Genealogical societies and historical organizations can be valuable resources for anyone researching family history. Many provide access to indexes, transcriptions, and historical records that can assist in your search. While the Lake Scugog Historical Society does not maintain its own searchable database at this time, researchers can explore online databases available through the Scugog Shores Museum and the Archives of Ontario to locate records of interest.
Local history can offer important context when tracing your ancestors. Many genealogical groups and historical archives include collections that document the families, communities, and events that shaped the region. Exploring these resources can provide insight into the past and help connect historical records to family stories.
If you are researching local genealogy, we encourage you to explore the collections at the Scugog Shores Museum and the Archives of Ontario, as well as any available local records that may help piece together your family history.
Print Research Resources:
- Scugog Shores Museum – The museum houses many historical publications, including family biographies, atlases, photos, and more) as well as they have created and maintained files with shared information including newspaper clippings, on many of the families who lived in Scugog and the surrounding area. Please call ahead to the Museum to book, or you can also request a volunteer do research to send you for a fee. More information can be found on their website by clicking HERE
- Public Libraries – Both the Scugog and Uxbridge Libraries have extensive collections of genealogy materials including maps/atlases, publications of local family histories, copies of some Township documents, as well as much more. All you need is a library card – And with their reciprocal borrowing agreement this means that you have even more access to information because you can get any library’s card from any Durham or Kawartha Lakes branch as long as you have proof of address.
Online Research Resources:
Scugog Heritage Site – This website has been designed to introduce the fascinating history of the people of Port Perry and the towns and villages which make up Scugog Township from the early 1800s to the present. Books, photos, maps and images on the site are for personal research only. Commercial use must be granted by the Lake Scugog Historical Society or the copyright holder. To explore, click HERE
- Scugog Digital Newspaper Collection (Port Perry Area Newspapers, 1857–1933) is a crucial window into the social, economic, and cultural life of the region during a formative period. Researchers and genealogists can find birth, marriage, and death announcements; local news stories; advertisements; and editorials that reflect community perspectives. In tracing family histories or examining broader historical trends, these newspapers offer firsthand accounts and details that formal records often overlook. They provide context about daily life, community concerns, and the evolution of local institutions. Access the archives HERE
Scugog Shores Museum – Not only does the museum house a great archive of books and files, but they have some amazing content online in their digital collection for you to view (click on the title for the link to the resource).
- Assessment and Collector Rolls: These documents are indispensable for researching property histories. By comparing these documents with census records, you can pinpoint who owned a property and for how long. They can also reveal when a home was built—if you notice a sudden jump in assessed value from one year to the next, it likely indicates new construction. Additionally, these rolls often include information on the number of buildings and even how many animals (i.e. dogs and livestock) were present on the property.
- INSIDER SUGGESTION! After clicking on the “Assessment and Collector Rolls” button on the museum page, next select the year span you would like to see, next under the title you will see a drop down for “Pages”, select page 1 and scroll through the pages until you find the property (concession and lot#). They are pretty much in numerical order. I have found that the search function does not pull text off of these documents so will say there are “No Records Found” if used.
- Cemetery Records: These records are invaluable for anyone researching local history or family genealogy. In the case of the Burial Register (1891–1938) for Pine Grove Cemetery in Scugog, Ontario, these documents can reveal names and relationships—including spouses, parents, or other relatives—and offer vital birth and death dates that help fill gaps and establish timelines. They also provide insights into broader community patterns by reflecting how and when individuals were buried, illuminating events such as epidemics or population shifts. Additionally, they may include notes on occupations or references to military service, offering deeper context about a person’s life and the community they lived in.
- Assessment and Collector Rolls: These documents are indispensable for researching property histories. By comparing these documents with census records, you can pinpoint who owned a property and for how long. They can also reveal when a home was built—if you notice a sudden jump in assessed value from one year to the next, it likely indicates new construction. Additionally, these rolls often include information on the number of buildings and even how many animals (i.e. dogs and livestock) were present on the property.
- Council Minutes: Often overlooked, these documents are a good resource for understanding the day-to-day governance and development of the township. They capture discussions, decisions, and policies that shaped the community—from budgeting and infrastructure projects to zoning and land use. Researchers can trace how local leaders addressed civic issues, responded to public concerns, and implemented regulations, offering insights into broader social and economic trends. Additionally, these records may reference specific individuals or businesses, shedding light on genealogical connections and local history that might otherwise remain undocumented
- Durham Region Area Archives Group – This site has some great resources to help if you are just getting started to research your genealogy, looking to research the history of your house as well as tips for archiving and preserving your own family’s history. Check out their PDF resources HERE
- Ontario Geneaology Society – Great resources to help you get started on your family research. Click HERE to access the resources they provide.
- Ancestry.com – It is the number one online source for family history information, including the web’s largest collection of historical records. Did you know that it is available to use FOR FREE in many public libraries across Ontario. This site and its records are available to use online at the following local libraries: Scugog Public Library, Uxbridge Public Library, Brock Township Libraries. It is also available to purchase via subscription HERE
