Welcome to the Pontiac Archives
Located in Shawville, Quebec, the Pontiac Archives is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the rich history and cultural heritage of the Pontiac region. Established in 1985, our mission is to collect, safeguard, and make accessible a vast array of historical documents, photographs, artifacts, and records that tell the stories of the people, places, and events that have shaped our community.
Our archives are open to the public, offering a wealth of resources for researchers, genealogists, students, and anyone interested in the history of the Pontiac region.
We provide:
- Research assistance and access to our collections
- Educational programs and workshops
- Exhibitions and displays showcasing our rich history
- Community events and heritage celebrations
- Volunteer opportunities for those interested in historical preservation
Our Mission
At Pontiac Archives, we believe that understanding our past is essential for building a strong and vibrant future. Our mission is to:
Preserve the historical records and artifacts of the Pontiac region
Provide access to our collections for research, education, and enjoyment
Promote awareness and appreciation of our local heritage
Support community engagement and participation in historical preservation
History of the Archives
In 1972, the Shawville-Clarendon-Thorne Historical Records Project, funded by the Opportunities for Youth program of the federal government, collected interviews by the people in the Shawville area for Shawville’s centennial year, 1873. These interviews and other documents were stored in the Town Hall Library.
The library was growing and so were the quantity of documents, so at a Pontiac Historical Society meeting, Pearl McCleary suggested that we needed a separate building for the archival material. Venetia Crawford agreed and, together with Annie Gamble, the Society’s president, the seed for an archive was sown.
In 1985, the Pontiac Archives first site was at the home of Pearl McCleary, where she and Venetia Crawford indexed the documents that were found in the Town Hall collection. That same year, we received a grant from Quebec Cultural Affairs to help in finding a suitable location. After searching all over the county without success, Sharron Halligan, principal of Pontiac Elementary Schools, invited us to meet the School Board, who offered us the library classroom at Campbells Bay Elementary School, which became our first official home. Elsie Sparrow joined the team in 1986. The Pontiac Archives moved to Campbells Bay, opening January 5, 1987, with the official opening on March 23.
Yearly grants from Quebec Cultural Affairs until 1989 enabled us to become well established. The Archives continued through four subsequent moves, all with the help of volunteers.
The first two moves, arranged by Genevive Cahill, were in the Social Planning Building on Elsie Street in Campbells Bay; from there we moved to Donald Pauls building on Centre Street in Shawville.
Finally, in 2004 we moved to our beautiful new site on Main Street in Shawville, which is provided by the Municipalities of Clarendon and Shawville.
The support of the Quebec National Archives in Hull under Pierre-Louis Lapointe, local politicians, and donations of many organizations and individuals have all contributed to the success of the Pontiac Archives, which is presently run entirely by volunteers.
Our Charity
The Pontiac Archives is a registered charity dedicated to preserving the rich history of the Pontiac region. Donations directly support the mission of the Archives, enabling the continued collection, preservation, and sharing of local historical records and artifacts. Below, you’ll find a summary of the board, minutes, and financial information related to our ongoing efforts.
Board of Directors
- President – Venetia Crawford
- Treasurer – Sharon
- Secretary – ‘Coming Soon’
- Director – ‘Coming Soon’
Meeting Minutes
- Coming Soon!
Financial Information
Summaries and full financial reporting is available through the Canadian Revenue Agency.
Get Involved!
