Heritage Centre – Richmond Hill Historical Society

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.

Victorian Mystery: Live History Traditional Tea – Saturday, June 8, 2019

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 Heritage Centre
19 Church Street North
www.RichmondHill.ca/HeritageCentre
905-780-3802