The Ontario Historical Society

The Historical Society of St. Catharines Online Lecture: “Over 50 Years of Artist-Run Culture in Niagara”
2021-10-28 19:30 (America/Toronto) | online
Presented by Stephen Remus, Minister of Energy, Minds, and Resources at the Niagara Artists Centre.
Stephen has been volunteering at NAC for over twenty years and has guided the organization through a period of significant growth including ownership of the organization’s facilities on St. Paul Street and the establishment of 14 work and studio spaces for artists.
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82054978832

Mohawk Institute Residential School Virtual Tour
2021-10-27 19:00, 2021-10-20 19:00 | online
Save The Evidence Public Virtual Tour
The Woodland Cultural Centre presents a screening of the Mohawk Institute Residential School as a fundraiser for the Save the Evidence fundraising campaign.
Join us every third Wednesday of the month at 7pm and help us raise funds for this important project.
The virtual tour video was created with local production company Thru the Reddoor, and it follows the guide, Lorrie Gallant, as she gives a tour of the former Mohawk Institute Indian Residential School. During the video Lorrie provides the history of the institution over its 140 year history. Viewers will get to see the different rooms in the school, from the girls’ and boys’ dormitories, the cafeteria, laundry room, and other rooms throughout the building, as well as hear interviews from five Survivors of the Mohawk Institute.
Event Information:
Tickets – $10 donation to Save the Evidence
Virtual Tour Length – 45 Minutes
Q&A Debrief – 15 Minutes

The Historical Society of Ottawa: Grandpa Jack - British Home Child
2021-10-27 19:00 | online
Guest Speakers
Emma Kent, B.A. History, Carleton University
Details
Between 1869 and 1932, 100,000 children were sent from Britain and placed with Canadian families, often to serve as cheap farm or domestic labour. Ottawa’s St. George’s Home, in Hintonburg, was one of Canada’s principal “distribution centres” for Roman Catholic children. Emma Kent shares excerpts from her own grandfather’s memoirs to explore what kind of life these uprooted children faced.
This speaker series will take place via Zoom. Register using this link: tinyurl.com/grandpa-hc
All are welcome to attend without charge.

Hastings County Historical Society Presents, "Indigenous History: Reading Between and Beyond the Lines" with Bill Fox
2021-10-27 15:00 | online
Archaeologist Bill Fox presents a traditional chronological review of archaeological evidence for the millennia of Indigenous occupation across the landscape of what is now known as Hastings County.
He follows this with a reconsideration of archaeological and historical documentation concerning Indigenous-European relations during the seventeenth century.
With an M.A. in Archaeology from U of T, Bill Fox was an archaeologist with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Parks Canada, then was a manager with the Trent-Severn Waterway. Since retirement, he’s an adjunct professor at Trent University’s Anthropology Graduate Program.
Join us for this free Zoom presentation.
Wednesday October 27 at 3:00 p.m.
Register at: president@hastingshistory.ca

Thunder Bay Museum Virtual Lecture: OHT CEO Beth Hanna – The Path to a More Inclusive Narrative: Sharing Experiences
2021-10-26 19:30 | online
This lecture will be presented virtually with no in person component.
CLICK HERE to watch the free webinar!
In recent years the Ontario Heritage Trust has designed programs and partnerships to create a more inclusive discussion of heritage, to expand the historical narrative in Ontario using land protection and stewardship, public programs and its social media platforms to explore new approaches to the work we do. We are working with communities across the province, urban and rural, to share their own stories in their own voices, to celebrate the diversity of experiences, languages, customs and perspectives of different people and different places. Drawing from specific examples of programs and property protection, and sharing lessons learned from collaborations with Indigenous nations and racialized communities, Beth will discuss some thinking on new initiatives along with the joys and challenges of the Trust’s work to design protection practices and interpretation approaches that are more honest and inclusive.
Beth Hanna is Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario Heritage Trust. She has a wealth of experience in the design and delivery of inclusive, multi-faceted public programs and the creation of integrated approaches to the conservation and stewardship of heritage – cultural and natural, tangible and intangible. She is passionate about giving voice to the diversity of experiences, traditions, and histories of Ontario’s peoples and communities.

