The Ontario Historical Society

Oshawa Museum Official Launch - Untold Oshawa: An Expanded History
2024-11-19 18:00 (America/Toronto) | Oshawa Public Library McLaughlin Branch, 65 Bagot Street, Oshawa, Ontario, L1H 1N2, Canada
The Oshawa Museum invites you to the official launch of our newest publication, Untold Oshawa: An Expanded History.
Untold Oshawa begins a more inclusive story. Here, you will find stories of some of Oshawa’s early settlers from marginalized communities, a look into the impact of labour unions in Oshawa, on the experiences of children who emigrated without family, and early efforts to break down gender barriers. Untold Oshawa also documents important moments for the Chinese community in Oshawa, in the environmental impact of local industry, and more.
Meticulously research and written in an engaging, accessible style, Untold Oshawa shines a spotlight on the tapestry of experiences that have shaped the city.
Date: Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Time: 6pm
Location: Oshawa Public Library, McLaughlin Branch, lower level auditorium
The official launch is free to attend and will feature a presentation by Oshawa Museum staff. Melissa Cole, Lisa Terech, and Jennifer Weymark will discuss the book, its themes, research methods, and favourite stories from within. Pre-ordered copies of the book will be available for pick up with copies also available for purchase.

Pre-order your copy of Untold Oshawa and pick it up at the launch!
Pre-order link: bit.ly/UntoldOshawa

Historical Society Ottawa Special Event – National Research Council Tour
2024-11-20 10:00 | Ontario
We are pleased to announce this upcoming HSO Special Event, an exclusive two-hour private tour of the historic NRC building at 100 Sussex Drive.
Please note, however, tour spaces are extremely limited so please confirm your attendance as soon as possible if you are interested so as to avoid disappointment.
There is no charge to HSO members and guests to participate in this event.
Please confirm by email ASAP if you wish to attend:
president@historicalsocietyottawa.ca
Tour start time: Wednesday, November 20 @ 10:00 a.m.
This rare private tour of the main National Research Council facility will be a “historical walk & talk” and will include the auditorium, old national science library, portrait area, original stacks and the Gerhard Herzberg Museum.
Attendees will be required to sign in at the main entrance prior to the 10:00 a.m. start time. Please indicate in your email if you will be using a wheelchair. The tour will be wheelchair-friendly however arrangements will need to be made regarding the entry point.
Parking available on the east side of the building.
Visit our website for full details: https://www.historicalsocietyottawa.ca/activities/events/eventdetail/148/16,17,18,19,20,21,22/hso-tour-national-research-council-100-sussex-drive

Weston Historical Society - 42nd Old-fashioned Christmas Carol & Hymn Sing
2024-12-04 19:30 | Central United Church, King Street 1, Toronto, Ontario, M9N 1K8, Canada
You are cordially invited to attend
The Weston Historical Society 42ND Annual Old-fashioned Christmas Carol & Hymn Sing
on Wednesday the 4nd of December.
Central United Church,
1 King Street at 7:30 p.m.
Please bring a non-perishable item for Weston Area Emergency Support

Oakville Historical Society Festive Gathering
2024-12-06 18:00 - 21:00 | St. John’s United Church, Randall Street 262, Oakville, Ontario, L6J 1P9, Canada
We are excited to have the added entertainment for you of a slide show showing accomplishments and successful events of the Oakville Historical Society. Additionally, we are pleased to offer for purchase an assortment of books detailing the historical background of our Town.
This is a wonderful time to join in fellowship with other members, and for the Society to thank you for your ongoing support and involvement. Without you, we would not exist! As per our tradition, please feel free to bring a finger-food to complement our festive buffet.
Join us as we toast the season!

Oakville Historical Society Publications Sale
2024-12-07 11:00 - 16:00, 2024-12-08 11:00 - 16:00 | Oakville Historical Society, King Street 110, Oakville, Ontario, L6J 1B1, Canada
Our books and publications make great holiday gifts! Drop by and browse our selection, open to the public at the Oakville Historical Society offices. Full catalogue online at www.oakvillehistory.org

Historical Society of Ottawa French Language Speaker Series: LA SOCIÉTÉ SECRÈTE FONDÉE À OTTAWA
2024-12-07 13:00 | Ottawa Public Library, St-Laurent Branch, Coté Street 515, Ottawa, Ontario, K1K 0Z8, Canada
Guest Speaker
Hugues Théorêt , Author of La Patente l’Ordre de Jacques-Cartier, le dernier bastion du Canada français
Like the Irish Catholics, with the Knights of Columbus, and the English Protestants, with their Masonic Lodges and the Orange Order, French Canada had its own secret society: the Ordre de Jacques-Cartier.
Commonly called “La Patente”, the Order was established in 1926 in east Ottawa and would become, for five decades, the sword and shield of all French Canada.
Admission is free. All are welcome to attend.
Please note: this presentation will be conducted in French.

