Who We Are
The North York Historical Society was formed in 1960 by a group of local residents concerned that the built heritage in North York was rapidly being lost to developers, and the teaching of history in North York schools had insufficient local emphasis.
Today the Society is an active group of community members passionate about preserving and promoting North York history.
The Society is an affiliate of the Ontario Historical Society and a member of Toronto Historical Association. The Society encourages members to serve as citizen representatives on the North York Community Preservation Panel.
The Society is sponsored in part by the Ontario Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries.
What We Do
Ongoing Work for Preservation of Historic Sites
- Through the years, the Society has worked tirelessly to support preservation of historic buildings in the North York community including: Gibson House (Museum), David Duncan House, Dempsey Brothers Store, Elihu Pease House, John McKenzie House, Miller Tavern (previously the Jolly Miller), O’Connor House and more.
Did You Know?
One of the NYHS’s inaugural projects was to help save the Gibson House from the wrecker’s ball. David Gibson, a noted 19th century surveyor, was a leading participant in the Upper Canada Rebellion supporting William Lyon Mackenzie, which led to Gibson’s exile to the United States for some years.
The home of David and Eliza Gibson and their family at 5172 Yonge Street has stood on its original site for over 150 years and is now the City of Toronto Gibson House Museum.
Monthly Speakers on Heritage
- Society meetings are held on the 3rd Wednesday of the month January to May and September to December. Please see the calendar for details. Visitors are very welcome!
- We also share stories written and presented by some of our members to audiences in large and small venues.
Quarterly Newsletter
- Distributed to members, local libraries, heritage communities, and municipal, provincial and federal representatives
Archives for Research and Study
- The bulk of the collection is stored at the Toronto Public Library’s North York Central Library branch.
- We continue to gather archival material, including photographs, relevant to the history of North York. Some of this material has been digitized.
Plaquing Program
- We have been involved in the historic plaques marking and commemorating important historic sites, people and events in North York.
- Plaques include the York Mills Presbyterian Church, Green Meadows Estate, John Bales House, O’Sullivan’s Hotel, the Golden Lion Hotel, and George S. Henry’s house.
Street Naming
- We lobby to give names to new streets that reflect the history of the neighbourhood.
2022-2023 Board of Directors
President: Glenn Bonnetta
Vice President: Marla Weingarten
Treasurer: vacant
Secretary: Bill Aird
Director: Sheryl Adelkind
Director: Linda Gargaro
Director: Susan Goldenberg
Director: Anne McIlroy
Director: Deborah Sacrob
Director: Michael Giuricich
Committees (Chair)
Archives: Glenn Bonnetta
Constitution / Bylaws Update: Bill Aird, Linda Gargaro
Membership: Susan Goldenberg
Nomination: Bill Aird
Newsletter: Linda Gargaro
Phone: Marion Simpson
Plaquing: vacant
Programs: Bill Aird
School Outreach: Bill Aird, Glenn Bonnetta, Susan Goldenberg, Marla Weingarten
Street Naming: Mary Ann Cross
Sunshine: Kathy Shorney
Youth: Grace Anyu Sun, Coordinator (NYHSYouthCommittee@nyhs.ca)
Webmaster and Social Media: Michael Giuricich
Representatives
North York Community Preservation Panel: vacant
Toronto Historical Association: Glenn Bonnetta
NYHS Newsletters
Current newsletters are a benefit of NYHS membership – join us!
The North York Historical Society is a non-profit organization that values and appreciates all new members. Both members and visitors to NYHS-hosted historical presentations are always welcome!