Woodland Cultural Centre: Teióia’ks iakwateró:roks “We watch movies” Film Series – The Gift by Gary Farmer
2021-10-24 19:00 | online
This short documentary examines the role of corn in the lives of Indigenous peoples in the Americas. Before colonization, corn was widely used as a beverage, a food staple, an oil, and a ceremonial object. It was respected and revered as a critical part of creation. This film explores the powerful bond and spiritual relationship that continues to exist between people and corn.
Combining interviews, dance, and song, The Gift captures the traditional, spiritual, economic, and political importance of this sacred plant.
This online gathering is a chance for us to watch movies together, even when we can’t go to the movies or to an in person film screening.
Make your popcorn at home and cozy up with us every other month for this ongoing series.

City of Ottawa: Billings Estate National Historic Site Historic Cemetery Tours
2021-10-23 18:30, 2021-10-22 18:30, 2021-10-16 18:30, 2021-10-15 18:30 | Billings Estate National Historic Site, 2100 Cabot Street, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 6K1, Canada
Fridays and Saturdays from October 15 to November 13, and Sunday, October 31.
6:30 pm
Registration is required (link is external) and can be completed using the barcodes listed below.
Experience a unique historical tour of the Settler’s Cemetery and the Billings Estate grounds at dusk. Hear true tales of death, burial, and disease from Bytown and Gloucester Township from a knowledgeable interpreter. This 1-hour guided exploration will take you beyond the walls of a typical visit to the museum and offer a glimpse of life and loss in 19th century Ottawa.
Please note:

Recommended for ages 16+. The tour discusses difficult subject matter (e.g. disease, violence, death, etc.) and visitor discretion is advised.
The tour is offered in English. French language tours can be arranged on request (with a minimum of 10 registered participants). Contact the museum for more information: 613-580-2088.
Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour’s scheduled start time.
Tours will take place rain or shine. Dress for weather conditions, wear comfortable shoes, and bring bug spray. The route will include uneven and grassy terrain as well as gravel pathways. If you have questions regarding accessibility, contact 613-580-2088.
Plan for a COVID-wise visit. Tour group sizes have been reduced to allow for physical distancing. Maintain two meters of distance from those who are not a part of your household or social circle. Practice hand hygiene and bring a mask for use indoors or times when physical distancing cannot be maintained.

Barcodes:
Friday, October 15 – 1603594
Saturday, October 16 – 1603595
Friday, October 22 – 1603596
Saturday, October 23 – 1603597
Friday, October 29 – 1603598
Saturday, October 30 – 1603599
Sunday, October 31 – 1603600
Friday, November 5 – 1603602
Saturday, November 6 – 1603601
Friday, November 12 – 1603604
Saturday, November 13 – 1603603
Cost: $15.25 (includes tax)

Ontario Women’s History Network AGM & Conference: 30 Years of Advancing the Study of Women’s History
2021-10-23 09:00 - 2021-10-24 15:30, 2021-10-22 09:00 - 2021-10-23 15:30 | online
The Ontario Women’s History Network is holding its Annual General Meeting and Conference, entitled “Ontario Women’s History Network: 30 Years of Advancing the Study of Women’s History” on October 22-23, 2021.
To participate in the conference, please complete the online conference registration form:
https://owhn-rhfo.ca/conference-registration-2021-2/
To view a complete schedule of the conference, please visit the Conference Program page at https://owhn-rhfo.ca/program-for-fall-2021-conference-and-agm/ or download it in PDF format (suitable for printing) at https://owhn-rhfo.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/OWHN-AGM-Program-October-22-23-2021.pdf.

The Ontario Women’s History Network (OWHN) encourages the preservation, production, and dissemination of women’s and gender history in Ontario, with a special emphasis on teaching and study of history. We welcome students, teachers, museum professionals, public historians, professors, archivists, librarians, independent researchers and anyone else interested in women’s and gender history.

Thunder Bay Museum - Walking Tour - East End - Free
2021-10-22 13:00 - 15:00 | McNaughton St. & McTavish St. Thunder Bay, McNaughton St. & McTavish St., Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
As part of our Ontario Culture Days offerings please join the Thunder Bay Museum for a special free walking tour of the East End neighborhood.
The tour will start at the CPR Railyard Plaque (corner of McNaughton and McTavish Street)
Attendance is free.
The tour is approximately 2km and should last about 120 minutes. Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather.
These tours welcome participants of all ages, but some of the content may not be suitable for small children. Parental discretion is advised.
Guests will be asked to be mindful of COVID-19 and social distancing during the tour.

