Whether you are a history buff who enjoys reading about local history or someone looking to learn more about how our community came to be, the Cambridge Archives has a wide range of fascinating books available to view and/or purchase at the Archives.

Photo of some of the books for sale at the Cambridge Archives

From left to right:

  1. "Our Cambridge: A Gift to the World" (Hardcover) - A photo book showcasing the many sites and people of the City of Cambridge. ($50)
  2. "On Life's Stage" (Paperback) - The autobiography of Adam Ainslie, former Reeve of the Village of Galt in 1856 and the namesake of Ainslie Street.  Good for an insight into the early history of Galt. ($5)
  3. "This is Waterloo Region" (Hardcover) - A book that covers a wide range of topics regarding the Region of Waterloo its history and its unique character. ($50)
  4. "Time Frames: Historical Chronologies of Galt, Hespeler, Blair and Cambridge" (Bound Copy) - A chronological listing of important events in the history of Cambridge and its founding municipalities.  Excellent for anyone new to studying local history. ($20)
  5. "Cambridge Mosaic: An Inquiry into Who's Who in the History of Cambridge" (Hardcover) - A collection of almost encyclopedia-like articles about the people who helped make Cambridge what it is today. ($42)
  6. "A Part of Our Past: Essay's on Cambridge's History" (Bound Copy) - A collection of essays and short articles about various people and places throughout the history of Cambridge. ($20)

Local history books that can be viewed

"The City of Cambridge Honours Our Veterans" -  Features brief biographies of Cambridge veterans who have been honoured with a "Poppy Street."  A city map showing all the Poppy Streets is included along with the biographies.

"The History of the Cambridge Fire Department" - The story of the Cambridge Fire Department as well as the histories of the Galt, Preston and Hespeler Fire Departments.

"Reminiscences of the Early History of Galt and the settlement of Dumfries" By the Honourable James Young

"Cambridge The Making of a Canadian City" By Kenneth McLaughlin

"Steel Wheels" By George W Roth

"Hespeler's Hidden Secret The Coombe Orphanage 1905-1947" By Paul Langan

How to purchase

The Cambridge Archive and Records Centre is open at Historic City Hall Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., to make an appointment, please contact archives@cambridge.ca or by phone at extension 4633.

Books can be purchased using cash and cheque in person.  They can also be purchased by mail using cheque only.