The Heritage U of T site was initially created as an entryway into digitized archival records, photographs, books, maps, drawings, and sound and moving image files chronicling the University of Toronto’s rich history from its founding, through both world wars, to the present. The site was a tri-campus initiative by the University of Toronto Libraries’ Information Technology Services, Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library, University of Toronto Archives and Records Management Services, U of T Mississauga Library, and U of T Scarborough Library.

Among the materials on the site are film footage of the 1939 Royal visit to Hart House, the building of Robarts Library in the late 1960s, and a 1958 promotional film for the University featuring a football game and a Hart House debate addressed by Lester Pearson. There are also historic photos of university buildings and of prominent University figures including Marshal McLuhan and Margaret Atwood. Also included are curated exhibits such as a chronology of the University of Toronto, thematic snapshots of its history, and the remarkable story of the discovery of insulin.

The Heritage U of T digital collection is just a sampling of the millions of stories that our University historic records tell. Original materials on the Heritage U of T site can be found at the University Archives and Records Management Services, Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library, U of T Mississauga Library and U of T Scarborough Library. The University Archives alone has over 200,000 historic photographs. Whether you are conducting research or just curious – look at the Heritage U of T site and then visit these repositories in person to discover even more.

Feedback

We invite faculty, staff, students, alumni, University academic and administrative offices, and people and organizations associated with the University to contact us to provide feedback about Heritage U of T.

Terms of Use

Rights in the materials included in Heritage U of T vary. Some materials on the site may be protected by copyright. Additionally, the reproduction of some materials may be restricted by terms of licensing or donation agreements. Other materials in these collections are in the public domain and are not protected by copyright law.

The University of Toronto Libraries provides access to these materials for the purposes of research, teaching, private study, or general interest. For these purposes the images, texts, and films may be viewed and printed without prior permission, on the condition that you provide proper attribution of the source in all copies.

Any other use including publication, redistribution and/or broadcast in any form, including electronic, may require written permission from the copyright holder. Responsibility for infringement of copyright or other rights is assumed by the user who is fully responsible for obtaining permission for use from the copyright holder.

Reproduction and Permission Requests
For reproduction and permission requests, please contact us.

In 2024 the digital collection was migrated from Islandora 7 to the University of Toronto's homegrown Collections U of T Platform. Click here to view a web archived copy of the original Islandora site.