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).

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Local History Articles

EVENTS

Due to COVID-19, unfortunately all in-person NYHS meetings have been cancelled at present. Stay safe, everyone!

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March 2021 Meeting: Yonge Street in the Rear View Mirror 7:00 pm
March 2021 Meeting: Yonge Street in the Rear View Mirror @ online by Zoom
Mar 24 @ 7:00 pm
March 2021 Meeting: Yonge Street in the Rear View Mirror @ online by Zoom
Tickets
The North York Historical Society is pleased to present “Yonge Street in the Rear View Mirror.” Yonge Street, the most iconic street in Canada. This famous artery has weaved a tapestry of history along its …
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LOCAL HISTORY ARTICLES

This photo, from 1912, shows a Toronto and York Radial Railway streetcar on Yonge Street (looking south on Yonge Street at Sherwood Avenue). - Public domain/courtesy of Toronto Public Library

Public Transit Started Rolling in North York in 1828

February 28, 2021

Stage coaches gave way to streetcars in 1890, writes Susan Goldenberg Public transit through North York began in 1828 with stage coaches from Toronto up… Read more

Telephone exchanges, like this typical one from 1899 with an unidentified operator, were opened in business establishments, stores and even residences. North York got its first exchange in 1925. - Bell Canada Historical Department

North York’s First Phone was its Only One From 1888 Until 1910

January 29, 2021

First telephone exchange opened in 1925, writes Susan Goldenberg It was a step into the modern era when, in 1888, North York general store Lindsay,… Read more

Oriole Public School in September 1956, Sheppard Ave. E, south side, between Provost Dr. and Old Leslie St. (Photo by James Victor Salmon courtesy Toronto Public Library)

North York’s Last Functioning One-Room Schoolhouse Served for 132 Years

January 5, 2021

Closure paved way to widening of Sheppard Avenue, writes Susan Goldenberg North York has the distinction of having had Toronto’s last functioning one-room little red… Read more

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NEWS

Toronto History Museums Shop

Toronto History Museums Shop Offering 10% off Books for Black History Month

February 11, 2021

Visit the Toronto History Museums Shop online for 10% off books during Black History Month. North York books offered include: Willowdale: Yesterday’s Farms, Today’s Legacy… Read more

NYHS New Logo

NYHS Launches New Logo

December 15, 2020

The North York Historical Society is pleased to share our new logo! It features an image of the Golden Lion in front of the historic… Read more

Humber Valley Pond, also known as Crang’s Pond, behind the Rivermede Estate at Weston Road and Sheppard Avenue West

NYHS Tours North York Natural Heritage Sites with Edith George

November 17, 2020

On October 14, 2020, a glorious fall morning, NYHS President Glenn Bonnetta and Director Sheryl Adelkind received a socially-distanced tour of several North York sites… Read more

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LOCAL HISTORY RESOURCES

Pioneering in North York by Patricia Hart

Books About North York History

Here are some North York history books to explore. Most of these are available through Toronto Public Library. Published by the North York Historical Society… Read more

Native Peoples Collections at Toronto Public Library

Andrew Lowe, the Toronto Public Library’s (TPL) North York History Librarian, presented an illustrated overview of the extensive Native Peoples Collections available in the TPL… Read more

Explore North York Cultural Loops Guide

Explore North York Cultural Loops Guide

The NYHS is pleased to have contributed to the Cultural Loops Guide “Explore North York: Art, History and Nature Self-Guided Tours,” published in 2016. The Cultural… Read more

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