North Toronto Historical Society Monthly Meetings
January to May  2012


1812: THE BIG PICTURE


The War of 1812, which engulfed the United States, Great Britain, her Canadian colonies, and the First Nations of the Great Lakes and upper Mississippi regions, was a dramatic and formative event in North American history. In this illustrated presentation, Carl Benn explores the war’s major themes, from its complex origins, through its confused campaigns, to its misunderstood conclusions in order to clarify the course of the conflict and its larger historical meanings.

Dr. Benn, Chair of the Department of History, Ryerson University, was formerly Chief Curator of the City of Toronto’s Museums and Heritage Services He has written extensively on the War of 1812.




TORONTO'S FINANCIAL DISTRICT: THE OLD, THE NEW, THE REPAIRED

Come and hear about how many of downtown Toronto’s iconic towers have been repaired over the years. This illustrated talk will be presented by Sarah Gray, an engineer with Halsall Associates who specializes in the repair of heritage and contemporary structures.


AFRICAN CANADIANS IN THE WAR OF 1812

 An illustrated talk presented by Wayne Kelly, Manager, Public Education and Community Development, Ontario Heritage Trust.

                                         HAIL!  NORTH TORONTO:  CELEBRATING A CENTURY    

In 1912 the North Toronto Collegiate Institute (NTCI) building was completed.

Additions were made later, then, in the fall of 2010, a brand new building opened to serve new generations of students. Members of the NTCI centennial committee will give an illustrated presentation on the history of the school.


SWEET AND SOUR:  THE EVOLUTION OF CHINESE FOOD IN TORONTO

Take a culinary journey starting from the early years of Toronto’s first Chinese restaurant in 1901 and culminating in the diverse Chinese cuisines and eateries of today. Presenter Arlene Chan, who grew up in Chinatown and worked there at her parents’ restaurant, is the author of The Chinese in Toronto from 1878.


FREE ADMISSION. EVERYONE WELCOME. PROGRAMS ARE COSPONSORED BY NORTHERN DISTRICT LIBRARY AND THE NORTH TORONTO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.


MEETINGS BEGIN AT 7:30 P.M. (REFRESHMENTS FROM 7:10 P.M.) AND ARE HELD IN THE SECOND FLOOR MEETING ROOM AT NORTHERN DISTRICT LIBRARY, 40 ORCHARD VIEW BLVD.