The Ontario Historical Society

Swansea Historical Society - Governor Simcoe Walking Tour
2025-09-27 09:30 (America/Toronto) | Rousseau Plaque, South Kingsway 8, Toronto, Ontario, M6S 3S9, Canada
We hope you can join us for this year’s version of the Annual Governor Simcoe Walking Tour, to be offered in two parts on Saturday, September 27. As in past years, this FREE guided walking tour will retrace a portion of Governor Simcoe’s 1793 expedition up the Toronto Carrying Place portage route. Part 1 of the tour will start at 9:30 am at the Rousseau plaque (8 South Kingsway, beside the Petro Canada station), heading north, mainly along Riverside Drive, and finishing near Bloor Street about noon. After a break for lunch on Bloor Street, Part 2 will start at 1:00 pm at the Alex Ling Fountain (north-west corner of Bloor and Jane Streets), and then head farther north, mainly following residential streets east of the Humber River. Participants are free to join or leave the walk at any point along the route.
All are welcome.

Oakville Historical Society : Culture Days at the Thomas House & Fall Fair
2025-09-27 13:00 - 16:30 | Oakville Historical Society, King Street 110, Oakville, Ontario, L6J 1B1, Canada
Culture Days is a national celebration of arts and culture. Every year at the end of each September, millions of people attend thousands of free participatory arts and culture events across the country both in-person and online. Culture Days programs invite the public to get hands-on and behind-the-scenes to highlight the importance of arts and culture in our communities.
The Oakville Historical Society is proud to participate in Culture Days. Join us to explore interactive demonstrations and learn about the life of early settlers at The Thomas House, built in 1829 as the original home of The Thomas Family, and now furnished and presented as a pioneer home of the 1830 -1840s.
Plus

Join us for some old fashioned Fall fun!
Homemade baking and preserves
”Pioneer Pics” – old time Photo Booth
Crafts and activities and more!

La Société d'histoire de Toronto HISTORITOUR - Sunnyside et les plages de l’ouest de la ville
2025-09-28 13:30 | Ontario
Départ : à l’intersection des rues King, Queen, Roncesvalles et Queensway (à l’entrée du pont piéton enjambant l’autoroute et les voies de chemin de fer). Métro Dundas Ouest (ligne Bloor) et tram 504.
Arrivée : Pont piéton de la rivière Humber. Retour par l’autobus 501L/tramway 501 – Attention : cette visite n’est pas une boucle !
Guides : Isabelle Montagnier et Paul Overy
Vous connaissez sans doute le « Palais Royale » et ses bals au clair de lune ainsi que le pavillon Sunnyside, vestige du grand parc d’attractions qui occupait ces lieux avant la construction de l’autoroute Gardiner. Mais connaissez-vous la jeune nageuse Marilyn Bell et l’homme d’affaires Casimir Gzowski?

Venez revivre les années folles de Toronto en vous promenant sur une portion du sentier transcanadien qui nous mènera jusqu’aux berges de la rivière Humber.
Historitours 2025 – pas nécessaire de réserver.

La SHT passe le chapeau à la fin de la visite, merci. Pas de chien.

Contacts : info@sht.ca

Book Launch - Behind the Bricks: The Life and Times of the Mohawk Institute
2025-09-29 19:00 - 21:00 | John McKenzie House, 34 Parkview Ave., North York, Ontario, M2N 3Y2, Canada
Join us for a talk by the editors of a new book titled, Behind the Bricks: The Life and Times of the Mohawk Institute, about the history of Canada’s oldest and longest running residential school located in Brantford. The school was a model for the larger residential school system in Canada, and learning about its history helps us work towards reconciliation. September 30th is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, so join us to learn more about this important part of Canada’s history. Co-editors Alison Norman and Rick Hill will discuss the unique project which brought together community and academic historians and resulted in an important new book.
https://press.ucalgary.ca/books/9781773856520/
7:00 PM, Doors Open
7:30 PM, Presentation and Q&A by two of the book’s editors, Rick Hill and Alison Norman. For those not able to join in person, you can sign up to listen to the presentation on Zoom by clicking here.
8:15 PM, Light Refreshments, and a chance to buy a signed copy of Behind the Bricks. Proceeds from the sale will go towards supporting the Woodland Cultural Centre.
—
Rick Hill is a Tuscarora of the Beaver Clan, and is a community-based historian at the Six Nations of Grand River. He is also an artist, writer, and curator. Rick has worked for many years on exhibits for the Woodland Cultural Centre. He is the founder of the Mohawk Institute Research Group.
Alison Norman is a historian working for the federal government, at Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada. She is also a graduate faculty member at Trent University. She is a founding member of the Mohawk Institute Research Group. Alison is a former board member of the Ontario Historical Society, and the current book review editor for Ontario History.

