May 2025 – Richmond Hill Historical Society

RHDDO 90th Anniversary

90th Anniversary Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory; photograph of a line leading to the door of the Observatory

Celebrating 90 years of discovery and exploration, the RHDDO has inspired generations with its breathtaking views of the cosmos. As a national attraction and treasured educational facility, the RHDDO has brought the wonders of the universe closer to countless visitors, sparking imaginations and igniting a passion for astronomy.

Join us for a weekend-long celebration of recognizing nine decades of celestial discovery, community engagement and a bright future of astronomical adventure. Come explore the stars with us and see how far we’ve come!

Saturday, May 31, 1 – 5 p.m. Tour the RHDDO
Saturday, May 31, 8:30 – 11 p.m. Stargazing Party
Sunday, June 1, 1 – 5 p.m. Tour the RHDDO
Sunday, June 1, 9 – 11 p.m. Happy 90th Birthday David Dunlap Observatory!

For more information, please visit the City of Richmond Hill website.

Standing in the Doorway: March 29 – August 16, 2025

Standing in the Doorway: Lived Histories and Experiences of the Chinese Community

縈繞中華文化: 華人社區歷史和生活展覽

萦绕中华文化: 华人社区历史和生活展览

On display at the Richmond Hill Heritage Centre from March 29 to August 16, 2025.

Home. Place. Belonging. Throughout Canadian history, people of Chinese descent have contributed to the development of our nation. They resisted and persevered, overcoming stereotypes, labels, and racist policies. They created homes and built places and spaces to foster connection and community.

Now, we commemorate and remember the contributions of Chinese Canadians over the past 100 years since the Chinese Exclusion Act. Explore, learn, and listen to the stories, traditions and knowledge of the diverse Chinese Canadian community from York Region.

Learn more about the exhibit from Mike Adler’s article “‘Standing in the Doorway’: Exhibit on the ‘dark history’ Chinese Canadians experienced at Richmond Hill Heritage Centre” for the Richmond Hill Liberal (May 6, 2025)

This exhibit was developed by the Markham Museum and the York Region District School Board Museum and Archives working in conjunction with YRDSB students, and the University of Toronto Museum Studies program.

Learn more about the Richmond Hill Heritage Centre by visiting their site at https://www.richmondhill.ca/en/learn-more/Richmond-Hill-Heritage-Centre.aspx.

See us at the Spring Fair!

Come find our booth at Deputy Mayor Godwin Chan’s Spring Fair on Saturday, May 25, 2025 from noon until 3 pm. The Spring Fair returns this year to a new venue, Richmond Green Park, 1300 Elgin Mills Rd E, Richmond Hill.

The Spring Fair offers food, children’s activities, performances and door prizes. It is also a great opportunity to meet a variety of local groups and to meet with your neighbours for an enjoyable afternoon.

Take the opportunity to learn more about the Richmond Hill Historical Society and consider becoming a member!

We hope to see you there!

May 20, 2025 Meeting; 6:30 pm

Join us for our next regular member’s meeting on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 where Maggie Mackenzie from the City of Richmond Hill will tell the story of Growing Up Yonge. This is the first of two presentations to the Society by Maggie, Heritage Coordinator in the City’s Community Services Department. This first talk will cover the 19th Century.

Lieutenant-Governor John Graves Simcoe officially stablished Yonge Street in the 1790s. A military road from the Town of York ( now Toronto ) to Holland Landing, Yonge Street opened up the northern part of York County. Richmond Hill was an essential stopping point along the two-day journey.

Gather to visit at 6:30 pm, talk begins at 7:00 pm. Our regular meetings are held in Rooms A & B, 2nd Floor, Central Branch, Richmond Hill Public Library
1 Atkinson Street