Fire and new buildings have obliterated old Toronto, but still a lot remains. To introduce you to the history and buildings of the area, Community groups and businesses are putting on the Festival of Old Town Toronto, September 12th to 14th. This is also begins a build-up to the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 in four years. [Read more]
Thunder Bay’s 5th year of Doors Open Ontario takes place Saturday, September 13th. Twelve historically significant sites will open their doors to the public free of charge. Explore community, culture and heritage through a variety of self-guided walking tours, guided historical tours, exhibits, photos, and stories illuminating some of the architectural and historical features of the city’s past. [Read more]
With the theme, Collaborations: Past Peoples, Future Partners, Sharing Knowledge, a roundtable with aboriginal leaders will take place at The Ontario Archaeological Society’s 2008 Symposium October 17th to 19th in Toronto. Also honoured will be the quarter-century career of Bob Burgar, Toronto Regional Conservation Authority and York University archaeologist, who has discovered links back 10,000 years. [Read more]
Ontario fruit growers have lost the last Canadian fruit canning factory. A link to the past disappeared with the closing of the CanGro plant in St. David’s at the end of June. Mary Williamson has written an article in Culinary Chronicles, the Newsletter of the Culinary Historians of Ontario, which we reprint here, telling us how much is gone. [Read more]
Slick condos are to replace a historic landmark of Waterloo if the owner has his way. A proposal is before the City of Waterloo to demolish the former Waterloo Bedding Company building (most recently Ontario Table and Chair Co.).This building along with three homes are being threatened. These buildings are nearly a century old (built in 1913). [Read more]
Two hundred years ago Joseph Clapp set up a saw mill in what is now Milford in Prince Edward County where tall White Pines covered the land. Today Milford is changed but still thriving. Tourism and wineries are the economic drivers today. Resident Bruce Dowdell has written a short illustrated history for us to enjoy. [Read more]
Now, by just clicking the Events button on the banner at the top of the page, find out about events of historical or heritage interest going on where you are. Please take a look. You can also let us know of your local events by clicking the Contact Us button on the same banner at the top. [Read more]
Most people like beautiful old historic buildings but consider the cost of preservation to be too high. Love for our roots is not enough. To encourage preservation, champions of Built Heritage work to find economic uses and environmental savings from repurposing and saving. Another arrow in the quiver of weapons in the battle to convince is a systematic approach to promoting cultural tourism. [Read more]
In the 1800s Toronto’s Gooderham and Worts distillery was the largest in the world. Now it is a beautiful, restored and “repurposed” neighbourhood full of galleries, exciting shops, theatre and restaurants and is home to many special events. Sally Gibson has written a gorgeously illustrated book called Toronto's Distillery District: History by the Lake about this impressive area. [Read more]
On September 27th in London, Heroes’ Day, a magnificent demonstration celebrating our Veterans, the Canadian Armed Forces, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Area Police, Firefighters and Emergency Response Personnel will take place at Victoria Park. Members of the community will join together to honour and celebrate our heroes through entertainment, historical displays and vehicles, a Military Tattoo and a Sunset Service. [Read more]
It is almost 100 years since mining created Timmins and neighbouring Porcupine. To capture the area’s rich history as its centenary approaches, Timmins Museum has launched a new and exciting historical project to record the personal stories of local citizens. On September 13th, during Timmins' second Doors Open, interviewers and student videographers will record local stories from visitors. [Read more]
Ontario Heritage is calling for nominations for a new Lieutenant Governor's Ontario Heritage Award for communities with a proven track record of exemplary leadership in heritage promotion and conservation. Any municipality or Aboriginal community can submit a nomination for the Lieutenant Governor's Ontario Heritage Award for Community Leadership. The deadline for this year's nominations is Friday, September 26, 2008. [Read more]
Agricultural fairs link us to the past. This year several are celebrating their 150th anniversaries and putting on a special effort to be fun and interesting. So for a taste of old-time Ontario, consider taking some of them in. The fairs of Bolton, Desboro, Durham, Embro, Paris and Russell have their sesquicentennials this fall. Enjoy the best of Ontario agricultural achievement. [Read more]
