About the OHS
Our History
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.
What We Do
Connecting
Providing a forum for individuals, organizations and institutions to exchange ideas, research and experiences related to the rich history of the province, including built heritage, natural heritage, cemeteries, and research and scholarship.
Networking
For museums, historical societies, and other cultural organizations to research, preserve, interpret and promote Ontario’s local history and heritage.
Supporting
Sponsoring programs and projects across Ontario with wide general appeal that help us all discover the fascinating world of Ontario’s history.
Publishing
Ontario History, a scholarly peer-reviewed journal featuring articles and book reviews related to Ontario’s history.
Educating
Providing educational materials, resources, and professional development opportunities to encourage the sharing and celebration of Ontario’s history in classrooms and museums.
Annual Reports
Read about the work of the Society.
Strategic Plan
In 2024, the Board of Directors established a Strategic Planning Committee to lead a province-wide consultation process and gather input from members, stakeholders, and sector partners. The goal was to better understand the challenges facing Ontario’s heritage community and identify where the OHS could most effectively support its members. Surveys, community meetings, and individual interviews were conducted.
Regional meetings (in-person and virtual) brought together representatives from organizations across the province. The OHS also collected information from meetings with stakeholders, peer organizations, heritage professionals, funders, and government staff.
The OHS has identified three distinct pillars of focus for 2026–2030: 1: Capacity Building for Members, 2: Modernizing and Strengthening OHS Communications, and 3. Organizational Strength & Sustainability.
The core objective of this plan is to better support and empower the hundreds of local historical organizations and institutions across the province that we serve as they work to preserve and promote the unique local history that defines their community. Their work creates jobs, spurs local tourism, animates historic spaces with programming and events, and provides valuable opportunities for people to connect.
In order to support these volunteer-run groups, the OHS will undertake professional fundraising efforts to establish new programs and resources that will focus on supporting our members’ capacity to undertake key initiatives.
The OHS Board and Staff are extremely grateful to everyone who participated in the surveys, consultations, and public meetings. Thank you!
By cheque:
Please mail a cheque made out to “The Ontario Historical Society” to:
The Ontario Historical Society
34 Parkview Ave.
Willowdale, ON M2N 3Y2
Canada
Donations receive charitable tax receipts.
By credit card:
Please phone (416) 226-9011 or toll free 1 (866) 955-2755.
Learn more about the Society’s Cemetery Defence Fund.
Acknowledgements
Funding for summer students has been made possible in part through a contribution from the Young Canada Works (YCW) in Heritage Organizations program, Department of Canadian Heritage. The Canadian Museums Association administers the museum component of the YCW program on behalf of the Department of Canadian Heritage. The National Trust for Canada (formerly known as the Heritage Canada Foundation) also administers the YCW program for jobs in heritage.
The Ontario Historical Society acknowledges the financial support of the Department of Canadian Heritage through both delivery organizations.
Le financement pour les étudiants d’été est possible en partie grâce à une contribution de Jeunesse Canada au travail dans les établissements du patrimone, une initiative du ministère du Patrimoine canadien. L’Association des musées canadiens administre la section muséale du programme JCT au nom du ministère du Patrimoine canadien. JCT est un programme de création d’emplois dans les établissements du patrimoine.
La Société Historique de l’Ontario voudrait remercier la Fondation Héritage Canada pour leur appui financier.