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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April 2024 Apr 2024

News

Celebrating Black History this month

February 10, 2024

Celebrate Black History this month by exploring the remarkable stories of three notable Black individuals from North York’s vibrant past, each contributing to the rich tapestry of its history. Please Check out these three individuals. Paul Smith – Commander Paul Smith, the first Black officer to command a ship in… Read more

NYSC Active Living Fair 2023

November 12, 2023

Take part in NYSC’s Active Living Fair North York Seniors Centre is hosting an Active Living Fair this year in partnership with the Older Adult Centres’ Association of Ontario (OACAO) with funding support from the Government of Ontario. Join us for North York Seniors Centre Active Living Fair! Enjoy a… Read more

Geoffrey Emanuel Geduld, 1930- 2023

October 28, 2023

Geoffrey (Geoff) Emanuel Geduld died peacefully at the Riverpath Retirement Residence in Ottawa on Saturday October 28, 2023 at the age of 93. Geoff graduated from Concordia University (Montreal) with a Bachelor of Commerce in 1974 and a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A) from York University (Toronto) in 1983.   Geoff was… Read more

Local History Articles by Susan Goldenberg

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

Sheppard Avenue named after North Yorker who fought in War of 1812

December 29, 2023

One man, Joseph Shepard (one “p”), with two North York places named in his honour with different spellings. There’s the 14-floor federal government office building,… Read more

Toronto’s Bridle Path started out in early ’30s with homes that cost as much as $10,000

November 24, 2023

Neighbourhoods usually clamour for better roads, but not The Bridle Path, among Canada’s most affluent residential districts, located in North York’s Bayview-Lawrence area. There are… 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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