Every Building Has a Story
The buildings around us are more than wood, brick, and stone. They hold the stories of the families, businesses, farms, schools, churches, and neighbours who built our communities.
Whether still standing, changed over the years, or gone entirely, these places are part of our history.
What is Built Heritage?
Homes • Barns & Farms • Businesses • Schools • Churches • Bridges • Public Buildings • Landmarks • Mills & Industry
Your Family May Hold the Missing Piece
How to submit built heritage
Old photographs. Deeds. Letters. Documents. Family memories.
You may have something that helps tell the story of a local building or place.
Don’t Just Search for History… Help Save It.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no minimum age. While many of the buildings we document are more than 75 or 100 years old, newer buildings may also have historical significance because of their architecture, the people who lived or worked there, or the role they played in our community’s history. We encourage you to contact us if you’re unsure. We’d be happy to discuss your property with you.
Anyone may submit information about a historic home, barn, business, church, school, mill, bridge, landmark, or other place of local historical significance.
No. We welcome information about any building or place that has a historical significance to our community, whether or not it has been officially designated.
Yes. Former owners, family members, neighbours, local historians, and community members often have valuable photographs, memories, and historical information to share.
We welcome information about homes, barns, farms, businesses, churches, schools, mills, bridges, public buildings, community halls, landmarks, and buildings that have been altered, relocated, or demolished.
Yes. We welcome photographs, maps, deeds, letters, newspaper articles, family records, and other historical material related to a property.
Yes. Original photographs and documents are carefully scanned and returned unless you choose to donate them to the Glencoe & District Historical Society.
Every submission should include your name, telephone number or email address, the property’s location (if known), and a brief description of the photographs, documents, or memories you are sharing.
A volunteer reviews your submission, contacts you if more information is needed, and creates a permanent Built Heritage archival record.
Most projects can be completed using the information and photographs you provide. If additional information is needed, a visit may be arranged with the property owner’s permission.
No. Participation in the Built Heritage Project is free.
With your permission, your contribution becomes part of the GDHS Built Heritage Collection and may be used for research, publications, exhibits, presentations, educational programs, and our website.
Yes. Buildings that have been demolished, destroyed, relocated, or significantly altered are an important part of our local history.
Absolutely. One photograph or one memory can become an important part of preserving a building’s history.
Please contact the Glencoe & District Historical Society by phone, email, or by visiting the Archives. We are happy to help.
No. Every submission must include the contributor’s name and contact information. This allows us to verify information, obtain permission when required, ask follow-up questions, and return original photographs and documents.
