A Legacy of History and Heritage

Founded by Andrew Pattullo in 1897, the Oxford Historical Society has been dedicated to celebrating and safeguarding the rich history of Oxford County, located in southwestern Ontario. For more than 125 years, we’ve captured local stories, recorded oral histories, and shared the voices of those who shaped our communities. Our mission continues today — to inspire public interest in Oxford’s past and preserve its legacy for generations to come.

Join our

Monthly Meetings*

The Oxford Historical Society hosts talks throughout the year, covering a wide range of fascinating historical topics.

Most presentations take place on the last Wednesday of each month at 6:30 pm at Chartwell Oxford Gardens at 423 Devonshire Ave, Woodstock.

Each session features a guest speaker with expert knowledge about Oxford County, or other historical areas.

All meetings are open to the public free of charge - you don’t need to be a member to attend! Free parking is available.

* No meetings in July & August.

Join us in person

Upcoming & Past Events

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Visionary journalist

Andrew Pattullo

When Andrew Pattullo arrived in Woodstock in 1875, he brought with him an enterprising spirit and a passion for community. Starting out as a junior partner at the Sentinel newspaper, he quickly made his mark. By 1880, he had taken full ownership and merged the Sentinel with its rival, the Review, creating the Sentinel-Review — the same paper that continues to share Woodstock’s stories today.

Pattullo’s influence reached far beyond the newsroom. He led the Canadian Press Association from 1890 to 1892, founded the Ontario Good Roads Association to improve travel and trade, and represented North Oxford as a Member of Provincial Parliament in 1886, 1892, and 1902. His dedication to progress and community spirit helped shape both Woodstock and Oxford County for generations to come.

The Pattullo Fountain

The Maid of the Mist

Known as the Maid of the Mist, the Pattullo Fountain was erected in downtown Woodstock to honour Andrew Pattullo’s legacy. Officially unveiled on May 29, 1917, it remains a cherished landmark in the community. In tribute to both Pattullo and the fountain, the Oxford Historical Society publishes a newsletter titled Pattullo Press.

The Oxford Historical Society's Mission

  • Promote

    We celebrate the history of Oxford County, bringing the stories of its people and places to life.

  • Assist

    We support researchers, historians, and community members in exploring and preserving Oxford County’s rich history.

  • Publish

    We share our discoveries through books, brochures, and our newsletter, connecting past and present.
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Contact us

Have a question or an idea for a presentation? We’d love to hear from you! Contact the Oxford Historical Society to share your thoughts or propose a topic.