Monthly Meetings
The Richmond Hill Historical Society meets on the third Monday of each month (except July and August) at 7:30 pm in Wallace Hall at the Richmond Hill Presbyterian Church, 10066 Yonge Street in Richmond Hill. All are welcome to attend.
Bring a friend or two! Guest Fee $5.00. Yearly memberships are available at $40.00 for Family and $25.00 for Individuals.
Light refreshments are served following the meeting.
For further information about meetings or programs, please call Andrea Kulesh at 905-884-2789
Check out the great events and speakers lined up…
NEXT MEETING
June 19, 2023 – 6:30 pm* NOTE earlier start time!
How Has Richmond Hill Changed Since 1914?
Speaker: Cynthia Bettio, Our Lady Queen of the World Catholic Academy
Cynthia Bettio, Department Head of Canadian and World Studies at Our Lady Queen of the World Catholic Academy will be joining us with students from her Grade 10 history class to discuss the findings of their term-long project: How has Richmond Hill changed since 1914?
This is a project that came out of a keen interest in micro-history. Typically, students are instructed in the mega-narratives of this country’s history. When students are only instructed in these mega-narratives, they can sometimes miss out on the nuanced stories that impact regular, everyday citizens. This project focuses on the importance of place and how these places change over time. Through intense research and a key partnership with the Local History Room at the RHPL, students have been working on tracking how a lot in Richmond Hill has changed over time, throughout the turbulent 20th Century and into the early 21st Century. Students are using the RHPL Local Library Room with the support of Peter Wilson, Local History Librarian, in conducting their research.
Ms. Bettio will talk about the project and will be joined by her students to discuss their findings.
NOTE: This meeting will be starting at 6:30 pm and will also include an opportunity for everyone to mingle and enjoy a variety of refreshments and treats.
2023
January 16, 2022; 7:30 pm
Annual General Meeting and Bring & Brag
Speaker: from the Royal Canadian Legion, Richmond Hill Branch 375
Wallace Hall, Richmond Hill Presbyterian Church
10066 Yonge St, Richmond Hill
February 20, 2023 – 7:30 pm
Old Mascots Never Retire — They Just Hang up Their Paws
Speaker: Russ Horner
After starting his character career at Canada’s Wonderland, Russ went on to make over 8,000 costume character appearances over 35 years. Russ shares the inside scoop on what it is really like in the unique “world” of costume character performing, training and managing, Although physically and emotionally rewarding and of course extremely fun, there is also a serious side to the business with great responsibilities, safety concerns and even dangers.
March 20, 2023 – 7:30 pm
A Brief Introduction to the Richmond Hill Garden & Horticultural Society
Speaker: Doreen Coyne, Richmond Hill Garden & Horticultural Society
During this presentation, Doreen will give you a bit of the history of the Society and an overview of the volunteer effort that the members accomplish each year. All of which aim to educate and encourage the beautification of our community and neighbourhoods with plants, flowers, shrubs, and trees.
April 17, 2023 – 7:30 pm
British Home Children
Speaker: John Jefkins
John Jefkins is a Director at Home Children Canada. John Jefkins is a first-generation descendant of a British Home Child. His father came to Canada through the Barnardo organization. In 2015, John through the assistance of the British Home Children Advocacy & Research Association found his father’s descendants in England.
May 15, 2023 – 7:30 pm
The History of Hogg’s Hollow and York Mills
Speaker: Scott Kennedy
Scott Kennedy returns to the Richmond Hill Historical Society to speak about his latest book, Tales from the Hollow: The Story of Hogg’s Hollow and York Mills. The book was published in November 2022.
June 19, 2023 – 6:30 pm* NOTE earlier start time!
How Has Richmond Hill Changed Since 1914?
Speaker: Cynthia Bettio, Our Lady Queen of the World Catholic Academy
Cynthia Bettio, Department Head of Canadian and World Studies at Our Lady Queen of the World Catholic Academy will be joining us with students from her Grade 10 history class to discuss the findings of their term-long project: How has Richmond Hill changed since 1914?
This is a project that came out of a keen interest in micro-history. Typically, students are instructed in the mega-narratives of this country’s history. When students are only instructed in these mega-narratives, they can sometimes miss out on the nuanced stories that impact regular, everyday citizens. This project focuses on the importance of place and how these places change over time. Through intense research and a key partnership with the Local History Room at the RHPL, students have been working on tracking how a lot in Richmond Hill has changed over time, throughout the turbulent 20th Century and into the early 21st Century. Students are using the RHPL Local Library Room with the support of Peter Wilson, Local History Librarian, in conducting their research.
Ms. Bettio will talk about the project and will be joined by her students to discuss their findings.
NOTE: This meeting will be starting at 6:30 pm and will also include an opportunity for everyone to mingle and enjoy a variety of refreshments and treats.
2022
January 17, 2022; 7:30 pm
Annual General Meeting & Bring and Brag
via Zoom
February 21, 2022; 7:30 pm
A Day in the Life of a Heritage Planner
Pamela Vega, Heritage and Urban Design Planner, City of Richmond Hill
via Zoom
March 21, 2022; 7:30 pm
History of the York Regional Police
(bonus discussion on crimes commonly committed against seniors)
Constable Laura Nicolle, Media Relations Officer, York Regional Police
via Zoom
April 18, 2022; 7:30 pm
The Royal and Historical Origins of Nursery Rhymes
Garry Toffoli, Vice Chairman and Executive Director of the Canadian Royal Heritage Trust
via Zoom
May 16, 2022; 7:30 pm
‘Long May She Rein’ – Celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
Norman McMullen and Kevin Dark
via Zoom
June 20, 2022; 7:30 pm
Get to Know the Whitchurch Museum
Speaker: TBA
via Zoom
September 19, 2022; 7:30 pm
The Village of Maple and the Kids Who Grew up There
Speaker: David Cook
October 17, 2022; 7:30 pm
Home Fire Prevention
Speakers: Shanyn Godward and Shelby Rowland, Richmond Hill Fire and Emergency Services
November 21, 2022; 7:30 pm
Passing the Torch
Speaker: from the Royal Canadian Legion, Richmond Hill Branch 375
December 12, 2022; 6:30 pm
Holiday Social
Richmond Hill Historical Society 