The Ontario Historical Society

Guelph Historical Society Evenings with History: A History of the Guelph Public Library
2023-12-05 19:30 (America/Toronto) | Guelph Museum, 52 Norfolk St, Guelph, Ontario, N1H 4H8, Canada
Speaker: Darcy Hilts, Archivist

The Weston Historical Society 41st Annual Old-fashioned Christmas Carol & Hymn Sing
2023-12-06 19:30 - 21:00 | Weston Presbyterian Church, Cross Street 11, Toronto, Ontario, M9N 2B8, Canada
The Weston Historical Society will be hosting its 41st Annual Old-fashioned Christmas Carol & Hymn Sing Wednesday December 6, 2023 from 7:30pm until 9:00 pm
Weston Presbyterian Church, 11 Cross Street, Weston
All Are Welcome!
Refreshments will be served after the event.
Donations of non-perishable items would be greatly appreciated for the Weston Area Emergency Support, and a free will offering for the church.
Parking is available at the back of the church.

Swansea Historical Society Monthly Meeting - An Immersive Journey Through the History of Tap Dancing
2023-12-06 20:00 | Swansea Town Hall, 95 Lavinia Ave., Toronto, Ontario, M6S 3H9, Canada
Join us on Wednesday, December 6 at 8 p.m. for an immersive journey through tap dance history, beautifully narrated through storytelling and dance. With over 300 years of evolution, this art form has a rich and complex past that intertwines with jazz music and jazz movements.
Speakers (and dancers!) Trina Josdal & Amy Lintunen are co-directors of Vintage Taps, a vaudeville inspired tap dance company. They are dance instructors at Swansea School of Dance and active members of the Swansea community.
This meeting will be offered as a hybrid meeting, but given the nature of this topic, which will include live dance, the event will be best experienced in-person, on location, at Swansea Town Hall, Rousseau Room. For those who still prefer to join us online, you can join us via Zoom using the links on our WEBSITE.

Town of York Historical Society Annual Fall Author Series 2023: Ian Radforth
2023-12-07 19:00 - 20:30 | Toronto’s First Post Office, 260 Adelaide Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M5A 1N1, Canada
Join us on December 7th for the final evening presentation of our Annual Fall Author’s Series!
Dr. Ian Radforth will present on his publication “Jeannie’s Demise: Abortion on Trial in Victorian Toronto ” as he unveils the results of his detailed investigation of a backstreet abortion that occurred on the streets of Toronto in 1875 and its tragic consequences while exploring the story about how one woman navigated politics in Victorian Toronto, when abortion was illegal.
Ian Radforth’s “Jeannie’s Demise” uncovers a real-life Victorian melodrama that played out in the bustling streets and courtrooms of “Toronto the Good,” cast with all the lurid stock characters of the genre. Historian Ian Radforth brings to life an era in which abortion was illegal, criminal proceedings were a spectator sport, and coded advertisements for back-alley procedures ran in the margins of newspapers. Part gripping procedural, part meticulous autopsy, “Jeannie’s Demise” opens a rare window into the hidden history of a woman’s right to choose.
About the Author:
Ian Radforth is a Canadian social historian who has taught for more than three decades in the department of history at the University of Toronto with a focus on labour and immigration history. He is the author of many historical works such as “Bushworkers and Bosses: Logging in Northern Ontario, 1900-1980” and “Royal Spectacle: The 1860 Visit of the Prince of Wales to Canada and the United States.” Radforth has also served as the representative of the history department’s Ethnic, Immigration, and Pluralism Studies Program Committee.

