Community and Family History in Thunder Bay

There are a number of organizations that have material relevant to family history and genealogy in Thunder Bay.

Thunder Bay Public Library

In addition to local history materials at each of the four branches, the Brodie Resource Library reference room is home to a broad selection of research materials, including newspaper indexes and microfilmed newspaper collections, a 3,000+ photograph collection, a map collection, and the Henderson City Directories for Thunder Bay (1884-2000).

In addition, the library runs classes on using Ancestry Library Edition as well as other genealogical topics; and one is able to order a variety of materials through inter-library loan.

Click here for locations and hours.

Thunder Bay Museum and Archives

425 Donald St. E
Thunder Bay, Ontario
807-623-0801

Museum hours:

  • Winter: Tues-Sun, 1 – 5 pm
  • Summer: Daily, 11 am – 5 pm

Archives hours: Mon-Fri, 9 am – 5 pm.  Appointments preferred.

Lakehead University Archives

Chancellor Paterson Library, 5th Floor
Lakehead University
955 Oliver Road
Thunder Bay, Ontario

When visiting, please note their research policies.

For information on genealogical materials at LU, you may want to consult the following resources, part of the branch’s collection:

  • Higgins, Janis. 1996. Genealogical Finding Aid Lakehead University.
  • Stevens, Carol. 1994. Some Sources [Genealogical] at Lakehead University.

Thunder Bay City Archives

235 Vickers Street N
Thunder Bay, Ontario
807-625-2270

Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm