Founded in 1888, The Ontario Historical Society is a non-profit corporation and registered charity; a non-government group bringing together people of all ages, all walks of life and all cultural backgrounds interested in preserving some aspect of Ontario’s history.

The OHS has a provincial mandate, but its headquarters is located at the historic John McKenzie House (built 1913) in Willowdale, Ontario. John McKenzie House, and its adjacent stables and milk-house are all designated under the Ontario Heritage Act.

The OHS is governed by an all-volunteer board of directors, and is supported by and supports its vast network of member individuals, organizations and institutions, including the OHS’s 350+ affiliated societies.

The OHS is pleased to share the first instalment of a new video series highlighting local history in communities across Ontario. These incredible volunteers work to tell our collective stories and keep our heritage alive.

This video features The Friends of Hope Mill, located in Keene, Ontario (incorporated by the OHS in 2017). This group of dedicated volunteers runs and operates this historic water-powered sawmill, inviting guests from all across the province to witness our industrial history first-hand.

The Friends of Hope Mill welcome visitors every Thursday from mid-April to late-October, 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM at the Mill, located at 3414 Hope Mill Road, Keene ON.