Bradford West Gwillimbury Local History Association 2023 Auld Kirk Caroling
2023-12-09 14:00 - 16:00 | Auld Kirk, 3380 Line 6, Bradford, Ontario, L3Z 2A4, Canada

Toronto Railway Museum Online Lecture: Halifax Explosion and the Role of Railways
2023-12-14 19:00 - 20:30 | online
On December 6th, 1917 the SS Mont-Blanc collided with the SS Imo in the harbour of Halifax, Nova Scotia. What resulted was a devastating explosion that caused many deaths, many more casualties, and the destruction of Halifax itself.
This explosion is still regarded as one of the largest human-engineered explosions on record and is an unforgettable part of 20th century Canadian history. Responding to the disaster was a collective effort that included the railways in northeastern Canada and the US. Join us and Roger Sarty on December 14 for the final online lecture in our 2023 series. Free! Registration required.

Book Signing Event at the Sudbury Region Police Museum
2023-12-16 10:00 - 14:00 | Sudbury Region Police Museum, Larch Street 128, Greater Sudbury, Ontario, P3E 5J8, Canada
The Sudbury Region Police Museum invites you to attend a book signing & meet local author and museum vice-chair Retired OPP Detective Sergeant David Lalonde.
He recently published his first novel called “Death of a Millionaire”
Saturday, December 16th
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Refreshments to be served and museum tours available.

Toronto Railway Museum - Christmas at the Roundhouse
2023-12-16 11:00 - 16:00 | Toronto Railway Museum, 255 Bremner Blvd, Stall 17, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 3M9, Canada
Christmas is here at the Roundhouse! On Saturday December 16, join the Toronto Railway Museum for a family Christmas event.
Get into the holiday spirit with story time and hot chocolate inside the museum. Plus, explore exhibits, test drive the train simulator, take festive photos with the Porter locomotive, and visit our friends at Operation Lifesaver at their pop-up! Free event, some activities require admission.

The Historical Society of Ottawa Speaker Series: SONGS & STORIES OF OTTAWA'S PAST
2024-01-10 19:00 | online
Join us for an enchanting evening as Paul Weber shares tales from Ottawa’s history through story and music.
This speaker series presentation will take place on Zoom. Registration: tinyurl.com/HSO-10-Jan-2024

All are welcome to attend without charge.

Esquesing Historical Society: Halton Hills: The Sum of Its Parts
2024-01-10 19:00 | Helson Gallery, Church Street 9, Halton Hills, Ontario, L7G 2A3, Canada

Toronto Railway Museum Online Lecture: An Evening with Stephen R. Bown
2024-01-18 19:00 - 20:00 | online
Join us on Thursday, January 18 for an evening with award-winning author Stephen R. Bown as he discusses his latest book Dominion: The Railway and the Rise of Canada, which tells the gripping and eye-opening account of the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway and how it enabled the nation of Canada.
With over 3,000 kilometers of track, much of it driven through wildly inhospitable terrain, the CPR would be the longest railway in the world and the most difficult to build. Its construction was the defining event of its era and a catalyst for powerful global forces.
In recent years Canadian history has been given a rude awakening from the comforts of its myths. In Dominion, Stephen Bown again widens our view of the past to include the adventures and hardships of explorers and surveyors, the resistance of Indigenous peoples, and the terrific and horrific work of many thousands of labourers. His vivid portrayal of the powerful forces that were molding the world in the late 19th century provides a revelatory new picture of modern Canada’s creation as an independent state.

Toronto's First Post Office - Annual Fall Author Series: Lorna Poplak
2024-01-25 19:00 - 20:30 | Toronto’s First Post Office, Adelaide Street East 260, Toronto, Ontario, M5A 1N1, Canada
Join us as we explore the Darker Side of Toronto History with the final presentation in our Annual Author Series! On January 25th Lorna Poplak will present on her publication “The Don”” as she unveils and investigates the origins and evolution of Toronto’s most infamous jail, presenting a in-depth exploration of the jail from its inception through jailbreaks and overcrowding to its eventual closure and rebirth. Pre-registration is required and spots are limited!

