Hello Everyone,
please see this guest post from the Oxford County Archives:
Folklore, true crime, heroes and Elvis: Oxford County’s most noteworthy
moments are captured in, “Growing Stronger Together: A Celebration of
Oxford County’s Past,” a new book by the Oxford County Archives that
celebrates the 175th anniversary of the County’s incorporation.
A collection of stories about local people, events and communities, the
book has its origins in an Archives blog started during the COVID-19
pandemic to share interesting stories about the County’s past. It
features articles and historical research from multiple contributors and
was curated by Oxford County Archivist Liz Dommasch.
The public book launch for “Growing Stronger Together: A Celebration of
Oxford County’s Past” takes place this month:
When: Wednesday, July 30, 2025 from 1:00 – 3:00pm
1:30pm: Comments from Deputy Warden Brian Petrie and book excerpts
read by County Archivist Liz Dommasch
Where: Oxford County Archives (Governor’s House building)
82 Light Street, Woodstock N4S 7Y3
Phone: 519-539-9800 x3071
Copies of the book will be on sale at the event for $45.00 each.
The book will also be available for purchase online at
www.oxfordcounty.ca/archives, at the Ingersoll and Tillsonburg
branches of Oxford County Library, Oxford County Archives, and at the
Customer Service desk in the Oxford County Administration Building.
Oxford County is celebrating the 175th anniversary of its
incorporation as a county in 2025 and the 50th anniversary of the
restructuring of Oxford County into its eight area municipalities:
Blandford-Blenheim, East Zorra-Tavistock, Ingersoll, Norwich, South-West
Oxford, Tillsonburg, Woodstock and Zorra. It is the 60th anniversary
of the Oxford County Library system and the 25th anniversary of Oxford
County Archives.
To learn more visit www.oxfordcounty.ca/anniversary
Other anniversary year events
* Woodstock Art Gallery Exhibit: Oxford County Archives: Celebration,
175+ years: July 12, 2025 – January 24, 2026
This exhibit explores the history of some of Oxford County’s iconic
administrative buildings, including the Court Houses, Jail, Registry
Offices and House of Refuge, and highlights some of the architectural
drawings, photographs, and artwork maintained by the Oxford County
Archives.
* Display at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario: “Oxford County:
Celebrating 175 Years.” April- December 2025
Part of the Legislative Assembly Community Exhibits Program, this
submission by the Oxford County Archives and Oxford County Library
celebrating Oxford County’s 175th anniversary and the County’s
historical and milestone achievements is on display now at Queen’s Park
in Toronto.
* Oxford County Archives: “Who Do You Think You
Are.”
Coming this fall, this video series will share the genealogical
stories of some of Oxford’s current County Councillors.
* Oxford County Archives and Oxford County Library exhibits in the
Oxford County Administration Building.
The Archives is featuring four displays throughout 2025 highlighting
the history of the County; promoting the Archives’ holdings, programs
and services; highlighting stories from the new anniversary book;
and sharing the history of the Oxford County Library system.
Oxford County Library is also hosting special events this year to mark
the Library’s 60th anniversary.
* Oxford County Library Memory Wall:
This virtual scrapbook invites stories, photos and other creative expressions
of people’s memories of County library branches over the years. Visit the wall at
www.ocl.net/memory-wall.
* Local History Speaker Series events: “Twice a Pioneer: A History of
Oxford County Library Services “
Takes place on July 19, featuring local historian Dr. Matthew Griffis,
in a presentation that will share archival images and other historical items.
In May, Oxford County Archivist Liz Dommasch offered a sneak peek
of “Growing StrongerTogether: A Celebration of Oxford County’s Past”
as part of the Local History Speaker Series.
* Anniversary video: “The Oxford County Library at 60: Foundations and
Future”
A short video that celebrates Oxford County Library’s anniversary
is being released this week through the Library’s social media
channels.
* Oxford County Library Reception: “Remember When: Celebrating Our
First 60 Years”
A public celebration of the Library’s anniversary, will
be held on September 20, 2025, at the Ingersoll branch. Watch for
details at www.ocl.net or Speak Up, Oxford!
Comment
Marcus Ryan, Warden, Oxford County
“Oxford’s 175th Anniversary reminds us that we have a story that is
worth sharing–in fact, multiple stories worth sharing, more than 150 in
this publication alone. The story of how Oxford grew to become Oxford
shows a vibrant past and a love of community that continues today. Thank
you to the many contributors who devoted their time and passion to
keeping these stories alive.”
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