If you have not paid your 2023 membership fee please do so by May 31st. Please fill in the form and send the fee located here.

The North York Historical Society discovers, disseminates, and preserves historical information, protects heritage sites, and arouses interest in the unique past of North York (part of the City of Toronto).

We are on the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and this land is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. We also acknowledge that Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 signed with the Mississaugas of the Credit, and the Williams Treaties signed with multiple Mississaugas and Chippewa bands.

News

The first “Taste of North York” held September 9th at Mel Lastman Square was a huge success!

September 22, 2023

The first “Taste of North York” held September 9th at Mel Lastman Square was a huge success! The North York Historical Society would like to thank Neighbourlink North York and Streeteats Market for organizing a great event that allowed us to truly meet our neighbours. The NYHS booth displayed our new banner, flyers and showcased… Read more

Take a look a North York house from the 1830’s

August 27, 2023

Take a look at home that was built in 1835 by Joseph Shepard. The house is one of a few remaining homes that has ties to the 1837 Upper Canada Rebellion. Visit the BlogTO article to read more about it – https://www.blogto.com/real-estate-toronto/2023/08/90-burndale-avenue-toronto/ Read more

North York historian Jeanne Hopkins passes away – 04-Mar-1939 – 13-Jul-2023

August 1, 2023

I am sorry to report the passing of Jeanne Hopkins. Jeanne was a historian and an invaluable source of information about North York history. She was particularly interested in origin of street names. She will greatly missed. Below is a link to her obituary. https://www.arbormemorial.ca/mceachnie/obituaries/jeanne-louise-hopkins/106641 Read more

Local History Articles by Susan Goldenberg

North York’s first medical officer of health served 43 years, retiring in 1965

September 1, 2023

When Dr. Carl E. Hill, then 27, was appointed North York’s first medical officer of health in 1922, the year North York became independent from… Read more

‘Golden Lion’ roars again on North York Central Library’s fifth floor

July 20, 2023

“Hi, I’m the Golden Lion (capital letters out of respect, please), the life-size venerable gold-painted sculpture that’s the mascot of the North York Historical Society… Read more

Artist C.W. Jefferys illuminated Canada’s past from Yonge Street home

June 30, 2023

We know what early Canada was like thanks in large measure to C. W. (Charles William) Jefferys, one of Canada’s finest historical artists and a… Read more

North York Street Stories By Deborah Sacrob

Finch and Sheppard

February 28, 2023

By Deborah Sacrob, NYHS Board member   Finch Avenue Finch Avenue is named after John Finch who bought land at Yonge and Finch in 1847… Read more

The Toronto Cricket Skating and Curling Club

February 28, 2023

By Deborah Sacrob, NYHS Board member   The Cricket Club area was originally settled by a Scotsman named Andrew McGlashan who settled here with his… Read more

McGlashan Road/McGlashan Court

February 28, 2023

By Deborah Sacrob, NYHS Board member   Andrew McGlashan operated a tannery on the southwest corner of York Mills and Yonge. James McGlashan and Thomas… Read more

Golden Lion Roars Again Banner