The Historical Society of Ottawa Speaker Series: OTTAWA'S SHORELINE... BUILT FROM GARBAGE?
2024-01-27 13:00 | Ottawa Public Library, Main Branch, 120 Metcalfe St., Ottawa, Ontario, K1P 5M2, Canada
Running out of landfill space? Why not dump it in the river! The 1950s and 1960s was an era of all-important progress and little concern for “environmental assessments”. Learn about the decision-making process that led to much of the Ottawa River shoreline from Mechanicsville through LeBreton Flats being built from our garbage.
Learn about this story and more as Dave Allston takes a look back at some of the major alterations to Ottawa’s landscape in the years following Jacques Greber’s sweeping recommendations.

Guelph Historical Society Public Lecture - A Stolen Life: The Life of Richard Pierpoint
2024-02-06 19:30 | Guelph Museum, 52 Norfolk St, Guelph, Ontario, N1H 4H8, Canada
The speaker for Black History Month is Peter Meyler, co-author of A Stolen Life: Searching for Richard Pierpoint.
He will recount the story of Richard Pierpoint, a slave, and veteran of the American Revolution and the War of 1812 who established himself in the Fergus area with land in Garafraxa Township after the War of 1812.

The Historical Society of Ottawa Speaker Series: THE HISTORY OF OTTAWA'S CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY
2024-02-07 19:00 | online
Dave Tulloch looks back at how people from the Caribbean have made Ottawa their home over the past seven decades, making the transition from sandy beaches to some of the coldest winters in the world, and coming together to form one of the city’s most vital and vibrant communities.
This speaker series presentation will take place on Zoom. Registration: tinyurl.com/HSO-2024-02-07

All are welcome to attend without charge.

Weston Historical Society Speak Presentation: “Riverstoryz: Conversations on the Humber River”
2024-02-07 19:30 | Weston Seniors’ Residence, King Street 15, Toronto, Toronto, M9N 3X1, Canada
The Weston Historical Society invites you to attend our next meeting Wednesday February 7th 2024 at 7:30pm with Guest Speaker: Chris Higgins. His presentation topic is: “Riverstoryz: Conversations on the Humber River.”
Please join us for what promises to be an interesting and informative evening. Join us at Central King Seniors’ Residence, 15 King Street, Weston.
Books will be available for purchase for $21.00 — CASH only.
All Welcome!
Refreshments served after the meeting

Albion Bolton Historical Society "Upper Canada Preserved"
2024-02-12 19:30 | Albion Bolton Community Centre (Meeting Room C, 2nd Floor), 150 Queen St. South, Bolton, Ontario, L7E 1E3, Canada
Presented by Richard David Feltoe February 12, 2024 at 7:30 P.M.
After over 200 years, the War of 1812-1815 may seem a distant memory. However, it is still possible to visit many of these significant historic sites and event locations across Ontario (Upper Canada). Feltoe will lead a virtual tour of some of these historic locations, using original artwork and current photographs to reveal what can be seen on a modern family tour or day-trip down the Niagara Peninsula.

Four Seasons Bottle Collectors Club Presentation “The Rich History of 19th-century Toronto Potteries.”
2024-02-17 19:00 - 21:00 | Armour Heights Community Centre, Avenue Road 2140, Toronto, Ontario, M5M 4M7, Canada
FSBC is proud to host Moe Johnson as a guest speaker at our Feb 17th meeting. The topic of the presentation is “The Rich History of 19th-century Toronto
Potteries.”
Moe Johnson is well known for his book, “The Potter’s Reach in 19th Century Ontario,” which examines Ontario Pottery and its place in the province’s social
and economic development. The presentation is about an hour in length followed by a shorter “show and tell” where you are invited to bring an example or two from your collection for
discussion.
We meet at the Armour Heights Community Center, 2140 Avenue Road Toronto.
Start time is 7:00 pm.
Space is limited at the facility, please RSVP to: Jon Matheson FSBC (Four Seasons Bottle Club) Jwmatheson1@gmail.com

