Orphaned, abandoned, or pauper children were placed in orphanages or children’s homes that were operated by churches, charitable organizations, philanthropic organizations, local municipalities, provincial or territorial authorities.
Many orphanage records no longer exist, but Library Archives Canada has some in their collections. Search here using information and keywords. Use the name of the orphanage in your search, if possible.
Keyword Orphanage at Library Archives Canada Collection Search – filter this list using the keyword choices on the left-hand side of the page. If you know the years that you want to search, the type of orphanage, or many other categories, you will be able to narrow your search. Some items are available online and others require a visit to the archives.
Archives of Ontario Research Guide Database
Birth, Adoption and Orphanage Records
Findmypast – Canada, Home Children Immigration Records Index, 1869-1930 $ Findmypast has searchable indexes; database results, digitized images
Home Children, 1869-1932 – Library and Archives Canada Organization to help Home Children (and their descendants) find their past. Records
Industrial Removal Office fonds (MG 28 V67) (MIKAN 100730)
Protestant Orphans’ Home (MG 28 I37) (MIKAN 99413)
Summerhill Homes fonds (MG 28 I388) (MIKAN 105675)
Weredale House fonds (MG 28 I405) (MIKAN 105327)