Town of York Historical Society Fall Author Series: Ann Birch ("Settlement")
2021-10-21 19:00 - 20:30 | online
Join us on October 21st for the next evening in our author’s series!
It’s common for people to tell you to write about what you know. But Ann Birch chooses to write—in three of her four novels– about real historical people who lived in York (early Toronto) in the late 1700s and early 1800s. Since she was not living at this time, she has had to learn how to recreate a long-gone world and the people who lived in it.
In this presentation, Ann will share about delving into primary sources like letters and diaries written about and by her main characters. She will also discuss the necessity of turning to secondary sources: the innumerable tomes available on the social history of the times and the people who inhabited this world. But there are many spaces omitted by historians and by the characters themselves, and here’s where an author must be diligent in filling these spaces. Ann will talk about her constant effort to be authentic in her writing of historical fiction about York.

Toronto Railway Museum Online Lecture: Through the Window of a Train
2021-10-20 20:00 | online
Join us for our next online lecture, “Through the Window of a Train”, on October 20!
Join us on Wednesday October 20 for the next online lecture in our 2021 online series. If you’ve ever been curious about the lives of people on board a moving train, or wanted to take a nostalgic trip back to the steam era, then you won’t want to miss this presentation!
Relive hilarious, hazardous, historical, and romantic moments as Barbara Lange reads a selection of short stories from Through the Window of a Train: A Canadian Railway Anthology (Borealis Press). Get a glimpse into the lives of railway workers, railway families, and train travelers from the bygone steam era when railways reigned supreme.
Following the presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to speak with the presenter and Toronto Railway Museum historians in a live Q&A session.
Tickets
Tickets are $15. Attendees will get access to our exclusive Zoom meeting room, where they can engage directly with the presenter and museum historians in our post-lecture Q&A. Ticket holders will also receive 1 adult ticket to the Toronto Railway Museum (valid until 12/31/2022) and have a chance to win one of several prizes.

North York Historical Society October 2021 Meeting: “Early History of the North York Area" with Bill Aird
2021-10-20 19:00 - 21:00 | online
Speaker: Bill Aird, Board Member of the North York Historical Society
The land area that is currently known as North York was home to Aboriginal peoples for millennia before the coming of settler populations from Europe.
In the first part, we discuss the process which lead to the exclusion of the aboriginal people from this area by the European authorities.
In the second part we follow the development of the area until the formation of North York as a self-governing entity separate from York County.

There is no need to pre-register. Please join us on the day!
Join the Zoom meeting by computer:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88312479988?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 883 1247 9988
Passcode: [REDACTED]
-or-
Join by phone:
+1 647 374 4685 Canada
+1 647 558 0588 Canada
Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kwaIJzHQ
Meeting ID: 883 1247 9988

Myseum: Toronto History Trivia
2021-10-20 19:00 - 20:30 | online
An online trivia fundraising event that will test your knowledge on all things Toronto. Pay what you can or attend for free!
Missing the days of trivia nights? Looking for something fun to do with friends, family, or by yourself?
Join Myseum of Toronto for this Toronto History Trivia Night fundraising event!
Come show us what you know about the history of Hogtown and get to know some more tidbits about the T-Dot.
Hosted by Quizmaster Steve Hobbs, this virtual event will test your knowledge of all things Toronto and teach you things you never knew about the 6ix.
Compete solo or in teams of up to 4 people for a chance to win prizes from our community donors: lululemon QSW and Henderson Brewing Company (prizing details below).
Not only will this be a fun-filled night with exciting prizes, you’ll also be supporting a museum that aims to tell the history of our beautiful city and its many communities.
DETAILS

Wednesday October 20, 2021 from 7-8:30pm .

1-4 people per team.

There are two ticket options : PWYC (Pay What You Can) with a suggested donation amount of $10 and FREE.

Don’t forget to brush up on your Toronto knowledge before the big day! (Psst, you might even learn a thing or two by exploring our website and social media).
PRIZING

1st place: 2 $100 gift cards for lululemon
2nd place: 4 $25 gift cards for Henderson’s Brewing Company
Best Team Name: Myseum of Toronto swag

National Trust Webinar: Six Steps to Telling Your Heritage Story
2021-10-20 12:15 - 13:00 | online
FREE
Heritage places are filled with great stories to tell. In this webinar learn how to share and get your message out in a way that engages, compels and inspires – and wins you a wider engaged audience including, visitors, members, donors and supporters.
Hear from historic places that have increased the diversity of their storytelling, by searching for the untold stories and connecting with new partners.
Not sure you can attend? Register and we’ll email you a recording approximately 24 hours after the session.