Model Railroad Club of Toronto Celebrates Family Day
2024-02-18 11:00 - 16:00, 2024-02-19 11:00 - 16:00, 2024-02-25 11:00 - 16:00 | Model Railroad Club of Toronto, 11 Curity Avenue, Toronto, ON, M4B 1X4, Canada
The Model Railroad Club of Toronto has many new scenes and architecture, such as stations modelled after Hamilton CNR and Leaside Stations, plus too many new details to count!
You’ll see over 85 years of innovation in technique from hand-crafted models to 3D printing. We use prototypical switching, signals and dispatching of passenger and freight trains, controlled digitally and connected with wifi.
Inspired by the Central Ontario Railway that ran from Picton to Maynooth, our O scale railroad captures some of the flavour of Central Ontario through industries and natural features, and by naming passenger cars after towns along the original route.
Sunday, February 18, Monday, February 19 (Family Day) & Sunday, February 25, 2024
11 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

Purchase tickets at the door: cash, debit, credit card
Children $10, Seniors $12, Adults $15, Family rate: $45.
info@modelrailroadclub.com
www.modelrailroadclub.com

11 Curity Avenue, Toronto M4B 1X4
Note: basement location, not wheelchair accessible.
Parking is free, and TTC access is via the 91 Woodbine Bus from Woodbine Station.

We hope to see you there!

Coptic Museum of Canada Art Workshop: Intro to Stained Glass
2024-02-19 11:00 - 15:30 | Coptic Museum of Canada, 41 Glendinning Ave., Scarborough, Ontario, M1W 3E2
Family Heritage Day: Intro to Stained Glass
In celebration of Canadian Heritage Day, the Coptic Museum of Canada presents an opportunity to create stained glass works with artists Fadia and Akram Gabra.

To register, please email: Copticmuseumcanada@gmail.com. Registration deadline Feb 15 or when registration is full.

North York Historical Society presents Adam Bunch, The Toronto Book of Love
2024-02-21 19:00 | North York Central Library, 5120 Yonge St., North York, ON, M2N 5N9, Canada
The North York Historical Society is excited to have renowned author Adam Bunch present The Toronto Book of Love, that shares fascinating true tales of romance, marriage, and lust: From the scandalous love affairs of the city’s early settlers to the prime minister’s wife partying with rock stars on her anniversary; from First Nations marriage ceremonies to a pastor wearing a bulletproof vest to perform one of Canada’s first same-sex weddings. Home to adulterous movie stars, faithful rebels, and heartbroken spies, Toronto has been shaped by crushes, jealousies, and flirtations.
The Toronto Book of Love explores the evolution of the city from a remote colonial outpost to a major modern metropolis through the stories of those who have fallen in love among its ravines, church spires, and skyscrapers.

Adam has an “unmatched flair for storytelling” (Toronto Star) as “No one does Toronto history quite like Adam Bunch” (Open Book)

How better to celebrate the month of love?

Canada Black Music Archives - Black History Month Celebration
2024-02-23 16:00 - 20:00 | City of Toronto Archives, Spadina Road 255, Toronto, Ontario, M5R 2V3, Canada
You’re invited to a Black History Month Celebration!
The evening will feature performances by legendary artists Michie Mee, Shakura S’Aida, Jay Douglas, Kobena Aquaa-Harrison, and DJ Carl Allen, and will be hosted by Michael Williams. The event will also feature a display focussing on the life and accomplishments of Eric Mercury, and will feature a special address from Rosemary Sadlier.

The History Symposium Annual Conference
2024-02-24 09:00 - 16:30 | Museum London, Ridout Street North 421, London, Ontario, N6A 5H4, Canada
Since 1990, a small group of dedicated historians have annually held a History Symposium in South-Western Ontario. Based on the success of our 2021 and 2022 online conferences, we stayed online for 2023.
We are thrilled that we will be returning to an in-person format for 2024! We will also offer an online streaming option for our long-distance friends!
Online Registration
In-person Registration
For the first time ever, we are offering this Conference FREE OF CHARGE! Please consider making a donation to support this event.
8:00 – 9:00 – Registration
9:00 – 10:30 – First Speaker, Leroy Hibbert, Acknowledging, Celebrating and Understanding Black History
10:30 – 12:00 – Second Speaker, Graham Broad, London Knight: The Story of Eddie McKay, London’s First World War Flying Ace
12:00 – 1:30 – Lunch, including Three Minute Thesis Competition Replay
1:30 – 3:00 – Third Speaker, Hanae Weber, Loyalist Refugee Experiences During and After the American Revolution
3:00 – 4:30 – Fourth Speaker, Alison Klages, 50 Years On: Reflecting on the History and Next Steps for Ska-Nah-Doht Village and Museum
4:30 – Cocktail Reception