Oxford County Branch OGS - Family History Month Launch
2025-09-30 10:00 - 12:00 | Oxford Genealogical Society Governor’s House, 82 Light Street, Woodstock, ON, Canada
You, your friends and colleagues are cordially invited to attend the launch of Family History Month by the Oxford County Branch of Ontario Ancestors.
This Open House event is being held on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at The Governor’s House (Oxford Genealogical Society) 82 Light Street, Woodstock ON from 10 am until noon.
Dedicated to supporting and promoting genealogical and family history research since 1979, we focus on collecting and preserving information that will be useful for anyone researching ancestors who lived in Oxford County and beyond its borders.
The Mary Liley Reading Room Resource Library, located in the Governor’s House, is open to the public on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 am to 4 pm.
During Family History Month, new researchers will be given a starter kit with tips for finding their ancestors and essential forms to keep all the names and dates organized. Opportunities for signing up for genealogy classes or exploring your DNA results will be available.
Staffed by experienced volunteers who can demonstrate finding obituaries, wills, land records, township history books, church histories, historical atlases, Tweedsmuir Local Histories, military,
cemetery transcriptions for the 102 cemeteries in Oxford County, over 500 family histories, specific to Oxford County families and much more. The volunteers are available to answer questions and help visitors locate information to fill in the branches of their family tree or use the computers and microfilm reader. During Family History Month, we are offering free scanning of albums or scrapbooks (bring your own USB).

Weston Historical Society presents "HISTORY OF PRINT PRODUCTION IN TORONTO” with Guest Speaker Alissa Sokolski
2025-10-01 19:30 | Weston Seniors’ Residence, King Street 15, Toronto, Toronto, M9N 3X1, Canada
From vintage print presses over 100 years old to more modern print techniques, come learn about Toronto’s storied print production houses, the tools they used and how this ancient profession is not really dead!

Guelph Black Heritage Society - Bloom & Belong Summer Drop-In for BIPOC Youth
2025-10-03 16:30 - 18:30, 2025-10-10 16:30 - 18:30, 2025-10-17 16:30 - 18:30, 2025-10-24 16:30 - 18:30 | Heritage Hall, Essex Street 83, Guelph, Ontario, N1H 3K9, Canada
Fridays in July & August
Heritage Hall, 83 Essex Street, Guelph
Open to youth ages 12–18
Free refreshments provided
Join us for a welcoming and empowering space where BIPOC youth can connect, create, and celebrate community all summer long. All are welcome.
Special thanks to the Upper Grand District School Board and Wellington Catholic District School Board for their generous support of this initiative.
For more information, contact: info@guelphblackheritage.ca

