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.

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Upcoming events from NYHS

News

North York Historical Society 2024 Annual Report

December 11, 2024

2024 was NYHS’s 64th year.   NYHS played a major role in the  opening of The North York History Room in the Society and Recreation Department, 5th floor, North York Central Library. NYHS donated newspaper article scrapbooks, maps, books, and documents on North York’s history. The Board presented Gibson House Museum… Read more

Elizabeth Jean Mcquillan

December 7, 2024

McQUILLAN, ELIZABETH JEAN (nee Jackson) “Betty” On November 30, 2024, Betty McQuillan died peacefully at home, surrounded by family. Born in Toronto, Ontario, in December 1930 to George C. Jackson and Florence Rowntree, Betty grew up on Lonelm Holstein Dairy Farm in Elia, North York. Betty taught at Downsview Public… Read more

C.W. Jeffreys & His North York House

November 30, 2024

Susan Goldenberg (Nov. 25, 2024) UPDATE-PRESERVATION OF NORTH YORK HOUSE OF ACCLAIMED CANADIANA ARTIST C.W. JEFFERYS- RECENT TALK BY HIS GRANDDAUGHTER NANCY BAINES ABOUT HIM AND THE HOUSE On November 20 (2024) NYHS chair Glenn Bonnetta, vice-president Marla Weingarten, and membership director Susan Goldenberg attended a presentation by Nancy Baines… Read more

Local History Articles by Susan Goldenberg

1950s North York Water Crisis

June 20, 2024

By: Susan Goldenberg North Yorkers resorted to drastic measures in the 1950s such as bathing their babies in ginger ale because of a severe water… Read more

LOOKING BACK: DOWNSVIEW AIRPORT FATAL PLANE CRASH, 1956

May 20, 2024

Susan Goldenberg from a tip by fellow NYHS board member Linda Gargaro Downsview Airport experienced its only fatal plane crash in its years of operation… Read more

BALES FAMILY

March 16, 2024

Susan Goldenberg This year (2024) is the bicentennial of North York’s oldest residence, the John Bales House near Bathurst and Sheppard, located in 51 hectare… 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

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