The Historical Society of Ottawa Speaker Series: A LOOK BACK AT A CENTURY+ OF SCOUTING AND GUIDING
2024-02-24 13:00 | Ottawa Public Library, Main Branch, 120 Metcalfe St., Ottawa, Ontario, K1P 5M2, Canada
Guest Speaker: David Truemner & Emma Kent
Emma and David team up to examine the fascinating legacy of the Boy Scouts and Girl Guides here in Ottawa.

Visit our website for full details and the links to pre-register for the virtual (Zoom) presentations:

https://www.historicalsocietyottawa.ca/activities/meetings

Guelph Black Heritage Society Open House
2024-02-24 13:00 - 15:00 | Heritage Hall, Essex Street 83, Guelph, Ontario, N1H 3K9, Canada
This free event is open to the public and a great opportunity to learn information about what GBHS is has been up to – from exhibits to tours, programming to events we have lots of history lined up for this open house.
Come join us to bring any questions, let us hear feedback of what you may what to see and learn how Guelph can support GBHS as a community.
***There will be light refreshments and snacks available***
***By DONATION event***

Guelph Black Heritage Society - “Say It Loud: Celebrating a History of Black Music”
2024-02-24 19:30 | Royal City Church, Quebec Street 50, Guelph, Ontario, N1H 2T4, Canada
Come join us for an incredible celebration of the rich and vibrant history of Black music! From soulful blues to electrifying hip-hop, this event will showcase the powerful impact of Black artists on the music industry. Get ready to groove to the beats and feel the rhythm in the heart of our city at Royal City Church. Let’s honor the legends and pay tribute to the pioneers who paved the way for generations to come. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable in-person experience!
“Say It Loud” will feature performances by Bry Webb, Claire Stewart (Shebad), Midswim, Steph Yates, J-One, Elaquent, JJ Gallo, Emmitt, Andrew Craig, Shane Philips, Julian Taylor and more! This talented group of musicians will be backed by the House Band led by Music Director Thomas Hammerton and Artistic Director Nathan Lawr.
Doors open at 7 pm and the show starts at 7:30pm. Tickets in advance are $25 for adults, $15 for students. At the door $30 adult, $20 student.

Toronto Postcard Club's 42nd Annual Vintage Postcard Show and Sale
2024-02-25 10:00 - 17:00 | Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, Sakura Way 6, Toronto, Ontario, M3C 1Z5, Canada
From the early 1900’s through the ‘chromes’ of modern times, you are sure to find something of interest. Thousands of vintage postcards for sale in organized boxes filed by topic and geography. Hope to see you there!

La Société d'histoire de Toronto - INVITATION À LA CONFÉRENCE - Les Oiseaux et La Musique
2024-03-06 19:00 | Théâtre de l’Alliance française, Spadina Road 24, Toronto, Ontario, M5R 2S7, Canada
Conférencière : Susan Spier
Violoniste et musicologue
Beaucoup de compositeurs furent inspirés par nos amis couverts de plumes. Mais quels compositeurs….et quels oiseaux ? Quels effets musicaux sont employés ? De Mozart à Messiaen, de Schubert à Stravinsky on va en découvrir. Ni connaissance de la musique ni des oiseaux est nécessaire pour profiter de cette exposé. Même ceux avec une cervelle d’oiseau vont s’amuser !
Contact : smth7631@rogers.com ou info@sht.ca