Canada Black Music Archives - An Evening of Spoken Word & Dub Poetry
2025-10-03 17:00 - 21:00 | City of Toronto Archives, Spadina Road 255, Toronto, Ontario, M5R 2V3, Canada
The Canada Black Music Archives presents an Evening of Spoken Word & Dub Poetry on October 3rd, at the City of Toronto Archives. This free event offers a night of discussion and powerful pieces from renowned poets in celebration of the city’s Poet Laureate, Lillian Allen.
Often praised as the “Godmother of Dub Poetry” Lillian Allen was one of several talented Toronto poets who helped carve out a home for the genre in the city, through live performances, festivals, publications, and education. Throughout its development she has remained a constant force in its message of resistance and upliftment. Opening the evening is panel discussion Perspectives on Dub Poetry’s History in Toronto, hosted by former CIUT FM radio personality and educator, Thando Hyman. The panel features academics, spoken-word artists, and culture critics, who will offer their unique insights on the development, influence, and impact of dub poetry and spoken word in Toronto. Panelists include Professor Michael Bucknor from the University of Alberta, Toronto music historian Klive Walker, Canadian spoken word artist and Order of Ontario recipient Dwayne Morgan, and award-winning author and Professor Natalee Caple of Brock University.
Following the panel, attendees will be treated to performances by an esteemed lineup of poets, including Dwayne Morgan, Andrea Thompson, Desiree McKenzie, Britta “Bee” Badour, and Mathew-Ray “Testament” Jones, the Poet Laureate for the Province of Ontario. The evening will culminate with a special performance by Lillian Allen herself, and is hosted by Toronto’s Youth Poet Laureate, Shahaddah Jack. Music will also be provided by the legendary DJ, Carl Allen.
Drinks and snacks will be available for purchase. Get your FREE tickets here now!

Books and Boots Sale at the Niagara Falls Armoury
2025-10-04 11:00 - 16:00 | Niagara Military Museum, 5409 Victoria Ave., Niagara Falls, Ontario, L2E 4E2, Canada
We have Books a TON of New/Old Stock Military History, Aviation, Weapons, and many more Military Topics. Hundreds of Osprey Titles. Plus — Park your vehicle in the Back Parking lot – Bring your own table and and pop-up Shelter and sell your Militaria and Whatever. Setup starts at 9am in the Back Parking lot.
Free entry to the museum and food and drinks available.
Help Save the Armoury!

Historical Society of Ottawa Speaker Series : Jos Montferrand - Roi des forêts de l'Outaouais ou piler de taverne?
2025-10-04 13:00 | Ottawa Public Library, St-Laurent Branch, Coté Street 515, Ottawa, Ontario, K1K 0Z8, Canada
Guest Speaker: Michel Prévost, renowned regional historian, heritage advocate, Outaouais Historical Society President, and recipient of several scholarships
The Ottawa Valley has the privilege of being associated with a legendary figure whose fame goes far beyond the region’s borders. This folklore giant spent half his life here, attracted by the forestry industry. He became a lumberjack, log driver, site foreman, and master raftsman. This presentation will demystify him by exploring the different facets of this larger-than-life character. Come discover his exploits, including the famous battle on the Union (Chaudières) Bridge where he alone beat more than 150 Shiners, strong-arm Irishmen. Finally, we will demonstrate that there are still many traces of him in our folklore, toponymy, and monuments.
Admission is free. All are welcome to attend.
Please note: this presentation will be conducted in French.

Middleport Heritage Society - Middleport Village: The Grand Tour
2025-10-04 13:00 - 16:30 | St. Paul’s Chapel, 1154 Highway 54, Caledonia, ON, N3W 2G9, Canada
Enjoy an engaging, guided walking tour through this charming historic village nestled along the banks of the Grand River. Meet villagers and learn about life long ago through stories and folklore. You’ll visit heritage landmarks that offer opportunities to appreciate architectural attributes and practices of days gone by. The tour ends where it began, at St. Paul’s Chapel, with a celebration to commemorate the 150 year old bronze cast bell mounted high in the chapel’s tower that tolls to this day.
Two tour timeslots at Sat, Oct 4, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM & 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Register to attend this event.