Christmas by Candlelight at Lang Pioneer Village Museum
2024-12-07 16:00 - 20:00, 2024-12-08 16:00 - 20:00 | Lang Pioneer Village Museum, 104 Lang Rd, Keene, ON, K0L 2G0, Canada
Experience the charm of a traditional pioneer Christmas with Christmas by Candlelight taking place Saturday & Sunday, December 7 & 8 at Lang Pioneer Village Museum! From 4 pm to 8 pm each night, discover the origins of Christmas traditions we celebrate today, and delight in the sights, sounds, and smells of the holiday season.
Discover the beauty of the historic village lit by the soft glow of candles, lamps, and lanterns. Hear the jingle of sleigh bells as you tour the village by horse-drawn wagon ride, and see stars shining brightly in the country night sky. Throughout the village, enjoy the familiar scent of hearth fires, pine and cedar garlands and freshly-made natural centerpieces.
Experience a pioneer’s first Christmas in the wilderness at the Fife Cabin and hear the crackle of chestnuts roasting over an open fire. Witness the merriment of friends who have gathered for the holidays and join in on a traditional toast to the holiday season at the Fitzpatrick House. Learn about traditional holiday treats while you sample some Turkish Delight in the Milburn House, and
discover the history of the Christmas tree and stockings.
View a selection of early Christmas gift ideas at the General Store, and learn the history of the toy maker at the Carpenter Shop. Listen to Christmas hymns played on the pump organ at the Glen Alda Church and join in on a carol sing. Discover the history behind the traditional Christmas tale T’was the Night Before Christmas in the Print Shop. Do you know the story of the Flying Canoe? Hear the tale, and enjoy shanties and Christmas songs performed by Glen Caradus and Fiddling Jay. Sample some sugar plums as you listen to the story of how the Nutcracker defeated the Mouse King at the Cider Mill. Have some fun participating in the reindeer games like tandem ski, snowshoe, and sled races. Be sure to visit with Father and Mother Christmas themselves. Don’t forget to bring your letter for Father Christmas to leave in his mailbox. On Saturday, see performances by the Peterborough Scottish Country Dancers, and on Sunday, enjoy performances by the Hollow Woods Recorder Consort.
Tempt your taste buds with delicious treats and hot drinks to warm your insides at the Cheese Factory. If you need sustenance, stop by the Peterborough County Agricultural Heritage Building where we will be serving ham and savory on a bun.
There are a variety of items to be won in the Christmas raffle, and if you are looking for some unique tree ornaments and gifts, be sure to peruse the selection available in the Museum Shop.
On Sunday at 7:00 pm, witness a live nativity complete with animals and a choir presented by the Keene United Church. In the giving spirit of the season, on both evenings, please bring one or more non-perishable food item(s) to donate to the Otonabee- South Monaghan Food Cupboard (drop off in the Museum Shop).
Experience the warmth and merriment of Christmases past with Christmas by Candlelight, Saturday & Sunday, December 7 & 8 from 4 pm to 8 pm each night at Lang Pioneer Village Museum! Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors (60+), $7 for youths (ages 5-14), free for children under 5. Family admission is also available for $40 and includes 2 adults and up to 4
youths ages 5-14. Tickets are available at the door or in advance online. On site parking is available on a first come, first served basis.
For more information on our upcoming events, please visit our website at www.langpioneervillage.ca.

Guelph Black Heritage Society Holiday Mixer
2024-12-13 18:30 - 22:30 | Guelph Youth Music Centre, Cardigan Street 75, Guelph, ON, N1H 3Z7, Canada
Come celebrate the holiday season with us! Join us for the GBHS holiday mixer/fundraiser. Featuring delicious food by Big Jerk Smokehouse & The Dessert Artist, live performances by Andrew Craig & Friends and dancing.
Proceeds from this event go toward the Heritage Hall Heart & Soul Campaign—a fundraising effort to expand and revitalize resources and programming at the Guelph Black Heritage Society.
Time: 6:30pm – 10:30pm
Location: Guelph Youth Music Centre, 75 Cardigan Street, Guelph
Tickets: $50
To purchase tickets:
Holiday Mixer / Fundraiser Tickets, Fri, Dec 13, 2024 at 6:30 PM | Eventbrite
For more information or to register email info@guelphblackheritage.ca or phone: (519) 837-2519.