Every year on the first Friday night of September, a spectacular illumination takes place at the Sharon Temple Museum and National Historic Site north of Newmarket. It follows the practice of the Children of Peace who completed the Temple in 1832. You can view the glow from outside or take part in special events that take place inside. [Read more]
The loss of Alma College and the fight over heritage designation for Sutherland Press building in St. Thomas, spurred Chip Martin, Columnist for the London Free Press to itemize the threatened and lost buildings in the London area, as well as the problems for the preservation of built heritage there. Demolition by neglect and provincial indifference are main concerns. [Read more]
In 1998 the Thunder Bay Museum mounted an exhibit comparing early views of the city with current ones. So successful was the exhibit that they have chosen to do it again, in expanded format, using 2008 images and many new scenes, including panoramic images. The exhibit will run until mid-November. [Read more]
Only one of Cobourg’s councillors, Miriam Mutton a member of the town’s Municipal Heritage Committee or LACAC, voted against heritage designation for the Ontario Woollen Mills at 180 Tremaine St. Now a developer’s plans to raze the building and build “ye olde” residences in its place can proceed. The meeting took place August 12th. [Read more]
Dorothy Duncan, a great champion of Ontario Heritage, will speak at the 2008 AGM of the Ontario Heritage Connection on September 9th. Her topic Some Funny Things have Happened on the Way to saving Ontario’s Heritage will make you laugh and cry. Andrew Jeanes from the Ontario Ministry of Culture will make a brief presentation on the “Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada". [Read more]
Have you wondered what those bright and mysterious lanterns are as you drive past along Toronto’s shore near Ontario Place? It is the Chinese Lantern Festival returning to Toronto for the third year until October 12th. Sixty-five master craftsmen from the Colour Lantern Museum in Zigong, Sichuan, China have transformed Ontario Place into a gigantic illumination. [Read more]
A forum on the future of Franco-Ontarian heritage is planned to take place November 27-29, 2008. This will be a large assembly of the main players in the field of franco-ontarian heritage. We include here a document from the Regroupement des organismes du patrimoine franco-ontarien outlining the background and purpose of this assembly. It is in French. [Read more]
An 1899 building in Chelmsford, a northern suburb of Sudbury, is threatened with demolition by its owners but Sudbury’s city staff is trying to save it. It was home to Catholic nuns for more than 80 years. It should be declared a heritage building and saved from demolition, city staff is recommending in a report. [Read more]
Friends of the Macdonell-Williamson House is holding its annual Silent Auction and wishes to invite everyone to participate August 16 (noon to 5 pm) and August 17 (noon to 4 pm) at the Macdonell-Williamson House. Some interesting articles are antique tools, collection plates from Dominion China, antique tobacco cutter, antique bottles and jugs, antique hand tiller, Boston Rocker (maple), and a hand-woven Macdonell plaid blanket. [Read more]
Two special travelling exhibits bring Ontario’s rich French history to you this summer. Women of Ontario: A Francophone Heritage is a journey through Ontario from the 17th century, through the lives of women who made a mark on Franco-Ontarian identity. Ontario: A Land of Abundance and Diversity depicts how the French worked with Ontario’s natural through displays of ancient maps, artefacts and art. [Read more]
Englehart is a very northern town. In Northern Ontario on the Ontario Northland Railway, 200 km north of North Bay, it celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. To mark this, The Ontario Heritage Trust, the Englehart Centennial Committee and the Town of Englehart have unveiled a provincial plaque commemorating its founding. [Read more]
The Ontario Blacksmith Design Showcase takes place Friday to Sunday, August 8, 9 and 10 at Toronto’s Historic Distillery District. Own a part of living history with one-of-a-kind pieces hand-forged by artisans who express themselves through the ancient craft of blacksmithing. Members of the Ontario Artist Blacksmith Association will showcase their designs and recent works. [Read more]
In its 400th anniversary year, Quebec City hosts a joint Heritage Canada Foundation and the CLTA conference September 25-27. National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Phil Fontaine will give the keynote address about the spirit of place. Jean-Paul L’Allier, former mayor of Quebec City mayor and past-president of the Organization of World Heritage Cities is a featured speaker. [Read more]
Ontario and Manitoba agreed July 30th to establish an interprovincial wilderness area in the boreal forest along their common border. The new protected area covers more than 9,400 square kilometres, including Woodland Caribou Provincial Park and the Eagle-Snowshoe Conservation Reserve in Ontario, and Atikaki Provincial Park and parts of Nopiming Provincial Park in Manitoba. [Read more]