Virtual Lecture: Triumph and Tragedy: Building the Welland Ship Canal
2021-10-20 11:00 | online
Presented by Kathleen Powell.
On Zoom – registration is required.

Culinary Historians of Canada: First Catch your Gingerbread, with Sam Bilton
2021-10-17 13:00 - 14:30 | online
Join food historian and writer Sam Bilton, author of First Catch Your Gingerbread, as she explores the history of this sweet teatime treat.
Did you know that a mistress of a French king was poisoned by a piece of gingerbread? Or that gingerbread men were thought in some quarters to be reminders of the human sacrifices made in bygone days?
Gingerbread has a long and auspicious history in Britain and from there to Canada. From the luxurious sweetmeat of the medieval era to generic biscuit figures found in cafes and shops around the country, gingerbread has been present in our culinary repertoire for centuries. Join food historian and writer Sam Bilton, author of First Catch Your Gingerbread, as she explores the history of this sweet teatime treat. A question and answer period will follow her talk.

Thunder Bay Museum: Opening Reception - 1821 Merger Exhibit
2021-10-15 19:00 | Thunder Bay Museum, 425 Donald St E., Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7E 5V1, Canada
Join the Thunder Bay Museum for a reception celebrating the opening of an exhibit exploring the 1821 Merger of the Hudson’s Bay Company and the North West Company
Official remarks from 7:15 to 8:15 PM

Matt Jollineau – Fort William Historical Park
Michael deJong – Curator/Archivist, Thunder Bay Museum
Dr. Michel Beaulieau – President, Champlain Society

Free Museum Admission during the event
Refreshments will be available
IN ACCORDANCE WITH ONTARIO PROVINCIAL REQUIREMENTS ALL ATTENDEES OLDER THAT 11 YEARS WILL NEED TO SHOW PROOF, AT THE TIME OF ENTRY TO THE MUSEUM, OF DOUBLE VACCINATION FOR COVID-19, PROOF OF NEGATIVE RAPID ANTIGEN COVID-19 TEST FROM NO MORE THAN 48 HOURS BEFORE THE EVENT, OR A WRITTEN DOCTORS NOTE OF MEDICAL EXEMPTION FROM RECEIVING THE VACCINE.

Trent Valley Archives Members-Only Zoom Presentation: Dr. Matthew Griffis Presents, “Windows to the Past: Vintage Postcards and What They Show Us”
2021-10-14 19:00 | online
On Thursday, October 14th at 7pm EST, Trent Valley Archives (TVA) in Peterborough will continue its popular series of Zoom talks with speaker Dr. Matthew Griffis.
Entitled “Windows to the Past: Vintage Postcards and What They Show Us”, Dr. Griffis’s presentation will explore the world of antique postcards, from collecting and preserving them to using them in historical research. And of course, he’ll share lots of goodies from his various postcard collections, particularly the Peterborough cards.
Already a member? Watch your e-mail for registration information, coming soon.
Not a member yet? Join TVA at http://trentvalleyarchives.com/membership/ or email admin@trentvalleyarchives.com.

The Historical Society of Ottawa: Passing by History - The Capital History Kiosk Project
2021-10-13 19:00 | online
Guest Speaker: David Dean, Professor of History, Carleton University
What better way to share the fascinating history of our city than to take it directly to the streets and sidewalks of Ottawa? These artful, interactive and informative kiosks began appearing throughout the city four years ago. Dr. Dean tells us about the intricate collaboration behind this ingenious project and what an eye-opening experience it is for the dozens of students he engages in researching the amazing stories of Ottawa’s past.
This speaker series will take place via Zoom. Register using this link.
All are welcome to attend without charge.

