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.
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
A reminder that our Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 6:30 pm in Meeting Room B at Central Branch of the Richmond Hill Public Library.
This is an important meeting when you will hear from your current Executive members about their various activities during 2025. Learn more about the valuable contributions the Society makes to the heritage in Richmond Hill and how your membership fees help us realize that goal. You also have an opportunity to elect the Executive for the 2026 year.
The Executive Committee of the Richmond Hill Historical Society is looking for members to put their name forward for Vice President beginning February 2026. This executive position is key to the smooth operation of our Society so consider volunteering for this amazing opportunity.
Sharing our Organization You will be involved in sharing our organization, our mission and our community involvement to those who are unfamiliar with the Society. You will be helping to broaden our reach and help to sustain our membership within the community of Richmond Hill through our meetings and community events.
Responsibilities The main responsibility is supporting the President when and if they are not able to attend an Executive Meeting or monthly Member’s Meeting and take over the duties required at both. This would include acting as Chair and taking up the agenda as set out at an Executive Meeting.
At times the Vice President might be asked to substitute the president’s position at an event or meeting other than the RHHS’s regular meetings or events during the year.
Attending 10 Executive meetings from September – June each year. Generally, the time required to attend Executive meetings would be about 2-3 hours (including transport).
These are held the first Wednesday of each month at Delmanor – Elgin Mills on Yorkland Boulevard from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Delmanor, are our hosts, provide a very nice meeting room and refreshments.
Attending 10 Monthly Members’ Meetings on the third Tuesday of month from 6:30 – 9 p.m. from September to June each year. Arrival at 6:00 p.m. required for set up (if the President is unable to be present). The Vice President substitutes for the President, taking over the meeting notes and announcements and welcoming the Program Director to introduce the monthly speaker (if there is one). You would also oversee the entire meeting from beginning to end, ensuring the set up and take down are completed and the room is closed. Monthly Members Meetings are held at spaces allocated to our society at the Richmond Hill Central Library.
If this position interests you, please contact the Society for further information. Contact: Jim Vollmershausen, r.hillhistsoc at gmail.com
A note from Andrea Kulesh – Vice President I have been part of the RHHS Executive Committee for many years. I like to be involved and help out wherever I can. I have surprised myself sometimes in the tasks I have taken on but I have enjoyed every aspect of being on the executive and other committees dedicated to the preservation of our history and heritage. I acknowledge that I have had the privilege of meeting and working with other very hard working volunteers who tirelessly support the same aims that I do in promoting the mandate for the RHHS.
It’s so simple — just get involved! There are so many plusses to being part of a community group that want to contribute to the City of Richmond Hill. Volunteering gives you a sense of community, a sense of purpose and it can be lots of fun! Choose something you are passionate about and JOIN!!
Shadow Path Theatre presents an opportunity to wander the woods, hear the past and discover hidden structures and untold stories that once shaped this land. This is an immersive audio performance at Bond Lake Park on September 27, 2025 at 4 pm (rain date Sunday, September 28, 2025 at 4 pm).
Step into an immersive audio journey at Bond Lake. Roam the trails, uncover forgotten histories, and reflect on nature as you move through sound, story, and place. Become more than a visitor— become a steward of the land.
Scenes unfold throughout the forest, inspired by Richmond Hill’s 1920s history— when Bond Lake was a bustling destination, the Bond Lake Hotel made headlines, and the railway + electric park brought the community together.
Two Ways to Experience the Story:
Self-Guided Audio Trail – Available all season. Download the journey using QR codes in the forest or ahead of time at shadowpaththeatre.ca and explore at your own pace.
One-Time Theatrical Performance – Shadowpath activates the trails with live characters and scenes from history for one show only!
This is a Pay-What-You-Can performance. TICKETS ARE LIMITED TO 30 SO RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY! Donations of $25+ are eligible for a charitable tax receipt (upon request).
