Join us on September 7th for the first evening presentation of our Annual Fall Author’s Series!

David Raymont will present on his editorial review of William Harrison’s Memoirs that focus on the true story of the Richmond Hill Murders of 1843; the historic event that would later inspire Margaret Atwood’s novel, “Alias Grace.” By focusing on contemporary accounts and using a variety of primary sources, Raymont uncovers an intriguing history full of twists and turns while presenting the social aspects of public opinion towards single parents and domestic work in 1840s Ontario.

In 2017, the Netflix series Alias Grace, written and directed by Sarah Polley, inspired David Raymont to reread, edit, and publish William Harrison’s memories of the Richmond Hill murders of 1843. As Harrison’s memories challenged Grace Mark’s murder confession, David researched contemporary newspaper accounts, the bench notes of the judge presiding over the murder trial and books recounting the murder. What he uncovered presents a far more tragic chain of events that shifts the spotlight to the story of the victims rather than that of the murderers.

About the Author:
David Raymont is a past director of Heritage Toronto, a former president of the York Pioneer & Historical Society, and a retired Ontario public servant.