Museum of Lennox and Addington: Healing Through Storytelling
2021-10-06 19:00 | Museum of Lennox & Addington, 97 Thomas Street East, Napanee, ON, K7R 1L1, Canada
The Museum will be hosting a special in person event with Tsi Tyónnheht Onkwawèn:na Executive Director, Callie Hill, who will be presenting their newly published book, Healing Through Storytelling: Commemorating Residential School Survivors of Kenhtè:ke, Their Families and Descendants.
In 2019, Tsi Tyonnheht Onkwawenna (TTO) applied for a grant from Canadian Heritage’s Celebration and Commemoration Program to help the organization carry out activities focused on increasing awareness of the history and legacy of residential schools and honoring residential school survivors, their families and communities. The project included workshops that produced written and mixed media art pieces by descendants with the final outcome being a book and a short video. Callie Hill, Executive Director of TTO will present the video and the book and speak about the project and the impacts the residential school system had on her community of Kenhteke (Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory).

Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum Virtual Lecture: Archaeology of the Niagara Apothecary and Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Rich History
2021-10-06 11:00 | online
Presented by Dena Doroszenko
On Zoom – registration is required.

OHS 2021 Annual General Meeting (Virtual)
2021-10-05 19:00 | online
The OHS Board of Directors is pleased to announce that the 133rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Ontario Historical Society will be hosted virtually on Tuesday October 5, 2021 at 7:00 PM EST. Please note that the AGM is for OHS members only and not open to the public.
The meeting will be conducted by webinar through the video/telephone service Zoom. Instructions about how to participate by computer, smart device, or telephone will be provided after registration, along with the AGM information package.
Dr. Robin Nelson of MacEwan University in Alberta will be presenting on “The Democratization of Culture: Reflecting on Similarities and Differences in Community Museums’ Development in Ontario and Yukon” directly following the business portion of the meeting.
The Honours and Awards Ceremony will take place on a separate occasion later this year.
Please RSVP by Friday October 1 if you wish to attend the meeting to ohs@ontariohistoricalsociety.ca or leave a voicemail at (416) 226-9011.

Coptic Museum of Canada - Virtual Programmes on the Holy Family’s Journey into Egypt 3/3: “The Journey of the Holy Family Visualized by Artists”
2021-09-30 19:00 - 20:30 | online
Three virtual programmes will take viewers on the journey of the Holy Family from different perspectives. Sessions will be held on three consecutive Thursdays from 7-8:30 PM. Information and registration will be emailed in the first week of September. All sessions will be held in English. The first and third sessions are also available in French on request.
SEPTEMBER 30: “The Journey of the Holy Family Visualized by Artists” with Helene Moussa, Volunteer Curator, Coptic Museum of Canada.
REGISTER HERE: https://forms.gle/MvFgHT9io37aGsSY6
Registration deadline: September 24, 2021

Toronto Railway Museum Online Lecture: All Aboard the Safety Train: Railway Safety in Canada
2021-09-29 19:00 | online
Join us for the next lecture in our online series, “All Aboard the Safety Train: Railway Safety in Canada.”
Join us on Wednesday September 29th for the next online lecture in our 2021 series, Railway Ties. In honor of Railway Safety week, September 21-27, 2021, the Toronto Railway Museum has partnered with Operation Lifesaver Canada to advocate for railway safety and offer an exclusive peek at what goes on behind the scenes to keep Canadians safe on the rails.
This online event will be led by experts Peter Mohyla and Rob Romano (Operation Lifesaver Canada) and will include a tour of the Whitby Rail Facility. Learn more about railway safety and how to “Stop Track Tragedies.” Event attendees will get a behind the scenes peek at what goes into a trip inspection before a train departs the station. Following the presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to speak with the presenters and Toronto Railway Museum historians in a live Q&A session. Event attendees have a chance to win some great prizes, to be announced soon!
To learn more about railway safety and how to stop track tragedies, join us for our latest lecture in the series!

The Historical Society of Ottawa: Tunney's Pasture - The Story Behind Ottawa's Field of Dreams
2021-09-29 19:00 | online
Guest Speakers
Dave Allston, Author of ‘The Kitchissippi Museum’ blog
Details
It was all part of Greber’s master plan—a modernistic government office campus in a park-like “pastoral” setting—far away from the hustle and bustle of downtown. Where once there were grazing cows is now an often under-appreciated compound for 10,000 public servants. Dave Allston explores the intriguing history of Tunney’s Pasture and its wide variety of uses over time, as it stands on the verge of yet another major change.
This speaker series will take place via Zoom. Register using this link: tinyurl.com/HSO-allston
All are welcome to attend without charge.
