Institutions for which we are the official repository, as well as congregations and organizations with which we have long standing relationships, send us accruals of records on a regular basis. Such donations need no advance notice unless they are unusually large or problems with the collection (eg. privacy concerns or mold damage) need special attention. In these cases, contact the archivist.
If you are an organization or an individual wishing to donate materials for the first time, please contact the archivist in advance. Donations must fit within our mandate of collecting, preserving, and making available the recorded experience of Mennonites, Amish, and other related groups in Ontario. This includes not only the records of Mennonites born in Ontario, but all those who have made their home here. Thus while all our records have some connection to the province, they may have been created in many parts of the world.
In adherence to the code of ethics of the Association of Canadian Archivists, we aim to be clear about our plans for the long-term care and use of your materials at the time of donation. Some donors request a formal deed of gift, which we can provide. We also advise you of your options, including housing materials at other archives, as appropriate.
If you are not yet ready to donate materials but are concerned for their preservation while in your care, feel free to contact the archivist for advice.
If you have library materials to donate (books, periodicals, Bibles), please see our library donation page.