Lang Pioneer Village - Applefest
2025-10-05 10:00 - 16:00 | Lang Pioneer Village Museum, 104 Lang Rd, Keene, ON, K0L 2G0, Canada
Enjoy a fun-filled celebration of apples and the harvest season with Applefest
at Lang Pioneer Village Museum! The Museum’s sweetest and most popular event returns
to the historic village on Sunday, October 5, from 10 am to 4 pm.
Tour the village by horse-drawn wagon courtesy of Highview Farm, and enjoy the sights,
tastes, and aromas of autumn and apples. Throughout the village, view a wide variety of
historic demonstrations including cider pressing at the Cider Mill, threshing, mattress repairing and stuffing, natural dyeing,
chair caning, corn cordage making, broom making, grinding at the Grist Mill, wood turning by the Peterborough Artisan
Centre Wood Turners and Kawartha Wood Turners Guild, rug hooking by the Northumberland Rug Hookers Guild, spinning
by Shepherd Hill Farms, sheep shearing, and more. Stop by Aabnaabin Camp to see how apple face dolls are made, view
an antique clock display brought by the Quinte Timekeepers, and be sure to visit the Ayotte Cabin, where historic
reenactors from the 41st Battalion of Brockville Rifles, 1st Company, will be performing drills and demonstrating military
marching.
If you are feeling hungry, visit the Peterborough County Agricultural Heritage Building courtyard, where the Keene Lions
Club food truck will be selling BBQ goods (cash only), and Call Creations Catering & Events will have a variety of food
items available for purchase. Pick up some traditional fall fair fare from Ben’s Kettle Corn, which will be selling kettle corn
and candy floss. Enjoy apple cider and freshly-baked apple treats at the Keene Hotel. There will be bushels of sweet, juicy
apples, candy apples, and fresh apple cider for sale to take home with you, as well as fresh Empire Cheese curd and
bread.
Enjoy traditional music performed by Lotus White on the Weaver Shop porch, hear the tale of “1862”, a crankie theatre
performed by Glen Caradus in the Agricultural Barn, and listen to harvest hymns in the Glen Alda Church. Play a game of
apple tic-tac-toe, participate in some traditional schoolyard games, and make an apple craft to take home with you. Enjoy
harvest dances performed by the Peterborough Scottish Country Dancers, and see sheep-herding demonstrations (both
timed demonstrations). Do you think you can eat an apple pie the fastest? Participate in our pie-eating contest at 2 pm on
the Village Green! If you have over-indulged in apple treats, take some time to participate in some good old-fashioned
calisthenics.
Tickets for the event are available for purchase in advance online and at the door. On-site parking is available on a first-
come, first-served basis. Overflow parking for the event is available at McIntyre Park.
Immerse yourself in the colourful beauty of fall in the historic village and celebrate all things apple during Applefest,
Sunday, October 5, from 10 am to 4 pm at Lang Pioneer Village Museum. Admission is $17 for adults, $12 for students and
seniors (60+), $9 for youths (ages 5-14), and free for children under 5. Family admission is also available for $45 and
includes 2 adults and up to 4 youths ages 5-14. For more information, please visit www.langpioneervillage.ca.

Albion Bolton Historical Society Presents "Out of Old Peel County Kitchens"
2025-10-06 19:30 | Albion Bolton Community Centre (Meeting Room C, 2nd Floor), 150 Queen St. South, Bolton, Ontario, L7E 1E3, Canada
The next Albion Bolton Historical Society is on Monday October 6th at the Albion Bolton Community Centre, Meeting Room C, 2nd Floor, 150 Queen Street South, Bolton for a 7:30 PM start. Carolyn Crawford is presenting ‘Out of Old Peel County Kitchens’. Carolyn will share her passion for local cookbooks and their recipes. You are invited to bring cookbooks and recipes to share with the group.

Guelph Black Heritage Society - “Hope and Healing: A Workshop on Dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Self-Care”
2025-10-09 13:00 | Heritage Hall, Essex Street 83, Guelph, Ontario, N1H 3K9, Canada
This month, our guest speaker will be Rachel Iris Grant, therapist and wellness professional. Rachel will present “Hope and Healing: A Workshop on Dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Self-Care”. This workshop offers a compassionate and practical overview of dementia and Alzheimer’s, exploring their impact on individuals and caregivers. Participants will learn to recognize key signs, understand the challenges of caregiving, and discover effective self-care strategies to maintain well-being and resilience. Together, we’ll build a supportive community focused on strength, understanding, and hope.