Wellington County Museum and Archives - Christmas Ornament Workshop
2024-12-19 19:00 - 21:00 | Wellington County Museum and Archives, Wellington Road 18 536, Fergus, Ontario, N1M 2W3, Canada
Celebrate the season at the WCMA! In this hands-on crafting workshop, join Rachael Broderick from R.L.B. Creations and make a uniquely festive ornament for your home. The workshop takes place on December 19th at 7:00 pm at the Wellington County Museum and Archives.
Tickets are $60 plus HST

Kensington Market Historical Society - ANNUAL AGM AND WALKING TOUR OF KENSINGTON MARKET
2024-12-22 14:00 | Ontario
Roam the Market with us on an informal tour as we present our yearly reports at stops along the way.
Have a coffee!
Do some shopping!
Ask us questions about Market history!
Meet at the Al Waxman Statue
in Bellevue Square Park (Denison & Bellevue)
RSVP: info@kmhs.ca
Dress warmly!

Caledon Public Library: Celebrating Black History Month with Captain Kevin Junor
2025-01-16 08:00 - 17:00 | Caledon Public Library Albion – Bolton Branch, 150 Queen Street South, Bolton, Ontario, L7E 1E3, Canada
Caledon Public Library is proud to host Captain Kevin Junor as he leads a presentation followed by a Q&A session about the No 2 Construction Battalion in World War 1.
On 5 July 1916, the Department of Defence and Militia authorized the formation of No. 2 Construction Battalion. It was the largest Black unit in Canadian history. Its members continued the proud tradition of service to king and country that went back to the American Revolution and continued through the War of 1812 and the Rebellions of 1837–38 to the start of the First World War.
Captain Kevin Junor (retired) has a career with the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Reserves that spans over three decades. He enrolled as a private and progressed through the ranks to be a chief warrant officer, the most senior non-commissioned rank and was appointed the Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM). He is a commissioned officer and was deployed on two operational tours of duties to Sierra Leone and Jordan. Kevin is a retired Deputy Superintendent from the Ministry of the Solicitor General. He is active in the community and has chaired and served on a number of boards, including the Policing Advisory Council of Caledon. His awards include the Order of Military Merit and the Harry Jerome Professional Excellence Award.
Registration is required. Visit the Caledon Library website: https://events.caledonlibrary.com/event/12243440

Oakville Historical Society Burns Supper
2025-01-17 18:30 - 21:30 | St. John’s United Church, Randall Street 262, Oakville, Ontario, L6J 1P9, Canada
Please join us as we celebrate the birthday of Robbie Burns, the world famous Scottish poet!
Poetry,music, Highland dancing, bagpipes, and a traditional dinner of Steak pie, Neeps, Tatties, Haggis, Trifle and Shortbread. Cash Bar.
Friday January 17th from 6:30 – 9:30 pm at St. John’s United Church.
Tickets are limited and are selling fast, sales will close on January 14 at midnight. Dust off ye old tartan and come celebrate!

Historical Society of Ottawa French Language Speaker Series: Samuel de Champlain : L'homme derrière la statue
2025-01-18 13:00 | online
L’auteur Eric Thierry explore la vie remarquable et l’héritage de l’explorateur français qui a remonté la rivière des Outaouais en 1613 et dont la statue est un point central de la capitale nationale depuis plus d’un siècle. Via Zoom.

La Société d'histoire de Toronto CONFÉRENCE - Recherche et découvertes biomédicales à Toronto
2025-01-23 11:00 | Collège Boréal, Distillery Lane 60, Toronto, Ontario, M5A 3C4, Canada
Conférencière : Catherine Frelin, PhD
Consultante en financement de l’innovation et de la recherche
A l’instar de l’insuline, bon nombre de découvertes et d’avancées médicales, ont été réalisées par des équipes de recherche Torontoises. Ces découvertes ont permis le développement de traitements et de technologies, qui sont pour certains, encore utilisés aujourd’hui. Cette conférence de la Société d’histoire de Toronto fera un tour de piste des contributions que Toronto a apporté à la recherche médicale au cours de son histoire, et des applications utilisées de nos jours pour soigner de nombreux patients partout dans le monde.
Au Collège Boréal, quartier de la distillerie (Salle 305)

Historical Society of Ottawa Speaker Series: Being “BADO”
2025-01-25 13:00 | Ottawa Public Library, Main Branch, 120 Metcalfe St., Ottawa, Ontario, K1P 5M2, Canada
Guy Badeaux reflects on his four-decade career as editorial cartoonist for Le Droit as well as revealing his great-grandfather’s and great uncle’s renowned contributions as sculptors in the early days of the capital.
Admission is free. All are welcome to attend.

