Research tools

Research Databases

The following materials have been collected by Fort Erie Museum staff and volunteers over many years. Most have been drawn from primary sources. While this work may contain errors or omissions, these resources are being made available to support researchers, make local history more accessible, and provide the community with tools to learn more about Fort Erie and its stories.

Researchers are encouraged to consult primary sources whenever possible and to independently verify information when a source is not provided. These materials are intended to make research easier and more efficient. If you notice any issues or inaccuracies, please let us know.

Bertie Township Crown Grants Database

Bertie Township Crown Land Grants

This resource brings together information from a variety of sources to provide a comprehensive record of Crown grantees in the former Bertie Township.

Following the American Revolution, many Loyalists sought refuge in British North America. The Niagara region was an attractive destination, offering the security of British rule while remaining close to their former homes. On lands that had long been Indigenous land, British authorities began granting property on the west side of the Niagara River. One of the earliest areas to be settled was present-day Fort Erie.

The information presented here is based on the extensive research of Tom Kennedy, who completed this work in 2007. Since then, Fort Erie Museum Services staff and volunteers have digitized the material to make it more accessible to researchers, genealogists, and the public.

Mr. Kennedy undertook this project independently with the hope that his research would be made widely available. We are pleased to share it here in an online format. For more information about the research, its sources, or the compilation process, please contact Fort Erie Museum Services.

Land grants list the Concession and Lot numbers. The Canadian County Atlas Digital Project includes a helpful explanation of the lot and concession numbering system. That project also has a 1876 map clearly showing the concession and lot numbers in Bertie Township. Researchers may also be interested in the 1862 Map of Niagara for information on land ownership.

Additional Resources Related to Land Grants

• Crown land – Grants and Sales – Archives of Ontario
• Upper Canada Land Minute Books (1791-1841), Quebec Land Minute Book (1787-1791), and Province of Canada Land Minute Books (1841-1867)

Fort Erie Museum Services is committed to preserving the historical record while using respectful, accurate, and inclusive language in our collections and descriptions. Historical materials may contain language, viewpoints, or imagery that reflect the time in which they were created and may be considered harmful or offensive today. Guided by the Canadian Museums Association’s Ethics Guidelines and the Town of Fort Erie's Strategic Plan, we are committed to continually reviewing and improving our descriptive practices while ensuring access to authentic historical records.

More information here.

Oral Histories

Voices of Fort Erie

This collection shares firsthand accounts of life, work, community, and memory in Fort Erie. Oral histories help preserve personal experiences that may not appear in traditional written records.

These oral histories were collected by Fort Erie Museum Services staff and volunteers, with most interviews conducted between Fall 2007 and Spring 2009.

Some recordings include group interviews, and audio quality may vary. Transcripts have been prepared to improve accessibility and support research. While some recordings may be imperfect, Fort Erie Museum Services believes this collection is an important historical resource that should remain available to researchers.

Fort Erie Museum Services recognizes that oral histories may not always provide a complete or definitive account of the past. They reflect the memories, perspectives, and interpretations of people who experienced or were connected to the events they describe.

We invite you to explore these recordings and the stories they preserve.

Fort Erie Museum Services is committed to preserving the historical record while using respectful, accurate, and inclusive language in our collections and descriptions. Historical materials may contain language, viewpoints, or imagery that reflect the time in which they were created and may be considered harmful or offensive today. Guided by the Canadian Museums Association’s Ethics Guidelines and the Town of Fort Erie's Strategic Plan, we are committed to continually reviewing and improving our descriptive practices while ensuring access to authentic historical records.

More information here.