Author: Peter Wilson

Cheryl Butler Awarded 2026 Bert Hunt Heritage Award

Colour image of Doris Leno and Cheryl Butler during Village Day at the Mill Pond in 1989.
Doris Leno and Cheryl Butler during Village Day at the Mill Pond in 1989.

Each year the Richmond Hill Historical society gives a community member or organization the Bert Hunt Award.

The Bert Hunt Heritage Certificate Award acknowledges outstanding contributions to the preservation of Richmond Hill’s past and efforts to raise awareness about the value of that past to the community and its citizens. Bert Hunt was recognized as community volunteer and Citizen of the Year by both the City of Richmond Hill and the Province of Ontario as he tirelessly advocated for preserving Richmond Hill’s history. The award attempts to acknowledge the legacy Bert Hunt gifted to the City.

The Richmond Hill Historical Society wishes to honour one of our dedicated members — Cheryl Butler. An advocate in the preservation of history and heritage in her personal and professional life, Cheryl has exhibited
the many qualities for this award.

Colour image of Cheryl Butler and other Richmond Hill Historical Society members at the Founders Day celebration at the Richmond Hill Presbyterian Church Cemetery in June 1988.
Cheryl Butler and other Richmond Hill Historical Society members at the Founders Day celebration at the Richmond Hill Presbyterian Church Cemetery in June 1988.

As a member of the previous Richmond Hill Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee (LACAC), Richmond Hill Historical Society and affiliate member of the Ontario Historical Society, Cheryl continues to support the culture of our forefathers in all aspects of her community work.

An earlier endeavor was the restoration of the Burr House located on Carrville Avenue which helped lead to the creation of the Richmond Hill Historical Society. The Local Architectural Conservation advisory Committee later became the Heritage Committee of the City of Richmond Hill advocating for the recognition and potential designation of Heritage buildings and sites in Richmond Hill.

The Heritage Centre on Church Street, the artifact collection along with RHHS can be contributed to her tireless efforts. Speaking of RHHS, Cheryl has not only
been an active member but past President for several years as well as serving on the Executive. Her contributions at meetings and newsletter submissions continue to enrich our group.

When necessary, Cheryl has spoken at community meetings when heritage buildings are in peril. As a retired College professor, her students benefitted from her knowledge of Ontario and local history.

Community advocate, writer, historian, teacher, and resident, Cheryl is a worthy recipient of this award.

Congratulations Cheryl!

For a complete list of past recipients, please visit our Bert Hunt Heritage Award page.

Into Focus: Women in Toronto Astronomy

A photograph of the Administration Building at the David Dunlap Observatory
David Dunlap Observatory Administration Building (photograph by Peter Wilson)

Explore the stories of women who made significant contributions to astronomy with a new exhibit at the David Dunlap Observatory!

This exhibit features artifacts connected to Helen Sawyer Hogg, Ruth Northcott, and Jessie Dunlap and highlights their work in research, education, and public outreach. Presented by the David A. Dunlap Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics, University of Toronto.

On display at until Fall 2026. Explore the exhibit during tour hours.

Plan your visit today by visiting the DDO website.

Doors Open – Saturday, May 9, 2026

Doors Open Richmond Hill will be held this Saturday from 10 am – 4 pm at sites across Richmond Hill. Visit with the Richmond Hill Historical Society, who will be onsite at the Richmond Hill Artifact Collection at 1200 Elgin Mills Road East.

Other notable historical sites include:

For a complete list of locations, visit the official Doors Open Richmond Hill site.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Maple Syrup Festival

Save the date for Mayor David West’s Maple Syrup Festival, Richmond Green Sports Complex, Saturday, March 28, 2026; 10 am – 3 pm

Join us at Mayor David West’s Maple Syrup festival, and support the Richmond Hill Historical Society through the purchase of delicious maple syrup.

Mayor David West's Maple Syrup Festival Poster, Richmond Green Sports Complex, Saturday, March 28, 2026, 10 am to 3 pm Admission is free! Please bring a non-perishable donation for the Richmond Hill Food Bank. Join us for this free, family friendly community event and enjoy a celebration of maple syrup and spring. Pancake breakfast, fun contests, education and entertainment, community groups.

Interested in volunteering for the Society at the event, drop us a line at r.hillhistsoc@gmail.com.

Society Confirms 2026 Executive

The Richmond Hill Historical Society is pleased to announce the confirmation of their Executive for the 2026 year. They are as follows:

Jim Vollmershausen, President
Agnes Parr, Vice President
Andrea Kulesh, Treasurer
Vera Tachtaul, Secretary
Marion Vollmershausen, Membership
Kevin Dark, Programming
Barbara Di Mambro, Publicity

External Representatives

Agnes Parr, Heritage Richmond Hill
David Hunt, Heritage Centre Advisory Committee

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.

Anne in Costume: Designing a Literary Icon

In celebration of iconic Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery, this Richmond Hill Heritage Centre exhibit showcases costume designs inspired by her beloved novel Anne of Green Gables. The featured reproductions are of original designs by award-winning costume designer Martha Mann, on loan from the Toronto Public Library’s Special Collections in the Arts. Presented alongside artifacts from the Richmond Hill Artifact Collection, this exhibit invites visitors to explore how storytelling, design and heritage come together to shape cultural memory—offering inspiration that continues to resonate across generations.

Visit this exhibit at 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.

The exhibit runs until March 21, 2026.

Get in the mood with Anne of Green Gables books and television shows from the Richmond Hill Public Library!

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

Winter Teas at the Heritage Centre

Black and white photograph from the early 1900s of Margaret McConaghy (left) and Effie (Hollingshead) Smith having tea in the garden, with lace tablecloth.
Margaret McConaghy (left) and Effie (Hollingshead) Smith having tea in the garden, with lace tablecloth, ca. early 1900s. (Photograph courtesy of the Richmond Hill Public Library, RH10-16a)

Take part in traditional afternoon tea in the Gardenview Room at the Richmond Hill Heritage Centre at 19 Church St North. Enjoy the charming sights of Amos Wright Park and explore our galleries. Guests are treated to a selection of sandwiches and scones served with our special heritage cream, preserves, and sweet treats. Reservation is required.

Saturday, January 24, 2026 – Citrus & Spice
Saturday, February 7, 2026 – Lunar New Year
Saturday, March 7, 2026 – International Women’s Day
Tuesday, March 17, 2026 – Family Fun

Learn more and register by visiting https://www.richmondhill.ca/en/learn-more/Afternoon-Tea.aspx.