Richmond Hill Historical Society
Preserving and sharing the history of Richmond Hill, Ontario since 1973
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.
Interested in volunteering for the Society at the event, drop us a line at r.hillhistsoc@gmail.com.
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
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.
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.
2025 was a very busy and productive year for the Richmond Hill Historical Society. We are pleased to provide this detailed recap as reported by President Jim Vollmershausen.
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.
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.
A reminder that our Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 6:30 pm in the Boardroom on the 4th Floor of the 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.
Get Involved!
This year, the Society is looking to elect a new Vice-President. Consider putting your name forward and help us support heritage in Richmond Hill. For more information about this position, please see https://rhhs.ca/2025/12/12/historical-society-volunteer-opportunity-vice-president/.
Once again our annual bring and brag will follow the AGM. This is chance for you to showcase interesting objects and stories to other RHHS members.
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:
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).
For more details on parking and to reserve your tickets, visit https://echoesofbondlake.eventbrite.ca.
Funded By: City of Richmond Hill
Community Partner: Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
Special Thanks: Richmond Hill Historical Society & Richmond Hill Public Library
Richmond Hill Historical Society 