Oxford County Library maintains a special collection in order to conserve local history and to provide access to unique materials that help researchers and the public better understand Oxford’s past.

Oxford County Library collects materials pertaining to the history of Oxford County. Emphasis is given to the acquisition of those items which contribute to the knowledge of the social, civic, religious, economic, and cultural life of the county, both past and present.

Wherever possible, primary source materials of potentially significant research interest will be digitized and made available on the library website to allow researchers free and accessible use at any time

Use the interactive map to view local history records related to that geographic area.

Require assistance with researching local or family history?  Get in touch with Oxford County Library local history specialists at: localhistory@ocl.net

Oxford County Library provides free access to Ancestry Library Edition at all of our library locations.

Local History Programs & News

Event: "Remembering When: Celebrating Our First 60 Years"

On Saturday, September 20th (11am to 2pm), the Oxford County Library will hold a reception at its Ingersoll Branch to recognize the county library system's 60th anniversary. Titled Remembering When: Celebrating Our First 60 Years, this event is open to the public and will include a brief formal program (to begin at noon) plus displays and exhibits that showcase the history of county library services in Oxford.

For more information, please contact the Tillsonburg Branch's Local History specialist, Matthew Griffis.

Project: Share Your Story... The OCL 60th Anniversary Memory Wall

Has the Oxford County Library played a role in your life or your family's history? Did using any of the Oxford County Library's collections, programs, or other services make a difference in your life? Have you any special memories of using the library? If so, we welcome your stories, photos, and other creative expressions on the online 60th Anniversary Memory Wall.

For more information, please contact the Tillsonburg Branch's Local History specialist, Matthew Griffis.

Event: "Twice a Pioneer: A History of Oxford County Library Services" (Local History Speaker Series)

(The below has been reproduced -- with minor changes -- from Oxford County's News and Events page.)

Oxford County Library and Oxford County Archives proudly present the third installment of the Local History Speaker Series in 2025: "Twice a Pioneer: A History of Oxford County’s Library Services" (Saturday, July 19, 2-3:30pm at the Tillsonburg Branch of the Oxford County Library.)

Join local history specialist Dr. Matthew Griffis as he provides the complete history of the Oxford County Library. Featuring archival images and other historical items unseen for over 60 years, the presentation will explore how the Oxford County Library was established and why it was only the second county library to form in Ontario. The library as we know it today in Oxford County began with the formation of the Oxford County Library Association in 1937 and the Oxford County Library Cooperative in 1948, culminating in the establishment of the current Oxford County Library system in 1965.

Space is limited, and registration is required. Register for the in-person event at the Tillsonburg branch of Oxford County Library by calling (519) 842-5571 or register online for the in-person or virtual event via the Programs and Events calendar at www.ocl.net.

Blandford-Blenheim

East Zorra-Tavistock

Ingersoll

Norwich

South West Oxford

Tillsonburg

Woodstock

Zorra