Rachel Iris Grant is a therapist and wellness professional with over 12 years of experience supporting individuals and families through life transitions, mental health challenges, and caregiver stress. With a background in social work, she has worked in clinical and community settings, including child and family welfare, schools, mental health services, and a dialysis centre.
Rachel is the President of Howard University’s Alumni Club of Eastern Canada, runs an online Lunch and Learn series on social work topics, and leads a private practice called Balance Self-Care. She is passionate about creating supportive spaces that help people feel heard, understood, and empowered to prioritize their well-being.
For more information or to register, email info@guelphblackheritage.ca

Toronto Railway Museum - Speaker Series Returns with "How Rail Industry Knowledge Informs Heritage Preservation"
2025-10-14 19:00 | online
Historic locomotives and railcars can be mysterious and challenging objects, but there are similarities between the 19th and 21st century rail industry that provide historians context for preservation. Join Chris Fox for a lively discussion of his experience in maintaining heritage rolling stock using his industry knowledge that he’s compiled throughout his rail career.
About our Speaker
Christopher Fox is an experienced and widely respected professional in the rail industry with a career spanning 30 years. He worked as a railway mechanic for Bombardier and GO Transit for over 10 years, before moving on to the operating trades at GO Transit for the past 15 years.
He also works with the VIA Historical Association and the Halton County Radial Railway, where he has helped to maintain and restore various heritage cars and locomotives including the VIA 6917 (owned by the TRHA).
He enjoys anything mechanical. When he’s notworking on trains or engines, he enjoys fishing, snowmobiling, and spending time with his children.
About the series
The Toronto Railway Museum hosts guest speakers online via the Zoom Webinar platform the second Tuesday of each month. These talks are free and open to the public, with a suggested donation of $10 to support future programming. The Toronto Railway is a registered Canadian charity (838626943RR0001) and charitable tax receipts are issued for donations over $25.
Register for Rail Industry Knowledge & Heritage Preservation

La Société d'histoire de Toronto - Le Cervin/Matterhorn règne sur le monde!
2025-10-15 19:00 | Théâtre de l’Alliance française, Spadina Road 24, Toronto, Ontario, M5R 2S7, Canada
Conférencière : Danièle Caloz, fondatrice et membre de la SHT

Le Cervin/Matterhorn règne sur notre monde imaginaire. Donald Trump a « emprunté » son image, Pierre Poilièvre aussi. Il est unique; pourtant il a dans le monde 204 « jumeaux » naturels, dont le Mont Assiniboine dans l’Ouest canadien, et 34 constructions artificielles. Totalement isolé, sa forme pyramidale correspond à l’idée que nous nous faisons d’une montagne. Tolkien, Walt Disney, Daudet, Victor Hugo et tellement d’autres s’en sont inspirés. Point n’est besoin d’être alpiniste pour l’admirer de près. Mais attention : pour réussir sa visite, il faut être au courant de certains petits détails essentiels, voire cruciaux.
Lien pour s’inscrire:
https://www.alliance-francaise.ca/fr/art/sorties-scolaires/conferences/246-le-cervin-regne-sur-le-monde

La Société d'histoire de Toronto HISTORITOUR - La gare Union, passé, présent, avenir
2025-10-18 13:30 | Ontario
Guides : Chantal Smieliauskas et Brigitte LaFlairPoint de départ : devant la sculpture à l’extérieur de la gare, rue Front
La Gare Union de Toronto, inaugurée en 1927, désignée lieu historique national, est maintenant la plus grande plaque tournante du transport urbain, national et international à partir de Toronto. C’est une gare qui ne cesse de se transformer, s’agrandir et s’attribuer de nouveaux rôles que nous allons découvrir lors de cette visite guidée.
Historitours 2025 – pas nécessaire de réserver. La SHT passe le chapeau à la fin de la visite, merci.
Pas de chien
Contacts : info@sht.ca

Historical Society of Ottawa Speaker Series : Get On Board… For Songs & Stories from Ottawa’s Past
2025-10-19 13:30 | Ottawa Public Library, Main Branch, 120 Metcalfe St., Ottawa, Ontario, K1P 5M2, Canada
Guest Speaker Paul Weber, Singer/Songwriter, Historian/Storyteller
Join us as Paul takes us on a ride through time with tales of early aviators to Ottawa… a buried beer train… lost Francophone history… when Ottawa had a king… and more!
Admission is free. All are welcome to attend.

