WiFi Unavailable at Redhill branch
WiFi is experiencing some technical issues that we are working to resolve. Our IT staff will advise as soon as service is restored.
Barton Branch Makerspace
The iMac at the Barton Branch Makerspace is currently unavailable. We are working to resolve this issue.
Dundas Branch - Filming in Area
From March 27-29, filming will take place in the surrounding area. Parking may be impacted. Please give yourself extra time before visiting. Thank you for your patience.
Holds Processing and Delivery Delays
Holds processing and deliveries to Branches will be delayed for the next week due to Staff capacity.
We are working to move materials as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience.
Maps

These plans are valuable maps for building research. They are large scale maps that show shape, size and exact location of individual buildings. They provide detail about the construction materials, outbuildings and neighbourhood.
Fire Insurance Maps
1898: Local History & Archives (microfiche only) and the Lloyd Reeds Map Collection, McMaster University.
Revised to 1911 – Vol. 1, 2, 3: Local History & Archives (microfiche only) and Lloyd Reeds Map Collection, McMaster University.
1927 revised to 1947: Local History & Archives (incomplete)
1927 revised to 1933: Local History & Archives (complete)
Mid-1960’s – Vol. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5: Local History & Archives, Lloyd Reeds Map Collection, McMaster University.
Bird’s-eye View, Pictorial and Surveyor’s Maps
These types of map can show a building’s location within its neighbourhood and the city of Hamilton. These maps can also provide information about the layout of the city or town and changes in street names over the course of time.
1842 – surveyor’s map showing buildings
1854 – from the escarpment looking north
1859 – from the escarpment looking north
1876 – from the Bay looking south
1883 – from the escarpment looking north
1893 – from the Bay looking south
1909 – from the Bay looking south
1921 – surveyor’s maps showing buildings. Large versions are hanging in Local History & Archives. Smaller versions are available in the map collection.
To access these and other maps, use the Map List in Local History & Archives.
Wentworth County Atlas
There were a series of detailed atlases created to document counties across Ontario. They can show locations of structures and other detail. Some buildings are also illustrated in the body of the atlas.
1875 – atlas stand
1903 – R912.7135 T985 CESH folio [note: fragile]
You can also search Historical Atlases on-line, a project hosted by McGill's Rare Books and Special Collections Division with indexed county atlas information.