COLLECTION AND RESEARCH

At the heart of the Welland Museum is a growing collection that celebrates the people and places that have shaped our community. Each object — whether a family keepsake, industrial tool, or local artwork — helps us uncover the stories that define Welland’s unique character. Through our research and preservation efforts, we work to ensure that these stories continue to inspire and connect future generations.

Collection

The Welland Museum’s collection reflects the rich social, industrial, and cultural history of Welland and the surrounding region. With thousands of artifacts, photographs, paintings, and archival materials, the collection highlights the stories of local families, businesses, and community life. From the city’s canal heritage and manufacturing roots to its artistic and multicultural identity, each piece helps preserve the spirit and evolution of Welland for future generations.

Object Donation

The Welland Historical Museum accepts donations of objects on a case-by-case basis. Accepted objects must meet the criteria set out by the Museum’s Collections and Acquisitions Policy.

The Donation Process

1. Contact the Museum at darcie@wellandmuseum.ca to see if your donation is a good fit for our collection.
2. If it meets our criteria, the object(s) might first be taken in on a temporary basis while the necessary paperwork is reviewed and completed.
3. The Archivist will review the offer, and if approved, the proposed donation will be accepted.
4. The object(s) will be documented and preserved for the enjoyment and education of the public.

Criteria for Donations

The museum will consider accepting objects that:

• Have documented provenance (history of use and ownership).
• Are related to the geographical area encompassed by the municipalities Welland and Pelham or surrounding areas.
• Are unique or are not already represented in our collection (duplicates).

Research

If you are interested in having research conducted on your behalf, there is a small fee for staff time. Payment must be made in advance before research is conducted. Fees are charged regardless of the success of the research.

Service Request Form

Please include which service interests you in the message box and any other contact details you would like us to have.

Name *

First

Last

Email *

Subject *

Nature of Research/Project Description *

Please provide a brief description of your research.

Outcomes *

Briefly note the information you are hoping to obtain (e.g. historical address, family records, military reocrds, etc.)

Submit