conrad Grebel University College Library maintains a family history section in its library. The CGUC Library is part of the TRELLIS library system, which includes the University of Waterloo, University of Guelph and Wilfrid Laurier University. Published family histories can be searched by family name as subject, e.g. "Bowman family".

We also have available online an older Genealogy Finding Aid that lists many of the genealogical resources available in the Conrad Grebel University College Library and the Mennonite Archives of Ontario. This finding aid is not current, because all items can be located either through a search on TRELLIS or on this website.

Because there is only one part time staff person, the Mennonite Archives of Ontario cannot carry out research for family historians. We will attempt to answer a question if it can be done in about 15 minutes. Otherwise we ask you to make a personal visit for research.

Fee-Based Services

The following charges are made for copies of materials. The Archives may refuse requests for copies for reasons of copyright (e.g. we will not copy published family histories), for preservation (e.g. the document is too fragile), or limitations of time (students and patrons on site always take precedence; requests for large quantities may be refused.) Canadian patrons pay in Canadian funds; all others pay in U.S. funds. Cash or personal cheques only, please. All applicable taxes are included in the price.

Service

Self-Serve (Patron is on site)

Staff-Assisted

Photocopies

.15 page

.25 page

Photocopies from microfilm

.15 page

.50 page

Photo duplication (only digital images provided)

 

5.00 ea.

Photo republication rights

Negotiated / at least $30.00 ea

Negotiated / at least $30.00 ea

Cassette tapes / CDs copied

 

$20.00 ea

Postage (all items)

 

Estimated cost

History of the Archives

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L.J. Burkholder

The Mennonite Archives of Ontario had its origin in the research undertaken by Lewis J. Burkholder in the early 1930s for his book, A brief history of the Mennonites in Ontario ([Kitchener, Ont. : Mennonite Conference of Ontario], 1935). In his research he gathered a significant quantity of 19th century letters and published documents. He placed these in a "Mennonite box" at the Archives of Ontario located in Toronto. In 1941 an archival collection began to be maintained at the Golden Rule Bookstore (later Provident Bookstore) in Kitchener, Ontario. The manager of the bookstore, J.C. Fretz, was also the historian for the Mennonite Conference of Ontario. At that time the "Mennonite Box" was removed from the Archives of Ontario.

In 1958 an addition to the classroom building at Rockway Mennonite School provided space for archival materials. Additional materials from the Swiss Mennonite community in Ontario began to be gathered under the supervision of Dorothy Schwartzentruber who worked at the bookstore.

In 1965, after the construction of Conrad Grebel College, the collection was moved from Rockway. Lorna Bergey took charge of the collection until 1974 at which time Sam Steiner was hired as the first paid staff person.

The Mennonite Archives of Ontario now serves as the official depository for Conrad Grebel University College, Mennonite Central Committee (Ontario) and Mennonite Church Eastern Canada. Other collections include the Mennonites in Canada collection gathered by Frank H. Epp, the archives of the Ontario Mennonite Bible School & Institute, the predecessor conferences to Mennonite Church Eastern Canada, the Non-Resistant Relief Organization, the Conference of Historic Peace Churches, local Mennonite congregations, and leaders from within the Mennonite community.

The organizational scheme employed by the Archives were derived by that developed at the Archives of the Mennonite Church (Goshen, Indiana) by Melvin Gingerich, longtime archivist at that facility. He assisted in the early formation of the Mennonite Archives of Ontario.

Other Mennonite archival centres in Canada with websites

U.S. Mennonite archival centres with websites

All information on this site is ©1999-2008 by the Mennonite Archives of Ontario, Conrad Grebel University College, Waterloo, ON.

Last modified 06-Mar-2009 by Laureen Harder-Gissing