We are thrilled to announce the speakers and dates for the Town of York Historical Society’s “Annual Author Series”! Presentations will begin promptly at 7pm and will be followed by a short question and answer period. This year, you have the option between joining us via Zoom or in-person.

About this event:

Dr. Mark G. McGowan will speak about his most recently published book, Death or Canada: The Irish Famine Migration to Canada, 1847, and his exploration of this migration’s impact on Toronto.

“Historian Mark McGowan delves beneath the surface of statistics and brings to light the stories of men and women who had to face a desperate choice: almost certain death from starvation in Ireland, or a perilous sea voyage to a faraway place called Canada.”

About the Author:

Mark G McGowan is a Full Professor of History & Celtic Studies at the University of Toronto. From 2002-2011 and from 2020-2022 he served as Principal and Vice-President of the University of St. Michael’s College at the University of Toronto. He is the author of numerous award-winning books and articles on the Catholic Church in Canada and on Irish migration to North America. His most recent work focuses on 1,700 Irish Famine orphans who were received in Canada in 1847-1848. Mark is the recipient of four university teaching awards.