Oxford Historical Society Annual General Meeting & Presentation
2025-01-29 18:30 | Woodstock Museum, 466 Dundas Street, Woodstock, ON, N4S 1C4, Canada
Please join us for the Society’s AGM, which will be held at the Woodstock Museum National Historic Site, meeting will begin at 6:45pm.
At this meeting the 2025 Executive will be voted in, all paying members will have a chance to vote.
Elaine Becker presenting To Be Continued: The Story of the Salvation Army in Woodstock
From Elaine: “In January 1884 the Salvation Army came to Woodstock Ontario led by a group of Salvationists from Ingersoll Ontario. The organization had only begun in London England in 1865 under the Leadership of William and Catherine Booth. Who are these people and how did this organization spread so quickly as an international movement?
Learn the origins and the motivation of this organization that still keep it moving forward today. In how many countries does it operate? Perhaps the more important question for the local residents will be the progress of the Army here in Woodstock. You will be introduced to some of the colourful characters. Bring any questions you may have about this group of people and Elaine will endeavour to answer them.”

Celebrate Black History Month with the Canada Black Music Archives
2025-02-01 09:00 - 16:00 | City of Toronto Archives, Spadina Road 255, Toronto, Ontario, M5R 2V3, Canada
CBMA proudly presents Canadian Cyphers: Elements of Toronto Hip-Hop, an exhibition that highlights Canada’s contribution to the hip-hop genre, with a special focus on Toronto. Often overlooked due to the popularity of our neighbours to the south, Canadian hip-hop is long overdue for its flowers.
Explore our audiovisual presentation and collection of iconic albums, photographs, memorable flyers, magazines, and more. Immerse yourself in the sounds and stories that shaped Toronto’s hip-hop culture.
Dates: Saturday, February 1, 2025 – Friday, February 28, 2025
Times: Mon-Fri, 9 AM – 4 PM, daily
Location: City of Toronto Archives: 255 Spadina Road, Toronto, ON M5R 2V3
Admission: FREE!

Historical Society of Ottawa French Language Speaker Series: Lutte ouvrière en 1980 : Droits des ravisseurs franco-ontariens
2025-02-01 13:00 | Ottawa Public Library, St-Laurent Branch, Coté Street 515, Ottawa, Ontario, K1K 0Z8, Canada
Andreanne Gagnon présente une étude sur l’histoire ouvrière de Hawkesbury avec la grève d’Amoco. C’était une période mouvementée où les destins de participants engagés dans une lutte sociale pour les droits des travailleurs franco-ontariens se sont croisés.

The History Symposium - Heritage Days Fourth Annual Three Minute Thesis Contest
2025-02-01 14:00 | online
On Saturday, February 1st, the History Symposium is proud to be offering the fourth annual Thesis Competition to students speaking on Canadian History! They are looking for candidates to compete.
Up for grabs is $1000 in Scholarships! Deadline for applying is January 17th.
For rules and how to apply to this competition, please visit their website. To apply, or for questions, please email inquiries@historysympsosium.com

Swansea Historical Society Town Hall Speaker “Finding 19th-Century Black History in Toronto”
2025-02-05 19:30 | Swansea Town Hall, 95 Lavinia Ave., Toronto, Ontario, M6S 3H9, Canada
SPEAKER: Hilary Dawson – “Finding 19th-Century Black History in Toronto”. February is Black History Month, and we have invited Hilary to share her interesting and little-known stories concerning the contributions of Toronto’s Black community in the 1800s. Hilary spoke to the Swansea Historical Society on a related topic more than 20 years ago, and we are delighted that she will be returning in February.

Weston Historical Society - FINDING 19th CENTURY BLACK HISTORY IN TORONTO AREA
2025-02-06 19:30 | Weston Seniors’ Residence, King Street 15, Toronto, Toronto, M9N 3X1, Canada
“FINDING 19th CENTURY BLACK HISTORY IN TORONTO AREA”
Celebrate Black History Month with Guest Speaker Hilary J. Dawson
All are welcome!

