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

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News

CIHE hosting – Nigel Biggar and Margaret MacMillan In Conversation on Colonialism

February 22, 2025

Nigel Biggar and Margaret MacMillan “In Conversation on Colonialism” Saturday, March 1st at 10:00 AM Cameron Hall at Yorkminster Park Church – 1585 Yonge Street Toronto (one block north of St. Clair Avenue) Also available as a live webcast For more information please visit the CIHE website here. Read more

FINDING 19th CENTURY BLACK HISTORY IN TORONTO AREA

January 22, 2025

The Weston Historical Society is hosting the following event. “FINDING 19th CENTURY BLACK HISTORY IN TORONTO AREA” Celebrate Black History Month Guest Speaker will be Hilary J. Dawson Central Kings Senior Residence, 15 King Street 7:30 p.m. Thursday February 6, 2025 All are welcome! Read more

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

Local History Articles by Susan Goldenberg

James Hogg’s Love Letter to Elizabeth Orr

February 14, 2025

By: Marla Weingarten James Hogg emigrated from Scotland and settled in what is now known as Hoggs Hollow. He came to own property on both… Read more

Notable Black North Yorker

February 6, 2025

Susan Goldenberg In connection with February being Black History Month, here is the story of notable black North Yorker Donald Willard Moore about whom The… Read more

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

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