Contact
The Toronto History Lectureinfo@torontofamilyhistory.org
416-392-5561 (Paul Sharkey)
Use the great collection at the City of Toronto Archives
Curious about when your home was built? Someone lived there before you—who were they? What was your neighbourhood like?
You may find the answers to these questions and more by familiarizing yourself with the great collections available at the City of Toronto Archives.
The Archives holds more than 1.2 million photographs and over 5,000 maps. You can explore the records of local families or search for Toronto's past in municipal government records, including assessment rolls, heritage assessment reports, council minutes and bylaws. The Archives also holds the records from the former townships, villages and boroughs that make up the amalgamated city of today. Start your research at toronto.ca/archives.
The Archives research hall and exhibit galleries are open and accessible to everyone. Visit during the week from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. The Archives is also open on Saturday from October 19, 2013 through April 12, 2014.
Join the Ontario Genealogical Society
The Ontario Genealogical Society (OGS) is a not-for-profit corporation with about 3500 members worldwide. Its aim is to encourage, bring together, and assist all those interested in the pursuit of family history. Toronto Branch is one of 34 OGS branches and has more than 750 members. It serves the dual needs of family historians who live in Toronto and those whose ancestors lived in Toronto. In addition, the Branch helps those who use research resources located in Toronto.
For information on membership of Toronto Branch and the Ontario Genealogical Society, visit torontofamilyhistory.org/membership.html
The City of Toronto Archives and the Toronto Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society are proud to present…
The 2013 Toronto History LectureMary Mink: The Making of a Myth
Speaker: Guylaine Pétrin is a librarian at Glendon College, genealogist, historian and writer. She especially likes to research the unknown stories of women in Upper Canada and Toronto, and is respected for her resourcefulness and tenacity in dealing with unusual and difficult records. An enthusiastic speaker, she teaches students and genealogists how to research sources for Upper Canada and Toronto.
The third annual Toronto History Lecture is dedicated to the memory of Sandra Moore (1937-2011), who inspired our speaker and many others with her tireless contributions to the pursuit of family history in Toronto. In recent years, Sandra was perhaps best known as the leader of the Branch Places of Worship Committee, coordinating the transcribing and indexing of church registers and records.
Admission is free, but reservation required.
The History of The Toronto History Lecture
The Toronto History Lecture was initiated in 2011 by friends who wished to celebrate the memory of the late Paul McGrath (1959-2008) in a way that he would have found meaningful. A local and family historian for more than 30 years, Paul was at the time of his sudden death both the Chair of the Toronto Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society and staff genealogist for the TV series Ancestors in the Attic.
In 2012, the Toronto Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society assumed responsibility for the Toronto History Lecture, thereby ensuring that this series will continue for years to come.
About the photograph
This view of Toronto from the roof of the Rossin House Hotel at York and King streets (looking north-east) was taken in 1856 or 1857 by Armstrong, Beere and Hime, as part of a panorama that accompanied the city's submission to the Colonial Office to promote its selection as capital of Canada. (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1498, Item 18)