Toronto's First Post Office The Toronto Book of Love: A Valentine's Presentation with Adam Bunch
2025-02-07 19:00 - 20:30 | Toronto’s First Post Office, Adelaide Street East 260, Toronto, Ontario, M5A 1N1, Canada
Join local author and historian, Adam Bunch as he presents his acclaimed publication, “The Toronto Book of Love” and explore Toronto’s history through true tales of romance, marriage, passion, heartache, lust, and the scandalous love affairs of the early city. Learn how Toronto has been shaped by crushes, jealousies, and flirtations as told by the author himself. Spots are strictly limited and pre-registration is required!

Albion Bolton Historical Society Presentation "Stand by Your Man (more or less): The Wives of Canada’s Prime Ministers"
2025-02-10 19:30 - 21:30 | Albion Bolton Community Centre (Meeting Room C, 2nd Floor), 150 Queen St. South, Bolton, Ontario, L7E 1E3, Canada
At the ABHS meeting on Monday February 10 noted historian Ken Weber will discuss a number of truly interesting women who have accompanied their spouses to the peak of Canada’s political landscape and how they approached their role as prime minister’s wife in quite different ways. Several wives were supportive helpmates while some others came to dislike the position intensely and tried to remain hidden. Interestingly despite the incredible pressures put on marriages that are in the public eye, to date there have been no less than five great love matches among Canada’s prime ministral couples.
This is sure to be an entertaining and interesting presentation. Hope to see you there!
This evening will also include the Annual General Meeting. Many of the current executive have decided to put their names forward for 2025 but we need a secretary and a director to have a full slate. Please consider volunteering.
Your 2025 membership is due in February and will remain at $10 per year and guests at $5 per visit.
Questions: Contact Nathan Hiller at nhillerphoto@bell.net or 905-584-2801.

Historical Society of Ottawa Speaker Series: Black History in Ottawa Streets
2025-02-12 19:00 | online
Jean-Marie Guerrier presents a virtual tour of Ottawa, exploring the impact and outstanding contributions of Black Canadians to our city. Via Zoom.

Toronto's First Post Office Speaker Series: Historical Curiosities with Dr. Jane McGaughey
2025-02-13 19:00 | online
Join historian Dr. Jane McGaughey as she discusses the life and times of Colonel James FitzGibbon, one of the best-known soldiers in 19th century Upper Canada, and a familiar face to many in Toronto. Arriving in in the colony as a dashing young officer, he further earned the public’s esteem for his roles in stemming sectarian violence, helping others during the cholera epidemic of 1832, and defending Toronto from rebels in 1837. In private, he lived a life of adventure, romance, and tragedy more befitting a character from a Jane Austen or Bridgerton novel. Given all that, Dr. Jane McGaughey will ask the pertinent question as to why James Fitzgibbon has become one of the more forgotten characters in Canada’s past. This event will be hosted online and pre-registration is required!

Guelph Black Heritage Society - "Exploring the Additional and Invisible Labour of Navigating the World Being Black”
2025-02-15 11:00 | Heritage Hall, Essex Street 83, Guelph, Ontario, N1H 3K9, Canada
With Giselle Jones, Social Worker, Psychotherapist
Giselle will talk about exploring the additional and invisible labor of navigating the world being Black, but also the tremendous resilience and power born from both intergenerational and lived experience. She will invite and instruct how to embrace “micro moments” of mindfulness throughout the day. This is the most accessible practice for those who are busy.
Free admission, donations welcome. To register:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/exploring-the-labour-of-navigating-the-world-being-black-tickets-1206964345849?aff=oddtdtcreator

Model Railroad Club of Toronto Shows Feb 15 - 17 - 22
2025-02-15 11:00 - 16:00, 2025-02-17 11:00 - 16:00 | Model Railroad Club of Toronto, 11 Curity Avenue, Toronto, ON, M4B 1X4, Canada
What’s new at the railway? We’re getting Port Coleman underway with the lighthouse, some serious track laying and new bridges. We have new displays on club history and modelling techniques and colouring pages for the kids.
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 models industries and rugged landscapes of Central Ontario, naming passenger cars after towns along the historical route.
Purchase tickets at the door: cash, debit, credit card
Children $10, Seniors $12, Adults $15, Family rate: $45.
www.modelrailroadclub.com
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!