Thunder Bay Museum Islamic Heritage Month Lecture | Muslims in Canada: Over A Century of Untold Stories
2025-10-19 14:00 | Thunder Bay Museum, 425 Donald St E., Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7E 5V1, Canada
Thunder Bay Masjid and Lakehead University Muslim Student Association in partnership with the Thunder Bay Museum and Diversity Thunder Bay invite you to an afternoon with historian Hassam Munir as he uncovers the untold stories of Muslims in Canada and Northern Ontario.
This will be a free, in-person event.
Join us for a special afternoon with Hassam Munir, historian and educator, as he explores the untold stories of the history of Muslims in Canada, with a particular focus on Northern Ontario. Covering over a century of Muslim presence in Canada, he will highlight their challenges and contributions, the role they played in shaping Canadian society, and the lessons their experiences hold for us today.
Hassam Munir is a Muslim history researcher and educator. He has pursued an MA in History at the University of Toronto. He has led seminars and tours in Canada, the US, Türkiye and Uzbekistan. He has previously worked with the Ontario Historical Society and was recognized by Heritage Toronto as an Emerging Historian in 2017. He is part of the team at Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research.
Limited seating is available. To secure your spot, please sign up here https://thunderbaymuseum1.wildapricot.org/event-6351595

Town of York Historical Society - Shadows of the Past with Adam Bunch
2025-10-21 19:00 - 20:30, 2025-10-23 19:00 - 20:30 | Toronto’s First Post Office, Adelaide Street East 260, Toronto, Ontario, M5A 1N1, Canada
On October 21st and 23rd, join local favourite, Adam Bunch, for a special presentation just in time for the spooky season, as he tells the tales of phantoms, spirits and apparitions that are connected to many of the most dramatic moments from Toronto’s past. The spectres said to lurk in the shadows of our city are tied to war, rebellion, tragedy and transformation. Whether it’s the ghost of a murdered lighthouse keeper, the prime minister who spoke to the dead, or the demon of Queen Street West, the supernatural stories told about Toronto illuminate the history of the place we call home. Pre-registration is required and spots are strictly limited!
Click here to purchase tickets.

Newcastle Village and District Historical Society presents: Belmont House
2025-10-22 19:00 | Newcastle Community Hall, 20 King Ave W., Newcastle, Ontario, L1B 1H7, Canada
Speakers: JJ MacLellan, Renovation Project Manager, Fred Graham, former Belmont House resident
Learn about the home’s history, the preservation efforts that brought it back to life, and its place in our community’s heritage. All are welcome!
Free admission, but please RSVP. Enjoy free refreshments following the talk

Italian Canadian Archives Project's 2025 Conference “Saving Stories: Communities in Conversation”
2025-10-23 - 2025-10-25 | Columbus Centre, 901 Lawrence Ave West, Toronto, ON, M6A 1C3, Canada
The 2025 biannual ICAP conference aims to empower members of Italian-Canadian communities across Canada to preserve and protect their histories. It encourages participants to reflect on the vital role of archives as active tools that can support communities in telling their own stories on their own terms. This event will highlight case studies of preservation projects on Italians in Canada, and will offer practical strategies and generative conversations to support individuals in safeguarding their stories for future generations, no matter what stage of the process they are in. Register to join in-person or online.