If your family roots extend back for many generations in Canada, there is a good chance that you have some Aboriginal and Metis blood in your veins. The Ontario Genealogical Society recently published Discover Your Metis Ancestry: A Beginner's Guide by Dr. John Roberts to help you trace these ancestors. [Read more]
Two recent books published by Dundurn Press with a strong link to Ontario history will thrill and excite the kids in your life this summer. Adults will enjoy Day of the Flying Fox - The True Story of World War II Pilot Charley Fox and Blood of the Donnellys as much as the kids. [Read more]
Leaders in the Canadian Heritage Community have agreed on a suggested strategy for presentations to the Federal Finance Committee which recently announced the ten-city schedule of hearings for its 2008 pre-budget consultations this October. At their telephone meeting it was decided that as many Canadian organizations and heritage developers as possible should submit briefs. [Read more]
Yet again, the OMB has gone against a city plan in favour of a developer. John Filion, Toronto City Councillor, has written a column asking citizens to protest the undemocratic usurping of City planning powers to Dalton McGinty. Instead of mixed used office buildings which could provide employment, the OMB has allowed the construction of two giant condos. [Read more]
For more than 50 years Porter the Locomotive has stood in Sault Ste. Marie’s Bellevue Park where children could clamber over it. But the city’s insurers said that had to stop and the city is considering moving the train. A ground swell of petitions and online protest has shown how important this little train is for the people of the Sault. [Read more]
A pilot study of Kitchener’s Upper Doon Preservation district shows how owners have benefited from the designation. A wider study of 30 Ontario heritage conservation districts created before 1993 is now underway. To help with the study, the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario has received a $79,200 Trillium grant to train volunteers to research the value of designating HCDs. [Read more]
The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) proudly announces the protection of an ecologically significant property on the Frontenac Arch, just north of Kingston. Together with Environment Canada, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and private donors, NCC has secured a critical wildlife corridor between Frontenac Provincial Park and the Queen's University Biological Station. [Read more]
A rare first edition of a book published in 1698 is on display at the Mackenzie Printery and Newspaper Museum in Queenston. Visitors will be able to view A New Discovery of a Vast Country in America by Father Louis Hennepin.It contains the first illustration in an English book of Niagara Falls and the first eye-witness account. [Read more]
Museums can’t display all their artifacts; there just is not enough space. Starting in mid-October 2007, Black Creek Pioneer Village in Toronto began an intensive digitization project record its artifacts so that they may be known digitally even when not on physical display. It’s a massive task but so far more than 2,000 have been photographed. [Read more]
Only the street names remain. Parliament and Front is where Upper Canada’s First Parliament stood near the shore before fire and land fill made the site unrecognizable. But with the War of 1812 anniversary approaching, Heritage Toronto has urged the Ontario government to complete the purchase of the site and to make it a significant historical resource. [Read more]
The City of Mississauga has awarded $54,000 in grants through the 2008 Designated Heritage Property Grant program. This year, 14 applications were received through and all were successful. The designated properties are located in the Meadowvale Village and Old Port Credit Village Heritage Conservation Districts, Streetsville and Lorne Park. [Read more]
This summer researchers will be scanning the bottom of Lake Erie to document the battlefield where the September 1813 Battle of Lake Erie took place. This battle gave control of Lake Erie to the Americans. As the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 approaches we may expect more and more projects marking that struggle. [Read more]
Join the Gathering of the Classics, at Edenvale near Collingwood, August 2nd (rain day August 3rd) as over 200 classic aircraft and 90 vintage automobiles gather at Ontario's largest classic aviation event. Flights are available all day in the deHavilland Tiger Moth, Harvard or ultra-light Sportstars. The fly-in stresses classic, antique, and 'interesting' aircraft, and their pilots and owners. [Read more]
A part-time contract employment opportunity, as Executive Director of The Ontario Archaeological Society is available. The OAS is seeking a dynamic, self-motivated individual with excellent, administrative, organizational and communication skills. The successful candidate will possess a working knowledge of the practice of archaeology in Ontario. The Executive Director reports to the president of a volunteer board of directors. [Read more]
