Richmond Hill’s Rose Industry Sunday May 28 at 1 pm
An aerial view of the greenhouses in Richmond Hill (Photo courtesy Richmond Hill Public Library)
The rose industry was Richmond Hill’s major employer during the early half of the last century. In fact, the greenhouses played a key role in Richmond Hill’s ability to survive the Great Depression. Come walk through an area of the City’s early economic and demographic growth as you discover why Richmond Hill was once called the “Rose Capital of Canada.” A registered adult must accompany all registered participants under the age of 16.
The David Dunlap Observatory (photograph by Peter Wilson)
The City of Richmond Hill is seeking public feedback on proposed designs for an accessible pedestrian/cycling overpass bridge and pickleball facility at the Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory (RHDDO) Park.
An online survey is available until March 17, 2023 and a Virtual Information Centre will be held on Thursday, March 9 from 6 – 8 pm. For complete details, access to the survey and a link to register for the Virtual Information Centre, visit https://www.richmondhill.ca/en/find-or-learn-about/ddo-ongoing-projects.aspx.
The David Dunlap Observatory opened in 1935, and was built on land donated by Jessie Dunlap in memory of her husband David. The main Observatory building, pictured above, houses a 74-inch (1.88m) reflector telescope.
The Richmond Hill photo booth at the official raising of the RH150 flag at East Beaver Creek. It will be making stops around Richmond Hill throughout the year.
Mayor David West and a host of dignitaries and special guests gathered at East Beaver Creek at 9:00 am on Wednesday, January 25, 2023 for the official raising of the Richmond Hill 150 flag. This kicks of a full year of activities planned by the City to commemorate Richmond Hill’s milestone 150th Anniversary.
A series of special banners are already on display along Yonge Street in the heart of the original Village of Richmond Hill, which was officially incorporated on January 6, 1873. Abraham Law served as the first Reeve of the village.
The Richmond Hill Historical Society, also celebrating its own 50th Anniversary milestone, will be helping to commemorate this special year. Our biggest project is a partnership with the City – the presentation of a Heritage Summit on Sunday, September 10, 2023 at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts.
The afternoon component of the Summit has been dubbed “An Appreciation of Richmond Hill’s Heritage” when a number of City organizations that have been contributing to the City’s heritage over the years will have an opportunity to showcase those contributions and discuss them with what we anticipate will be a good crowd. The evening component will take place in the theatre and has been dubbed “A Celebration of Richmond Hill’s Heritage.”
Throughout the year, we will be sharing information about this special event and all that we have in store. We invite you to join the Society as we celebrate these two special milestones.
This is your opportunity to say that heritage matters here in Richmond Hill.
Richmond Hill residents are invited to join these City run, on-line workshops to discuss the vision, character, and function we would like to see. At these meetings the staff does present provincial and regional direction or parameters. But there is a real need to share your knowledge about the local context. It is our opportunity to work together to discuss how the different areas can develop over time.
Here is the schedule (use the link below to register):
Bathurst Street & Highway 7 Area (May 4, 2021)
Yonge Street & 16th Avenue Area (May 6, 2021) – Register here
Village & Richmond Hill GO Station Area (May 11, 2021) – Register here
Bayview & Highway 7 Area (May 13, 2021) – Register here
Oak Ridges Centre Area (May 18, 2021) – Register here
East Beaver Creek & Highway 7 Area (May 20, 2021) – Register here
The Richmond Hill Heritage Centre and Amos Wright Park at 19 Church Street North
The Richmond Hill Public Library is excited to welcome Richmond Hill Heritage Services for two upcoming library programs. In May, we’ll look at spaces, places and stories of our City’s unique heritage; and in June, we’ll learn about how Heritage Services acquires and collects artifacts and go on a tour of the Artifact Storage Facility. Both programs are free, but preregistration is required.
Heritage Designation Saturday, May 8, 2021 10:00 am – 11:00 am; via Zoom
Under the Ontario Heritage Act, municipalities can pass bylaws to formally designate properties of cultural heritage value or interest – acknowledging a property’s heritage value to a community. At the same time, designation helps to ensure the conservation of these important places for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations. In this program you will learn more about how we can protect our city’s cultural fabric. Visit Eventbrite to register.
