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The Barrie Historical Archive (BHA) is Barrie’s only free online museum. Cultivated by local historians, we’re committed to capturing and archiving Barrie’s rich history and telling YOUR story.
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President’s report: Year in review
Due to the complications of hosting an effective annual general meeting in light of COVID-19, this year, the Barrie Historical Archive opted for a resolution instead of extending an invitation to join us at an AGM. This was a wonderful opportunity for us to reflect on another outstanding year for [...]
Innisfil’s Electric Railway
In the early 1900s much of Innisfil's waterfront was under development creating many new cottages and homes for the Toronto and Barrie purchasers. A movement was afoot to build a railway to service the needs of these new properties along the shoreline. In 1910 a group of Toronto lawyers, accountants [...]
The Mechanics Institute was Barrie’s first library system
A nomadic beginning eventually led to a majestic building. Barrie’s first library began as a group. It started out in 1844 as a Mechanics’ Institute, a subscription and fee-based organization created for workingmen and mechanics for improvement and development. Although the institute received donations of books from influential people in [...]