Even in England, heritage protection is not sufficient to save precious history. Development, economics, vandalism, neglect and time continually encroach on important historical treasures. On July 8th, Lord Bruce-Lockhart, Chairman of English Heritage, announced the completion of the first phase of a Domesday Book of the threatened parts of English cities, towns and countryside entitled Heritage at Risk. [Read more]
Witness the finest dancers from across North America come together to share their intricate dance styles and teachings. All are welcome to attend an array of cultural demonstrations and teaching workshops. Make plans to attend the Wikwemikong 48th Annual Cultural Festival on the Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve, Manitoulin Island, August 2, 3, 4 – August Civic Holiday Weekend. [Read more]
Whether you're a seasoned family history researcher or just starting to investigate your ancestors, and whether your family has lived in Canada for 20 or 200 years, you'll enjoy this informal day of shared stories and new insights into researching ancestors with African roots. It takes place Saturday, August 9 at North York Central Library Auditorium in Toronto. [Read more]
A $5,000 grant from a new federal programme will support Verulam and FenelonTownships festivities marking 175 years of settlement. They are commemorating the occasion with a series of events that continue until October 13 and include a Heritage Musical Festival and a Family History Day on August 23rd. [Read more]
The big beautiful windows at Eatons were a destination for shoppers and parents and children during the 20th century. Wars, Coronations and Christmas were marked in their expanse. The Archives of Ontario is proud to unveil its newest online exhibit–The Magnificent, the Mundane and the Merry: Eaton’s Store Windows. [Read more]
You have the chance to participate in two very different 19th century pursuits at Black Creek Pioneer Village in Toronto this summer. On Tuesday, July 22nd, follow a betrothed couple through the village as questions and doubts interfere with their marriage intentions in a suspenseful drama. Then on Sunday August 3rd and 24thPay Ball! as they did in the 1860s. [Read more]
Put on your thinking caps–the Ontario Historical Society is a calling for nominations to honour both individuals and organizations who have made important contributions to the preservation of Ontario’s heritage. This year’s deadline to hand in your nominations is Monday, January 14, 2009. The awards celebrate and make more widely known the dedicated people who fight to preserve Ontario’s history. [Read more]
A fire that started July 1st at Hayhoe Mills in Woodbridge destroyed the last standing flour mill on the Humber River, which was once dotted with 80 such operations. The Hayhoe facility has been churning out flour since 1828 and, up until Tuesday, it was one of the oldest still operating in Canada. [Read more]
Heritage Toronto has launched a new web site aimed at making it easy for you to connect with everything about Toronto’s heritage activities. The purpose is to be an online gathering place for heritage groups and issues around Toronto. Of course it also includes an easy-to-find schedule of walks from now until season’s end in October. [Read more]
On Saturday July 5th, Heritage Toronto invites you to tour Toronto Harbour on the legendary ferry Trillium on your way to the Gibraltar Lighthouse Plaque Presentation & celebration. Toronto Sun Columnist on all things historical, Mike Filey, will give you a unique one hour tour on the water. Mr. Filey has written “The Trillium Ferry and Toronto Island History Book”. [Read more]
Grants of up to $1,000 are available for local history projects from the Hbc Local History Grant Program. Applications are reviewed and awards made four times a year. The next application deadline is August 1st. The Grant Program is a joint initiative of the Hbc History Foundation and Canada’s National History Society. [Read more]
On Saturday, July 26, Friends of La Vase Portages will host their third annual canoe day tracing the historic Voyageur canoe route from Trout Lake to Lake Nipissing. Experience and enjoy this 14-kilometer section where Champlain and Étienne-Brûlé once travelled. The Friends are working to have its historic and heritage importance recognized and protected from urban sprawl and industry. [Read more]
To open its summer season, the Macdonnell-Williamson House will hold an Open House (no charge) on the weekend of July 5 & 6. The Museum will be open for all weekend in July and August. Special events during the season include a Silent Auction, Antique and Appraisal Days and a dance in the ballroom. [Read more]
The Tollkeeper’s Cottage will open officially on July 1st, Canada Day at 2 pm in Toronto. This is one of several interesting events that day around the city on that day, including the annual festivities at Fort York. Montgomery’s Inn will put on a Strawberry Tea and Gibson House will introduce you to old Willow Dale. [Read more]
