Contact us

Should I make an appointment with the archivist?

Although walk-ins are welcome, an appointment is strongly encouraged if this is your first time at the archives, or are not sure which direction to take your research. An initial appointment usually takes about 20 minutes. The archives is open 9:00-4:00, Monday to Friday. 

See Plan Your Visit for more information.

Do you answer genealogy or family history questions?

If you have a question and cannot make a research visit, remote queries will be answered as staff time allows. We will attempt to answer a question if it can be done in about 15 minutes. Please note that we are not able to provide digital copies of Einwandererzentralstelle (EWZ) Mennonite names files via email. Make an in-person appointment to view these files.

We have created several online resources which will be of help, either in advance or in place of a visit:

• Our genealogy guide addresses many common questions
• Most of our photographs are available to search in the Mennonite Archival Information Database (MAID). Photographs can be downloaded through MAID for a cost recovery fee.

Can I request scans of archival materials?

Researchers on-site are usually allowed to scan or photograph archival materials. Check with staff before proceeding. 

If you are unable to visit, we may be able to scan archival materials for you for a fee. Please contact us listing the materials you are interested in, and we will respond with an estimated cost and timeline. The archives may refuse requests for reasons of copyright, fragility of materials, amount of material requested or limitations of time. See the Plan Your Visit page for more information.

To request digital copies of photographs order online through the Mennonite Archival Information Database. If you require higher resolution copies or copies for commercial use, contact the archives.

We are sometimes asked to copy library materials. Generally speaking, we cannot directly provide library copies. Try the interlibrary loan department of your local university or public library for this service.

How do I donate archival materials to the Archives or books to the Library?

• Read here about donating archival materials
• Read here about depositing Mennonite Church Eastern Canada congregational records
• Read here about donating books or other published materials (including Bibles) to the Milton Good Library

What’s the difference between the Milton Good Library and Mennonite Archives of Ontario?

The Mennonite Archives of Ontario is located within the Milton Good Library. Generally, the Archives houses unpublished materials, and the Library houses published materials. 

Archival documents cannot leave the Archives, while most Library materials can circulate. The Library includes a specialized collection of Mennonite Studies materials that can be very helpful to an Archives researcher. Library materials are catalogued in the University of Waterloo library catalogue.

Learn more on the Milton Good Library website.

For general library help, email libcgc@uwaterloo.ca or phone 519-885-0220 x34400.