Thornhill Historical Society Presentation "From Prosperity to Preservation"
2025-10-23 19:00 - 19:30 | Heintzman House, Bay Thorn Drive 135, Markham, Ontario, L3T 3V1, Canada
Mark your calendars and join us Thursday, October 23rd at the Heintzman House at 7:15-7:30pm for a special illustrated presentation with guest speaker Miranda Ellison who will take us on a journey From Prosperity to Preservation: The Story of Little Hall – a 14th century timber-framed merchant’s hall in Lavenham, one of England’s best-preserved medieval towns.

Ontario Women’s History Network Conference "Women Navigating Civic Engagement in Canada"
2025-10-24 - 2025-10-25 | Fanshawe Pioneer Village, 1424 Clarke Rd, London, ON, N5X 4A1, Canada
Women Navigating Civic Engagement in Canada
Ontario Women’s History Network (OWHN) Conference
Date: October 24-25, 2025
Location: Fanshawe Pioneer Village – Enter at 1424 Clarke Road, London, Ontario
Breakfast and Lunch Included Saturday with Registration
Friday October 24, 2025:
7:00-8:30pm: Bonnie Sitter, “FINDING THE FARMERETTES: Recovering the Story of Teenage Girls Who Worked the Farms”
She was downsizing when it happened. Going through some old family photographs, Bonnie Sitter found a black-and-white photo of three teenage girls sitting on the running board of a car with a hoe, wide-brimmed hats, and bandanas. On the back was written “Farmerettes, about 1946”. Curious and intrigued, Bonnie recounts that she “went into research mode” and discovered that these three girls were among thousands of young Ontario women who were part of an extensive, government-sponsored war (and postwar) effort from 1941 to 1952. Together with her collaborator, the late Shirleyan English who was a former farmerette herself, they uncovered hundreds of stories and co-authored the 2019 book entitled Onion Skins and Peach Fuzz: Memories of Ontario Farmerettes. That work has since been honoured by CANADA POST with a commemorative stamp, presented as a stage play, and more recently an award-winning documentary “We Lend a Hand.” We will hear from Bonnie about the process of researching, interviewing, and celebrating the story of the farmerettes and the significant contributions they made to the war effort and the provincial economy as agricultural labourers. With so many firsthand accounts and photographs to share, this will be an unforgettable evening that highlights a significant, yet little-known part of Ontario women’s history.
Saturday October 25, 2025:
9:00–10:00am – Paper Set #1: Cook Books, Common Law and Morro Castle Disaster (3 X 15 min presentations + 15 Q & A)

Rebecca Beausaert, U Guelph, “‘The Spartan Cook Book’ and the ‘great public issue’ of Temperance in Small-Town Ontario, 1902-1915”
Monda Halpern, Western, “By the Power Vested in Us: Self-Styled ‘Marriage’ in the Family of Bessie Starkman”
Sonia Halpern, Western, “Digging Deeper: How my Civic Engagement with a Cemetery Inspired Research about Morro Castle Victim Eva Hoffman,”

10:00–10:15am – break
10:15–11:15am – Teachers’ Panel: “Teachers’ Best Practices for Integrating Women’s History and Critical Thinking Pedagogy.”
11:15–11:30am – Break
11:30am–12:30pm – Keynote Address – Constance Backhouse: “Reflections on Chilly Climate Activism”
12:30pm – 1:00pm – Lunch
1:00pm – 2:00pm – AGM
2:00pm – 3:00pm – Paper Set #2: Life Stages and Civic Engagement
Sarah Kittilsen, McGill, “’A Small Contribution to Speeding the Victory’: Rural Women and Girls in Wartime Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs, Nova Scotia, 1940 – 1945”

Tifanie Valade, UOttawa, “’L’ecole maternelle, adjointe de la mere,’ (Kindergarten, the mother’s assistant”). Women’s roles in promoting kindergarten education in Quebec in the 1960s”
Kate Bradley, UOttawa, “The Raging Grannies: A (Historical) Bedtime Story for Raging Girls”