Fergus celebrates its 175th birthday with a Homecoming party from June 27th to July 1st. On Saturday June 28th come to its first Doors Open and a lively street party. Fergus is well known for its wide variety of older stone houses from the late 1800's. "Little Falls" – later Fergus – was founded in 1833 by Adam Ferguson and James Webster. [Read more]
Development and clearing operations are raging through Eastern Ontario demolishing and destroying both built and natural heritage. The Ottawa Citizen has reported on the attempt of a group of 15 planners who are documenting the special historical places of Eastern Ontario. By characterizing the area’s special features, they hope encourage their preservation. [Read more]
For this summer’s Great Rendezvous (July 10th-14th ), Fort William Historical Park will host some special guests – the 2008 David Thompson Brigade as they arrive from an ambitious 3600 kilometre canoe trek to the Fort commemorating the exploits of one of Canada’s greatest explorers. The Brigade is paddling and portaging its way to FWHP, having embarked from Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, May 10th. [Read more]
The Billy Bishop Heritage Museum in Owen Sound has unveiled two special tributes honouring Veterans of the two World Wars, thanks to support from the Government of Canada. Two contributions totalling up to $6,200, provided through Veterans Affairs Canada's Community Engagement Partnership Fund, have been given to Billy Bishop Heritage, a non-profit organization that runs the Museum. [Read more]
The heart of Apple Country holds its first Doors Open on Saturday June 21st. Come and visit Brighton and CramaheTownship (including Colborne) by Lake Ontario. These communities have preserved some beautiful old buildings by continuing to make them useful. Fifteen sites will be opened to the public for tours, demonstrations and festivities. [Read more]
The Canada Agriculture Museum, Ottawa and Upper Canada Village, Morrisburg are hosting the annual meeting and conference of the Association for Living History, Farm and Agricultural Museums (ALHFAM), Sunday, June 22–Thursday, June 26. Many Ontario experts and museum representatives are making presentations and leading workshops. [Read more]
The Grey Roots Heritage Village–Moreston in Owen Sound has its grand opening June 28. It will be open to visitors throughout the summer until Labour Day with guided tours available three times daily. Visit the Log Cabin, Blacksmith Shop, Log House, Farmhouse, Bluewater Garage, and see several other buildings being constructed. [Read more]
The Ontario government could have helped prevent the destruction of Alma College in St. Thomas says the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario. The ACO, the very active and dedicated defender of Ontario’s built heritage, points out that even though the province has the power to designate buildings of provincial significance it has not done so. [Read more]
The Board of Directors of The Ontario Historical Society (OHS) announce the appointment of Rob Leverty as Executive Director, effective April 21, 2008. He has worked closely with the society in many capacities for 20 years. Founded in 1888, the OHS is dedicated to increasing an appreciation of Ontario's history and preserving its heritage for people of all ages and cultures. [Read more]
Both Canada's Environment Minister, John Baird, and Ontario's Minister of Natural Resources, Donna Cansfield have officially endorsed the nomination of the Ottawa River as a Canadian Heritage River. The next step is for the Canadian Heritage Rivers Board to review the nomination and, if it meets selection guidelines for the System, recommend it to the responsible Ministers. [Read more]
Take advantage of the Internet and Toronto Archives to view the magnificent detail of the earliest known photos of Toronto. You could never do this with the original photographs because they would be too fragile. You can zoom in on the finest detail in these pictures and appreciate the architectural detail from 1856. [Read more]
Details of Ontario shipwrecks can now be searched online thanks to a project of Save Ontario Shipwrecks an Ontario Provincial Heritage Organization dedicated to the study, preservation and promotion of Ontario's marine heritage. Years of volunteer work which gathered data from many sources is now available on the Internet in the Marine Heritage Database. [Read more]
Dedicated research by local historians has ascertained the site of Pembroke’s early Roman Catholic cemetery. They are determined to have it recognized for Pembroke’s 180th anniversary. Pembroke’s Daily Observer outlined the hard work that went into this determination. [Read more]
Destruction by neglect did not complete the job, but a fire did. Alma College is ashes as a result of a “suspicious fire”. The roof of the heritage building's iconic tower collapsed at 12:22 p.m. Wednesday May 28th. Alma burned just days after the Ontario Municipal Board issued a final order approving its demolition. The End.
