Oxford County Archives wins Institutional Award from the Archives Association of Ontario
Oxford County Archives received the 2026 Institutional Award from the Archives Association of Ontario (AAO) conference in Toronto.
The AAO Institutional Award is given to an archival institution that has contributed significantly to the advancement of the archival field or community or has demonstrated a significant level of innovation and imagination in the establishment of outstanding or model programs or services.
The award recognizes the Archives’ exceptional work and collaborations during Oxford County’s 175th anniversary year that brought Oxford County’s history to life:
· Community exhibits during Black History Month: Oxford County Archives attended every Black History Month flag-raising in 2025 with a travelling local Black History Month exhibit.
· Black History Month Shop Hop: The Woodstock Museum National Historic Site partnered with Oxford County Archives and the Downtown Woodstock BIA in 2025 for the Black History Month Shop Hop celebrating African, Black and Caribbean businesses. The Shop Hop invited everyone to stop by participating local businesses to learn about black Woodstonians of the past for a chance to win a $100 gift card.
· Publishing Growing Stronger Together: A Celebration of Oxford County’s Past: 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.
· The “Tracing Your Roots” video series: Oxford County Archives invites residents to reflect on where they come from and the stories that connect them. That spirit inspired a new podcast and video series, Tracing Your Roots: uncovering the family histories behind the council table.
· Condemned Woodstock: Explore the darker history of Woodstock, through interviews by host Sangita Patel and reenactments of local crimes.
· The Diary of Ella Youmans: The Diary of Ella Youmans Project first began during the early years of COVID, when a local resident brought a diary to Oxford County Archives. Staff soon discovered that the diary belonged to a young woman named Ella Youmans, who had an incredible story to tell of her year working as a teacher in Wilson, North Carolina before the outbreak of the American Civil War.
· “The Long Road Back: Bringing Percy Home,” the story of Percy Onabigon: Oxford County Archives was honoured to share the story of Percy Onabigon through a moving memorial display at the Oxford County Administration Building to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
· The Archives 2025 Community Impact Report: The community impact report provides details on all of the work undertaken during the 175th anniversary year, as well as community statements and more.
The Oxford County Archives combines thoughtful preservation with inclusive engagement, expanding access to its collections while fostering deeper connections between the Archives and the Oxford County community.