WHO WE ARE
About
The Harriston Historical Society, is dedicated to the preservation of the unique heritage of the town of Harriston and Minto Township (Ontario, Canada) through archival collections of vintage pictures, documents and artifacts.
Harriston is located at the crossroads of Highways 9 and 89, about 45 miles northwest of Guelph. Archibald Harrison, the first Reeve of Minto Township, was one of four brothers who were amongst the first settlers of the area.
Harriston was incorporated as a village in January 1873, with Alexander Meiklejohn as the first Reeve. In 1878 Harriston achieved status as a town, with Mr. Meiklejohn as the first mayor. With a population in the 1880's of close to 2000, the town boasted grist and saw mills, five hotels, blacksmiths, carpenters and several dry goods stores.
The Town of Minto amalgamated in 1999 bringing together the municipalities of Harriston, Palmerston, Clifford, and the Township of Minto. You will find the Harriston Historical Society collection to be a treasure trove of valuable information and materials.
Mission Statement
The Harriston Historical Society, is a group of caring & dedicated people, whose primary functions are to collect, preserve and exhibit materials of historical interests relating to the Town of Harriston and Twp. of Minto while providing educational opportunities for the community.
Aims:
- local history research and preservation for the former Towns of Harriston and Twp. of Minto
- establishing a local Archives and Genealogy Research Center
- provide the area student base with a link to the local historical progression
- support and encourage other groups under our umbrella
HARRISTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY SCHOLARSHIP
Starting in 2023, the Harriston Historical Society offers a scholarship program to provide financial assistance to an upper year student who is pursuing a career in History, Archival Studies, Information Science, Library or a related vocation.