Funded By: City of Richmond Hill Community Partner: Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Special Thanks: Richmond Hill Historical Society & Richmond Hill Public Library
We are excited to resume our regular programs after the summer break with Maggie Mackenzie, Heritage Services Coordinator with the City of Richmond Hill. Maggie will deliver her presentation Growing Up Yonge: Part II on Tuesday, September 16 at 6:30 pm in Room B of Richmond Hill Public Library’s Central Library at 1 Atkinson Street.
Hear about the evolution of transportation, industry and trade and population growth. A two part visual presentation illustrating the role Yonge Street played in the 20th century and how this ” Main Street” shaped the village of Richmond Hill.
Talk will begin at 7:00 pm but we encourage you to join us at 6:30 for a chance to mingle and catch up with other members.
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 375 representatives Sharon Farquharson, Poppy Chair, Ross Toms, Treasurer and Branch Historian, and Bernard de Paulsen, President with Historical Society President Jim Vollmershausen. Jim presented the Bert Hunt Heritage Award to Branch 375 at the Society’s June 17, 2025 meeting. (photograph by Peter Wilson)
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 a 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 Royal Canadian Legion Branch 375 Richmond Hill with the 2025 Bert Hunt Heritage Award. It is one of many legion branches throughout Canada that support our Veterans and current members of our Armed Forces and their families. Celebrating their 80 year anniversary, the Branch has provided the community with many services. As a self- sustaining non-profit organization, it has been an active member of the Richmond Hill community.
Since it is the World War Two, 80th Anniversary of the Victory in Europe- May 8, 1945- it seemed poignant to remember the years of service the Legion has provided in the City of Richmond Hill. Celebrating concurrently with this historic world event it makes the value of the Legion more important as the number of veterans from that conflict are dwindling in numbers.
The Annual Poppy Drive in the Fall allows the Canadian legion to provide funds that are needed to Veterans in need. Members connect annually with local businesses to have the poppy boxes. It keeps the presence of honouring the military heritage. In addition, a Veterans Services Officer assists in helping veterans applying for benefits.
The Remembrance Day Service at the Cenotaph is a joint effort provided with the Legion taking an active role with the City of Richmond Hill. Remembering the contribution of local citizens who served in so many Canadian military endeavors, keeps the heritage of that commitment current. As it is well attended by people of all ages who honour that service.
The local Air Cadets for 58 years have been sponsored by the Legion. Air Cadet 778 Banshee troop parades with other members of Richmond Hill at the Remembrance Day service as well as other times during the year. Young people learning about military service providing a modern presence to the community.
Legion President Terri O’Connor embraced a program that honoured Veterans from all conflicts. No Stone Left Alone originating in Alberta is now a part of the Legion’s Annual endeavors. It means a poppy and flag are placed at the graves of such Veterans during November. Ross Toms is a Legion member who actively recruits young people who help with this important project. To date more than 2500 graves have been honoured in such a way in the Richmond Hill Area. Ross said they are always finding more graves each year that reflect the commitment of Richmond Hill residents in Canadian military service.
Coordinating with the City, the legion accepts applications for the Yonge Street Banner Program from family or community to provide a banner honouring the person’s war time service. The family provides the funds for the banner while the legion gets it made and the City puts them up during the month of November beyond November 11th along Yonge Street in the centre of Richmond Hill.
Members of the Legion are often seen at many community events. They were active at the City of Richmond Hill’s 150th Heritage Summit held September 10, 2024. They have made many donations to Richmond Hill’s groups and organizations over the years.
As a valued service organization in the City of Richmond Hill, the Richmond Hill Historical Society is very happy to present the Bert Hunt Heritage Certificate Award to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 375 Richmond Hill for all they have done and continue to do contributing to the conservation and preservation of Richmond Hill’s heritage by raising awareness about the value of the military heritage to the community and its citizens.
Congratulations Royal Canadian Legion Branch 375 Richmond Hill for 80 years of service to the Richmond Hill community.
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: 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.
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!
Richmond Hill Historical Society 