Our Vision
The ArQuives aspires to be a significant resource and catalyst for those who strive for a future world where LGBTQ2+ people are accepted, valued, and celebrated.
Our Mission
The ArQuives was established to aid in the recovery and preservation of our histories. Its mandate is to: acquire, preserve, organize, and give public access to information and materials in any medium, by and about LGBTQ2+ people, primarily produced in or concerning Canada; and to maintain a research library, international research files, and an international collection of LGBTQ2+ periodicals
Our Organization
The ArQuives holds one of the largest LGBTQ2+ archival collections in the world. The library, archival, and artifact collections are open to researchers and we activate the collection through programming and exhibitions.
Research: Researchers can conduct research at The ArQuives in person during our Public Service hours. Please request your desired records in advance of your visit through our Online Collection Portal and speak to a reference archivist at queeries@arquives.ca about your request and when you plan on visiting.
Digital Exhibitions: Explore highlights from the world's largest independent collection of LGBTQ2+ documentary heritage. Meet the people, places and organizations that have made a difference for LGBTQ2+ Canada.
Tours: The ArQuives offers tours of the archive building itself, located at 34 Isabella Street. This tour allows members of your group to see how The ArQuives operates and a chance to view the wide variety of materials that The ArQuives collects. The ArQuives also offers several walking tours in Toronto, including Church-Wellesley Village Tour, Outside the Village Tour, and the University of Toronto St. George Campus Tour. These tours focus on Canadian LGBTQ2+ history with a volunteer guide to answer your questions.
Programming: The ArQuives offers talks and presentations on LGBTQ2+ history in Canada. Community programming happens on an ongoing basis both online and in person.
