Month: January 2026

Black Stories in Ontarian History

Richmond Hill Heritage Centre
On display from January 24 – February 28

Sharing narratives of significant contributors to Ontario’s Black history with select profiles on loan from the Ontario Black History Society. This exhibit highlights the stories of Black Ontarians from the early 1600s to early 1900s who shaped our province’s history from enslavement to emancipation, and early settlement, underscoring themes of resilience, leadership, and community‑building.

Visit the galleries and exhibit displays inside the Richmond Hill Heritage Centre, showcasing the rich heritage and history of Richmond Hill. Located at 19 Church Street. These exhibits are suitable for all ages.

Gallery Hours:

Tuesdays 1 – 4 p.m.
Thursdays 4 – 8 p.m.
Saturdays 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The Enigma of Grace Marks: Crime, Punishment, and Disappearance

Tuesday, February 17, 2026; 6:30 pm
Speaker: Jessica Allen

We are very excited to welcome Jessica Allen to our February meeting to speak to us about Grace Marks, a key figure in a key historical event in Richmond Hill in 1843.

This talk explores one of the most enduring historical mysteries in Canadian history: the story of Grace Marks, convicted in 1843 for the murders of Thomas Kinnear and Nancy Montgomery. Using trial records, found archives and newspaper coverage, the presentation looks at domestic service in 1840s Richmond Hill and the social realities faced by young working women, then traces the case from the events surrounding the murders through the investigation, the trial, and Grace’s imprisonment at Kingston Penitentiary. The talk also highlights the local connections that bring the story into the Richmond Hill area, and ends with the unresolved question that has kept the case alive for more than 180 years: what happened to Grace Marks after she disappeared from the historical record.

We invite you to join us at 6:30 pm in Room B at Richmond Hill Public Library’s Central Library at 1 Atkinson Street on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. We will begin the evening with some social time before Jessica’s talk at 7:00 pm.

Guests are welcome for $5.00 at the door.