Heritage Centre – Richmond Hill Historical Society

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.

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.

Standing in the Doorway: March 29 – August 16, 2025

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.

Learn more about the exhibit from Mike Adler’s article “‘Standing in the Doorway’: Exhibit on the ‘dark history’ Chinese Canadians experienced at Richmond Hill Heritage Centre” for the Richmond Hill Liberal (May 6, 2025)

This exhibit was developed by the Markham Museum and the York Region District School Board Museum and Archives working in conjunction with YRDSB students, and the University of Toronto Museum Studies program.

Learn more about the Richmond Hill Heritage Centre by visiting their site at https://www.richmondhill.ca/en/learn-more/Richmond-Hill-Heritage-Centre.aspx.

Richmond Hill Remembers: Artifacts Past and Present

Exhibit on display from February 1 to March 15 at the Richmond Hill Heritage Centre

Explores the theme of cataloging and juxtaposing historical local artifacts with items that define our current identities and stories. Students from Richmond Hill High School explored imagery from the Richmond Hill Artifact Collection as a foundation for examining their own life narratives. We present a collection of objects as a “memory box” with artifacts that have their own story to tell. Through a blend of two and three dimensional techniques and arrangements, the exhibit highlights an intersection of past and present, offering a unique connection on local history and culture. Each memory box allows viewers to explore the rich heritage of Richmond Hill through the eyes of emerging artists. The exhibit offers students a platform to foster personal reflection, growth, communicate their creative expression, and nurture a connection to their community.

The Richmond Hill Heritage Centre is located in the Amos Wright House at 19 Church St North, Richmond Hill.

Gallery Hours:

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

Historical Society Partners with Heritage Services for Walks and Learn Tours

The Richmond Hill Historical Society is pleased to announce a new partnership with the City of Richmond Hill’s Heritage Services for their Walk and Learn Tours.

Enjoy fresh air, exercise and a healthy walk through a historic building, neighbourhood or park while discovering Richmond Hill community heritage with a knowledgeable guide. Tours run rain or shine. Wear appropriate attire for walking outdoors. Duration 1.5 – 2 hours. No registration required. Free admission.

Upcoming Fall tours include:

North Yonge Street – A Vibrant Village!
Sunday, September 22, 1 p.m.

Meet up Location: Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts – 10268 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill

North Yonge Street in the village core is a unique part of the city. Enjoy this tour featuring a history of politics, education, medicine and the arts!

Arrive at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts (10268 Yonge Street) and look for the Walk and Learn sandwich board.

Sports History
Sunday, October 6, 1 p.m.

Meet up Location: Elgin Barrow Arena – 43 Church Street South, Richmond Hill

Sports and recreation have played an integral part of Richmond Hill’s history. From the annual Spring Fair to organized sports, this walk will focus on the historic locations, celebrated championships, athletes, teams, and supporters who have shaped the sports community in our City. Includes a guided tour of the Richmond Hill Sports Hall of Fame.

Arrive at the Elgin Barrow Arena (43 Church Street South) and look for the Walk and Learn sandwich board.

Mill Pond Industry and Commerce
Sunday, October 20, 1 p.m.

Meet up Location: Mill Pond Park Gazebo – 321 Mill Street, Richmond Hill

Mill Pond, named for the sawmill operation that used the pond for power. Today’s Mill Pond is a place of recreation, but did you know when it was first created in the mid-1830s, it was a hub of industry and commerce and an important component of Richmond Hill’s culture heritage.

On this walk, participants will explore a place of natural beauty while learning about the many industries that made the heart of Richmond Hill an attractive place to settle in the early 19th century.

Arrive at Mill Pond Park Gazebo (321 Mill Street) and look for the Walk and Learn sandwich board.

Richmond Hill 150th Walk and Learn

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.

Meet at the Heritage Centre/Amos Wright Park — 19 Church Street North (see map)

Upcoming History Programs at the Richmond Hill Public Library

Photograph of the Richmond Hill Heritage Centre and Amos Wright Park sign. — 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/.

I Read Canadian with Melanie Florence

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.

Summer Time Teas at the Heritage Centre

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.