The Richmond Hill Historical Society (RHHS) was founded in 1973 and is an affiliate member of the Ontario Historical Society.

2023 is a very special year for the Society as we celebrate our 50th Anniversary. The year will be filled with special events and other commemorations as we look back over 50 years of the Richmond Hill Historical Society.

The objectives of the RHHS are:

  • to preserve in our present community an awareness of the culture of our forefathers;
  • to hold monthly meetings for the presentation and discussion of historical information relating to the Richmond Hill area;
  • to promote existing historical publications, publish books, articles, and newsletters etc. for the advancement of the awareness of local sites, deeds and peoples of interest; and
  • to cooperate with other historical societies and related organizations.
A photograph of Trench Carriage Works (ca. 1910) with a man standing out front beside a grocery wagon
Trench’s Carriage Works at the corner of Yonge Street and Lorne Avenue, circa 1910. Courtesy of the Richmond Hill Public Library

The Society regularly gets involved with community and city-organized events such as Doors Open, the Richmond Hill Cultural Summit and Culture Days. We are committed to building relationships and to work towards the recognition and preservation of our city’s valuable and fascinating history.

An old black and white photograph looking north on Yonge Street near the corner of Arnold Crescent featuring an old car with two men standing beside it (circa. 1915)
A view of Yonge Street, just south of Lorne Avenue, circa. 1915. Courtesy of the Richmond Hill Public Library

RHHS is a volunteer-run organization that is not affiliated with the City of Richmond Hill or any of its departments including Heritage Services or the Heritage Centre. While the Society is unable to accept donations, we would be pleased to assist individuals by putting them in touch with relevant City employees or other organizations. Note that this does not guarantee acceptance of any donated item(s), which is solely at the discretion of the individual or department with whom you have contacted. For more information, please visit our Donations page.

Harness racing action at the annual Richmond Hill Spring Fair (1908)
Harness racing during the Annual Spring Fair, circa. 1908. Courtesy of the Richmond Hill Public Library