A Museum Collection Saturday, June 5, 2021 10:00 am – 11:00 am; via Zoom
Attend a virtual behind-the-scenes tour of the Artifact Storage Facility. Learn about what we collect, how to acquire artifacts, and how to preserve them and get a preview of the newly renovated Heritage Centre. Visit Eventbrite to register.
To learn more about the Richmond Hill Public Library, please visit www.rhpl.ca/.
The Richmond Hill Historical Society was pleased with the outcome of the Wednesday, February 12, 2020 City Council meeting, when Council voted unanimously to deny an application to demolish the Jefferson Schoolhouse. Council also passed a motion asking City staff to look at options for preserving and restoring the Schoolhouse, including the option of the City purchasing the property.
During their deliberations, Councilors discussed a few of those options, including one that would see the building restored and used, perhaps, as a new school, or one that would see the building restored and become part of a larger development on the site. The Historical Society was also pleased to have been part of the efforts to save the Schoolhouse. The Society was a delegate at Council’s meeting on January 22nd, when Council first discussed the application to demolish, and presented a petition to Council advocating for the Schoolhouse’s preservation. The Society also spoke to Council at the meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 12th, urging Councillors to save the building.
Heritage Week and I Read Canadian Afternoon Tea at the Heritage Centre
Saturday, February 22, 2020
Two sittings to choose from: 1 p.m. or 2:30 p.m.
Sip some warmth into winter with an afternoon tea at the Heritage Centre
Enjoy sweet treats, scones with cream and jam and signature tea, coffee or hot chocolate
Celebrate Ontario Trust Heritage Week with a reading by celebrated author Melanie Florence
Cost: $12.50 per person tax included
The City of Richmond Hill’s Heritage Centre is located at 19 Church Street North. To learn more and to make your reservation, visit the Heritage Centre website’s Afternoon Tea page or call 905.780.3802.
There will also be a free Open House on the same day from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. Come and discover what is happening at the Centre as part of Ontario Heritage Week. Visit the current exhibit Coming Up Roses and learn about the history of the rose growing industry that put Richmond Hill on the map as the “rose capital of Canada.” Melanie will give deliver another reading at 2:15 pm.
Exciting news as the David Dunlap Observatory is declared one of eight new national historic sites by the Minister of Environment and Climate Change. Read the full article online by Sheila Wang of the Richmond Hill Liberal.
Photograph by Peter WilsonPhotograph by Peter Wilson
Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea at the Heritage Centre in the Gardenview Room overlooking Amos Wright Park. During the summer months, you can also enjoy tea on the patio, while taking in the views of the beautiful gardens in the park.
Fresh baked goods are served along with Richmond Hill’s exclusive Signature Private Blend Tea or one of our other loose blend teas. To register, visit the City of Richmond Hill’s Heritage Centre webpage.
Where: Richmond Hill Heritage Centre, 19 Church Street North When: Saturday, June 8, 2019
It’s 1860 and you’re invited to the rehearsal for the wedding of Mr. John Harrington to Miss Elizabeth, only daughter of Amos Wright Esq., M.P.P. Will the theatrical tea reception go as planned, despite the fact the bride’s heirloom ring is missing?
Step back in time and help interactive performers from the Governor General’s award-nominated theatre company, Live History, ensure the celebration continues.
This entertaining tea includes: a selection of dainty sandwiches, tasty sweets, scones with cream and jam. Enjoy our loose tea blends, coffee or lemonade, as well as a mystery to solve!
Four sittings to choose from. Please register online at www.RichmondHill.ca/ActiveRH or at any community centre. Ages 12 yrs +
11 a.m Code: 35974
1 p.m Code: 43081
3 p.m. Code: 43082
5 p.m. Code: 43083
Advance registration: $37.50 per person (HST Included)
At the door: $43 per person (HST Included) – subject to availability
Richmond Hill Historical Society 