About Town moved past the tall stacks of bookshelves, to the very back of the Canton Library.

There, in a clearing of sorts, is a small, densely packed room teeming with history; stories to be told; and more than a few secrets to be discovered. This is the Canton Library’s Local History Room.

Town icon the late Peg Perry, was a devoted collector of history for the Room. “She looked for and absorbed anything old, not just Canton items, says Library Reference Assistant Jane Hoben.

The original Library concept for amassing historic photos, letters, newspapers, maps and books about Canton, began nearly one century ago.

It was 1915, when Elizabeth Warren began gathering her own collection, and that of her friends, for the expressed purpose of creating an archive to document who was in town; how they lived; and what was important to them.

While the original collection included items from other area towns as well, many of these pieces have been purged over the years, so that the focus today is largely on Canton history.

People come to the Local History Room when they’re searching for a paper trail to the past. Many of the images, photos and documents held herein, have been digitized by Greg Khris, a teacher and professional photographer.

In addition, Hoben is in the final stages of compiling a reference book for many of the resources available in the Room.  The collection continues to be organized to ease and encourage research.

 “While there is a lot of historical information available on the internet,” concedes Hoben, “there are many items that we have here, that you’ll probably never see online.”

The Library has an ongoing interest in paper-based items that reach back into Canton’s past. 

“The Local History Room is only as good as the people who are willing to donate their family documents, photos, and books,” says Hoben. “So, we always ask that Canton residents please consider us when determining where to place their personal collections!”  

Here’s the Deal 

Canton Public Library, 40 Dyer Ave, Collinsville; 860-693-5800: www.cantonpubliclibrary.org.

The collection is available for viewing during Library hours. Reservations are required.