City of Waterloo Museum receives Seagram archival material from University of Waterloo
The City of Waterloo is pleased to announce a significant transfer of Seagram archival material from the University of Waterloo’s Special Collections & Archives to the City of Waterloo Museum.
The Seagram Company played a pivotal role in the economic and cultural development of Waterloo. By bringing these archival materials together under one roof, the Museum will be better equipped to support research, develop educational programs and deliver engaging exhibitions that highlight the enduring impact of the Seagram legacy.
“This transfer marks an important milestone in preserving the Seagram legacy within the very community it helped build,” said Mayor Dorothy McCabe. “The City of Waterloo Museum is the right home for these important materials, where they will be preserved and shared for generations to come. I want to thank the University of Waterloo for its commitment to local heritage and to ensuring that this vital chapter of our story remains accessible to all.”
Following the closure of the Seagram Museum in 1997, the collection was distributed among several local institutions, including the University of Waterloo and the City of Waterloo. At the time, the City of Waterloo Museum had not yet been established. Today, the Museum is proud to house a substantial collection of Seagram Company artifacts, with a focus on the early manufacturing and service of distilled spirits.
Through ongoing collaboration and dialogue, the University of Waterloo and the City of Waterloo Museum have reached an agreement to transfer the remaining Seagram-related archival materials to the Museum. These materials will now be available to the public in a space dedicated to their interpretation, care and historical context.
This strengthens the museum’s role as a steward of Seagram Company history and furthers the community's commitment to preserving its industrial and cultural heritage. Special Collections & Archives is dedicated to safeguarding cultural and historical heritage while ensuring that its collections align with the University’s teaching and research priorities, creating meaningful connections between the past and present. The transfer of the Seagram Company materials to the City of Waterloo Museum allows for better space management, making room for new acquisitions that further enrich and support academic inquiry.
About the City of Waterloo Museum:
Exhibition hours are Tuesday to Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is always free.
The City of Waterloo Museum is dedicated to fostering understanding and appreciation of local and national history, with a focus on engaging exhibitions and community partnerships.
Popular for ever-changing exhibitions and offering access to Waterloo’s premier shopping centre (Conestoga Mall) at its doorstep, the City of Waterloo Museum explores the hometown history of Waterloo and the stories we must share. The City of Waterloo Museum is the place to discover an array of historical objects, art and artifacts that tell the story of Waterloo from its founding in 1806 to the present day. The museum features a main gallery containing fabulous items from its sizeable holdings of over 20,000 objects, including the restored 1919 Pierce Arrow Seagram Whisky delivery truck, and provides various elements to learn about and celebrate all things Waterloo. Learn more about the museum at waterloo.ca/museum.
About University of Waterloo Special Collections & Archives:
Special Collections & Archives at the University of Waterloo Libraries is dedicated to preserving and providing access to rare books, manuscripts and archival materials that require special care due to their historical significance, physical condition, or unique format.
The collection supports research and teaching by offering resources that span various thematic areas, regional development, industry, and settlement, women’s studies, gender, and sexuality, and the history of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM).
Special Collections & Archives is open to the public, and research appointments are available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. Learn more about University of Waterloo Special Collections & Archives.
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Media Contact
Jennifer Reed
Corporate Communications
jennifer.reed@waterloo.ca