Our collections

Welcome!

Not familiar with our collection? Start your exploration here with some hi-lites of Brighton’s people, places, buildings, landscapes and more. To view or search our full portfolio, here’s our archival site.

You can find an introduction to our videos here, along with a link to our YouTube Channel for the full collection.

Need help?

If you’d like to start with a tutorial, read on. The arrows will guide you through the what, why and how of our archive.

Step 1

Navigating our portfolio

We use VITA, an online database developed by Our Digital World. We chose to trust this team with our history because they are an Ontario–based non-profit with a strong focus on building a heritage community that is open, accessible and discoverable to a global audience.

Step 2

Getting to know VITA

Our Digital World partners with more than 300 public and academic libraries, archives, museums, universities, historical societies and community organizations from across Canada and the United States. We’re part of a big neighbourhood!

Step 3

Why we like VITA

We also appreciate the excellent service, support and interest they show us, along with the opportunities and connections they present. And – one of the team lives nearby.

Step 4

How to use VITA

To use VITA, go to our portfolio here. That’s our home page and at the top is a big search bar. Enter a term like “tornado” or “Presqu’ile” and click search.

Step 5

Expand your search

Names have a special capability. If you find a photo with a person of interest identified, just click on that name and it will (hopefully) take you to all records with the person’s name.

Step 6

Visit and enjoy!

Everyone’s search intentions are unique, so play around and get lost in Brighton’s past. Now click this link and enjoy – go to the online portfolio >

Step 7

Share your feedback

Feedback is more than welcome: It is necessary to make these records as accurate as possible. If there is information you can add or correct, click this link to share with us – contact us >