3:00 –Wrap-Up Comments

Lang Pioneer Village Museum - Spooky All Hallows' Eve
2025-10-24 18:00 - 21:00 | Lang Pioneer Village Museum, 104 Lang Rd, Keene, ON, K0L 2G0, Canada
You are in for a frightfully good time as the historic village transforms into an array of haunting scenes during Spooky All Hallows’ Eve, taking place on Friday & Saturday, October 24 & 25 at Lang Pioneer Village Museum. From 6 pm to 9 pm each night, enjoy an evening of fun and games as you are introduced to the origins of some of our favourite Halloween traditions.
Hold onto your seat as a tractor and wagon takes you deeper into the darkness of the village. Discover the history of coffins and body snatching at the Carpenter Shop. Meet Stingy Jack and listen to his sorry tale. Witness a traditional 1890s Halloween party and take part in some party games. Be sure to watch out for the man-eating plant from Madagascar at the Fitzpatrick House, and
take a stroll through the graveyard. Hear the story of werewolves and give your best howl at the moon.
Visit the witch’s lair to find out your witch’s name, and see her swampy brew bubbling in her cauldron over the fire. Listen to sea shanties and pirate jokes in the Cider Barn, and see if you can find all the items on their treasure map. You just might receive a piece of treasure for yourself if you do. Take a trip to the stars on a magic carpet ride, visit the fairies at their lodge, and try some
hula hooping in the Agricultural Barn. If you are brave enough to enter the maze, make sure you don’t get lost!
Participate in a class on poisons and potions in the School House. Do you dare feel what is lurking in the mystery crocks at the Tinsmith Shop, or try a treat from the Botched Bakery? Witness the mind-bending magic show in the Weaver Shop (sets at 6:30, 7:30, and 8:30 but seating is limited)! Curious about what your future holds? If you ask her nicely, Madam Fortune just might
reveal what is to come.
Listen to the Michi Saagiig people’s tale of the Wendigo. Hear about paranormal investigations undertaken at the museum by ghost hunters, the Paranormal Seekers, and see some of the specialized equipment they use to make their discoveries. Warm up by the fire and learn about Samhain, a Celtic fire festival.
If your nerves are rattled and making you hungry, stop by the Hotel to purchase some delicious hot chocolate and sweet treats, or visit the Bewdley Lions Club food truck for some BBQ goods (cash only). Ben’s Kettle Corn will be on-site popping up fresh kettle corn, and you can purchase candy and sweet treats in the General Store as you learn about the origins of trick-or-treating.
Don’t forget to come disguised to blend in with the spirits and ghosts lurking in the Village, or have your face painted in the PCAHB Great Hall by Faces by 2. Children will receive treat bags at the end of the evening to enjoy on their way home.
Enjoy an evening of eerie fun and learn a thing or two about how Halloween traditions came to be with Spooky All Hallows’ Eve, Friday & Saturday, October 24 & 25 at Lang Pioneer Village Museum! This all-ages event is sure to be a lot of fun, with just a little tomfoolery to get you into the Halloween spirit. Please note that while some origin stories are quite dark, this is not a frightful
experience. Admission is $17 for adults, $12 for students and seniors (60+), $9 for youths (ages 2-14), and free for children under 2. Family admission is also available for $45 and includes 2 adults and up to 4 youths ages 2-14. Tickets for the event are available for purchase in advance online and at the door. On-site parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, please visit www.langpioneervillage.ca.

Newcastle Walking Tour
2025-10-25 10:00 - 11:00 | Clarington Public Library, Newcastle Branch, 150 King Ave. E., Newcastle, Ontario, L1B 1L5, Canada
Newcastle Library
Saturday, October 25
10-11 a.m.
Register now!
Cost $10+tax
Lace up your shoes! Explore Newcastle’s downtown, share stories of notable buildings and people, and end the tour with a presentation by the Newcastle Village & District Historical Society.
Presented with the Newcastle Village & District Historical Society.
NOTE: In the event of inclement weather, the Newcastle Walking Tour will be held on Saturday, November 8. Registrants will be notified of any date change.