How did bread dough save a famous vaudeville theatre, and who was scraping paint off of Canada's best art deco masterpiece on a Saturday night? These are just some of the questions Parks Canada answers in its new series of thematic self-guided walking tours and accompanying website. [Read more]
London Heritage Council has announced $75,000 in new funding, helping 17 groups and individuals in the city under the City of London's Community Heritage Investment Program (CHIP). For the first time the grants are being administered by the council and the list of recipients has been expanded to include individuals and cultural heritage groups. [Read more]
Recently, protection for federal lighthouses in Canada was approved in Parliament. Now lighthouses are to receive the kind of protection that heritage railway building do under the Heritage Railway Protection Act. But what is the protection afforded? The Kingston Outer Station saga makes one wonder. [Read more]
Ontario Heritage Trust is pleased to offer Trails Open Ontario 2008! Starting June 7, it features a series of events along some of the province's most impressive and inspiring trail systems. Through this initiative, OHT hopes to promote trail use and education, support natural heritage conservation and stewardship, and encourage physical activity and a healthy lifestyle. [Read more]
The Archives Association of Ontario is meeting from Wednesday June 4th to Friday June 6th in Windsor. The theme is “Building Connections: Creating a Stronger Heritage Community”. Lectures will explore working with museums, the community, educational institutions and other entities with common goals. As well a conservation workshop will be available. [Read more]
A small town in England has reached out to Fort William to explore their mutual fur and blanket trading history. Fort William was the North West Company’s trading post from 1804 to 1821 where blankets were exchanged for the Ojibwas’ furs. These blankets came from Witney in the English Cotswolds. [Read more]
On June 9th, 2008, come to a first in a series of meetings to solicit public input on the update of the Don River WatershedPlan. The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority is the host. The Watershed includes not only heritage wetlands but also such built heritage as Todmorden Mills and the Brickworks. [Read more]
The Office of Francophone Affairs has put together a traveling exhibit entitled “Ontario’s Francophonie: Now and Then”, celebrating Franco-Ontarian history and the 20th anniversary of the French Language Services Act. It is available for free to any organization. Demonstrate and explore the major contribution of the French people to Ontario from the early days of the voyageurs and missionaries to today. [Read more]
Citizens across Ontario are collecting signatures on this petition to Save Alma College in St. Thomas. Join them now. For 129 years, the distinctive high Victorian Gothic Revival architecture of Alma College has stood proudly in St. Thomas, Ontario. On May 16th, the OMB made demolition even easier. Meanwhile, the minister washes her hands of it. [Read more]
Upset residents are petitioning the Provincial Government to stop progress on a proposed 10-storey condo development on Humber River Green Space across from Toronto’s historic Old Mill. The community was shattered when all efforts to save 322 trees and stop this development was dismissed by Toronto City Council on March 4, 2008. [Read more]
Free help is available to municipalities and interested citizens who want to preserve built heritage. The Ontario Ministry of Culture offers The Ontario Heritage Tool Kit, a series of guides that explain different aspects of the Ontario Heritage Act, the Planning Act, the Historic Places Initiative and related programs. [Read more]
Take a wonderful country drive between Amherstview and Trenton on Saturday, May 31st when the area along the Loyalist Parkway celebrates its first Doors Open. Venues along the way include some buildings erected by Loyalists in the 18th century. You will pass through Loyalist Township, Greater Napanee, Prince Edward County and Quinte West. [Read more]
