Collections & Research
At the Stratford Perth Museum our mandate is to collect, preserve, research, interpret, and exhibit artefacts and archival records that reflect and document the diverse history, people, and culture of Stratford and Perth County. With a current Collection of over 30,000 artefacts, our material heritage reflects our strong agricultural, industrial, artistic and social roots that spans time from pre-history to contemporary culture.
The Collection of the Stratford Perth Museum represents the history of this region. It is one of the earliest ongoing collections founded in Ontario, beginning with the Perth County Historical Collection (1902-1980). In 1976 the Minnie Thomson Museum Collection , consisting of nearly 3,000 agricultural artifacts, was acquired, and in 2001 we received over 600 objects from the Stratford Armoury which make up the Perth Regiment Collection.
The collection is as diverse as the community it represents: CN railway equipment, furniture, quilts, clothing, depression glass, military objects, medical equipment, agricultural, industrial, and architectural artifacts, and much more.
Donate to Our Collection
At the Stratford Perth Museum our mandate is to collect, preserve, research, interpret, and exhibit artefacts and archival records that reflect and document the diverse history, people, and culture of Stratford and Perth County.
We welcome your donations of artifacts and documents to the Collection. If you have interesting or unique items that are connected to the people, places or organizations of Perth County, please contact the Collection Coordinator to discuss a possible donation. collections@stratfordperthmuseum.ca, 519-393-5316.
Some of the criteria for including objects in our Collection include:
Historical significance, provenance, condition, usefulness in research and exhibitions, and the museum’s ability to safely care for and store the object. Our Collection includes all time periods.
All donations are carefully documented and catalogued so that a permanent record is kept detailing the history of each donation. Donors are asked to sign gift forms releasing ownership. The donor can receive an income tax receipt for the appraised value of the items donated. If an appraiser is required because the donated items have significant monetary value, the donor pays the cost of the appraisal.
Monetary donations made to the Stratford Perth Museum are used to provide resources for programmes, exhibits, and the collection, and support the historical, educational and artistic interests of the communities of Perth County. To make a monetary donation go to our Home Page and click on the Donate Heart.
Search Our Collection Online
Welcome to our Online Collection!
The Stratford Perth Museum is now sharing its Collection online! Having just acquired PastPerfect Online at the beginning of 2026, we are in the early stages of making our nearly 30,000 artefacts accessible to the public. Please be patient as we are beginning with just a few hundred records.
Our Collection includes thousands of photographs, historic artefacts, textiles, and archival documents. We are beginning by sharing some special Collections such as those related to specific subjects, such as The Kroehler Collection, Signature Quilts, and the Perth Regiment. There is a special focus on sharing records related to the Towns and Townships of Perth County.
We are always working to update this digital collection, so if you do not find what you are looking for, please check back regularly. You may also contact the museum so our staff may assist you with your search.
Stories from the Collection
Coming soon…