Bruce County Press Release
The Museum Committee approved that the Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre accept the inclusive marine collection of the late Arthur Amos and supported the creation of an Ontario Marine History and Underwater Research Centre within the Bruce County Archives.
For over forty years the Ontario Marine Heritage Committee (OMHC) has been at the forefront of efforts to protect and preserve the province’s marine heritage of which Bruce County places a significant role. The OMHC’s common goals have centered around the preservation, research, and interpretation of marine history and underwater archaeology. Currently there is no institution or archival repository in the province dedicated to this subject matter.
With the recent passing of Arthur Amos, charter member of the OMHC, long-time Tobermory resident, business owner, and avocational marine archaeologist and historian, his substantial collection of archival materials regarding Ontario’s marine heritage (including Bruce County) now needs a permanent home. Over the past few years, the Bruce County Archives have become the home to several significant archival donations such as: Peter Schmaltz Collection (Indigenous), Women’s Institute Collection (Community & Women’s Institute Histories), Krug Collection (Krug Bros. Co. and County history), and John Weichel Collection (Marine & Southampton history). These collections not only enhance the archival collection, but also support further development in the areas of research on a variety of topics, genealogy, and our understanding of local history.
Expanding the scope of our marine heritage to include provincial marine-related archival matters would have significant benefits.