Collingwood has the distinction of being the first town recognized on the list of Canadian Register of Historic Places. See six of its historic homes on May 31st in this its Sesquicentennial year, from 10 am to 4 pm, in the Collingwood and District Historical Society’s tour. [Read more]
Is our architectural heritage worth saving? As far as Donovan D. Rypkema is concerned, the answer is a no-brainer: of course, it is. The Washington, D.C.-based expert in the economics of historic preservation will explain the vital link between heritage preservation and sustainability at the 2008 Heritage Conservation Conference in Collingwood, Friday, May 30 to Sunday, June 1. [Read more]
You can now Search OHC News stories on this site using the search box found just before the stories start. Both current and archived stories are searchable. It can take up to a week before the most recent stories have been made searchable. This invaluable search engine uses the popular Google search technology. [Read more]
Preservation stories don't always have bleak endings. Individual and community efforts often result in successful outcomes. After nearly 10 years of effort, bill S-215, An Act to Protect Heritage Lighthouses was passed by Parliament on Wednesday, May 7, 2008. The private member's bill empowers communities to help preserve Canada's heritage lighthouses. [Read more]
St. Catharines has stepped in to support its own museum with extra funds. The money was desperately needed to address a huge backlog in items to be curated. Shelves and boxes at the museum are filled to capacity and stacked high. The museum needs more resources for cataloguing, special shelving, acid-free storage materials and staff people to do the work. [Read more]
Come to the 2008 Ontario Genealogical Society Conference, May 30 – June 1st, 2008 at Fanshawe College, London Ontario – the largest genealogy and technology Conference in Canada! The theme is Wired Technology. Learn how to use technology and the Internet to research your family history. [Read more]
When the Frontenac HeritageFoundation inherited a building of shops in Kingston, it thought it had a building from the mid 19th century. But as the building at 62, 64, 66 Brock Street was carefully examined, they found it was actually built in the later 1820s. [Read more]
The Friends of the Macdonell-Williamson House have received a $49,600 Trillium grant for a one-year bilingual genealogy project in Chute-à-Blondeau, near Hawkesbury. The project will promote interaction between seniors and youth who will research and document local history after training in technology that can enhance their work. [Read more]
Fort York is the site of some of the oldest buildings in Toronto and archaeology there has helped to fill in the picture of York’s (now Toronto’s) early days. On Wednesday, May 7, 2008 7:30 p.m. Governor Simcoe Branch of the United Empire Loyalists presents a talk, “Archaeological Excavations at Fort York”, by archaeologist David Spittal. [Read more]
The special focus for 2008’s Museum Month is on the "greening" of our museums. Heritage preservation is all about saving and using the old, to keep vital the past and our history. Special exhibits and events and free or reduced entrance fees means you can enjoy our wealth of museums before heat of the busy summer tourist season. [Read more]
The Heritage Canada Foundation (HCF) has released its Top Ten Endangered Places and Worst Losses lists drawing attention to a total of 20 architectural and heritage sites in Canada either threatened with demolition or already lost. Two of the most endangered places are in Ontario, while four of the worst recent losses occurred here. HCF has started a petition to help stop this destruction. [Read more]
The Ontario Heritage Trust is seeking nominations for its 2008 Heritage Community Recognition Program, which celebrates volunteers for outstanding achievements to preserve, protect and promote Ontario's heritage. The deadline for nominations is Friday, July 4, 2008. [Read more]
In an encouraging move for built heritage lovers, Georgina’s council is moving quickly to stop a threat to one of Georgina’s most historic buildings. Built in 1906, the building was first known as the Ontario Hydro building and was used as a waiting room and ticket depot for the York Radial Railway until 1931. The streetcar made its way north from Toronto and by 1909 reached the Village of Sutton. [Read more]
