The Local History Room is currently open Monday - Friday from 2 – 5 pm

The Local History Room at the McLaughlin Branch, opens a new window contains unique resources to preserve Oshawa's history and foster public awareness of the city’s rich history and traditions.

We invite you to explore our Online Library, opens a new window or contact us using the form below to assist with your research remotely.

Room Resources

Watch our Inside the Local History Room, opens a new window video series to learn about our collections.

• Book and printed materials on local history and genealogy, opens a new window
• A Carrying Place: Indigenous History in Oshawa
• Oshawa City Directories from 1916 to 2001, opens a new window
• Oshawa telephone directories dating back to 1938
• Photograph and map collections, opens a new window
• Newspapers, opens a new window on microfilm
• Research terminals to access our online resources.

Due to the unique content of the materials, all items must remain in the Local History Room.

Donations

Many materials in our local history collection have come to us through the generosity of donors. The Library welcomes inquiries regarding potential donations of materials relating to Oshawa’s history.  Please contact us using the number or form below.

All materials will be evaluated in terms of their alignment with the Library's Collection Development Policy, opens a new window and Donations, Gifts, and Sponsorship Policy, opens a new window.

Contact

You can contact us to book an appointment to visit the Local History Room of to get research guidance.

Although we are unable to conduct in-depth research for you, we are always happy to assist in your research. You may phone or email our Local History Librarian, or fill in an online request below.

Nicole Adams, opens a new window
Local History and Genealogy Librarian
(905) 579-6111 ext. 5243
nadams@oshawalibrary.ca, opens a new window

Library staff will respond to your inquiry within 5-7 business days.