News

2024

September 26, 2024

New provincial plaque commemorates the young men who served at the Montreal River Alternative Service Work Camp

WATERLOO — Today, the Ontario Heritage Trust, in partnership with the Mennonite Historical Society of Ontario, unveiled a provincial plaque commemorating the young men who served at the Montreal River Alternative Service Work Camp. The camp is historically significant as the model for what would become a national system of alternative service during the wartime years ...

September 24, 2024

Let heritage inspire your art with the Doris McCarthy Artist-in-Residence Program in 2025

TORONTO — The Ontario Heritage Trust is now accepting applications for the 10th anniversary of the Doris McCarthy Artist-in-Residence Program. Residencies are available for 2025 with flexible terms ranging from one to three months. The program is hosted in Scarborough at the Trust-owned Fool’s Paradise, which is the former home and studio of renowned Canadian landscape painter Doris McCarthy ...

July 23, 2024

Celebrate Emancipation Day at the Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History

DRESDEN — On Saturday, July 27, join us at the Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History for Emancipation Day — an annual celebration of hope and freedom that commemorates the end of slavery in Canada and is a reminder of the continuing struggle for inclusivity and equity ...

June 4, 2024

William Grenville Davis honoured through the Premiers’ Gravesites Program

BRAMPTON — Today, at the Peel Art Gallery Museum and Archives, the Ontario Heritage Trust unveiled a marker commemorating the gravesite of the Honourable William Grenville Davis, 18th premier of Ontario ...

April 26, 2024

Explore nearly 30 communities with Doors Open Ontario — for free!

TORONTO — Discover your hometown’s history or take a daytrip to explore heritage sites in the province with Doors Open Ontario, an annual program of the Ontario Heritage Trust. This year kicks off on April 27 in Guelph, followed by 28 other communities opening their doors, free of charge, this spring through fall ...

February 22, 2024

2023 Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Awards recognize exceptional Ontarians

TORONTO — Today, the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, and John Ecker, Chair, Board of Directors, Ontario Heritage Trust, presented the Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Awards for 2023 ...

February 5, 2024

Celebrate Black History Month with the Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History

DRESDEN — Join the Ontario Heritage Trust to mark Black History Month with cultural events and programs at the Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History ...



2023

September 25, 2023

New provincial plaque commemorates Saint-Louis-de-Gonzague School

SUDBURY — Today, the Ontario Heritage Trust, in partnership with the Uptown Sudbury Community Action Network (CAN), unveiled a provincial plaque commemorating the Saint-Louis-de-Gonzague School. The school is significant for its role in protecting access to French-language education during the challenging period of Regulation 17 ...

August 5, 2023

Ontario Heritage Trust provincial plaque commemorates the history of Moose Factory

MOOSE FACTORY ISLAND — Today, the Ontario Heritage Trust, in partnership with the Moose River Heritage and Hospitality Association and the Moose Cree First Nation, unveiled a new provincial plaque commemorating the long history of what is today known as Moose Factory ...

July 19, 2023

Applications open for 2024 Doris McCarthy Artist-in-Residence Program

TORONTO — The Ontario Heritage Trust is now accepting applications for the Doris McCarthy Artist-in-Residence Program. Residencies are available throughout 2024, with flexible terms ranging from one to three months. The application deadline is October 10, 2023 ...

July 17, 2023

Free Emancipation Day event at Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History

DRESDEN — The Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History is celebrating Emancipation Day with free admission. Join in the celebration at the museum on Saturday, July 29 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for educational and family-fun entertainment that will reflect on Black history and honour the strength and resilience of Black communities across Ontario ...

June 23, 2023

New provincial plaque honours Trooper Lorne Mulloy

IROQUOIS — Today, the Ontario Heritage Trust and the Trooper Lorne Mulloy Memorial Committee unveiled a provincial plaque to commemorate this Canadian veteran of the South African War for his significant role in veterans’ rights and welfare ...

May 17, 2023

Explore Ontario’s history with a visit to the Ontario Heritage Trust’s museums and sites

ONTARIO — Kick off the Victoria Day long weekend with a visit to the Ontario Heritage Trust’s Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History in Dresden or Fulford Place in Brockville. The museums reopen to the public starting Saturday, May 20 for the spring/summer season ...

April 26, 2023

Doors Open Ontario is back! 13 weekends, 22 events and hundreds of places to visit for free in 2023

TORONTO — Starting April 29 in Guelph, hundreds of places across the province will open their doors free of charge as part of Doors Open Ontario, an annual program of the Ontario Heritage Trust. The 2023 season will be held over 13 weekends and features 22 in-person events running from April to October ...

March 31, 2023

Dianna Boileau, first to receive gender-affirming surgery in Canada, commemorated with Ontario Heritage Trust provincial plaque

FORT FRANCES — Today, the Ontario Heritage Trust and Borderland Pride unveiled a new provincial plaque recognizing an important moment in transgender history in Ontario and Canada. The unveiling ceremony was held at the Fort Frances Museum & Cultural Centre to coincide with International Transgender Day of Visibility ...

February 23, 2023

2022 Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Awards recognize exceptional Canadians and projects across Ontario

TORONTO — Today, the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, and John Ecker, Chair, Board of Directors, Ontario Heritage Trust, presented the Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Awards to those who made exceptional contributions to cultural and natural heritage conservation, environmental sustainability and biodiversity in 2022 ...

February 13, 2023

Free events to celebrate Ontario Heritage Week: Get a taste of the province’s rich history and heritage

TORONTO — Celebrate the province’s natural and cultural heritage and learn about local history this Ontario Heritage Week, February 20-26 ...

January 30, 2023

Celebrate Black History Month with the Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History

DRESDEN — To celebrate Black History Month, the Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History is offering in-person and virtual tours for all ages ...

January 16, 2023

New group of artists to live and create at the Doris McCarthy Artist-in-Residence Centre

TORONTO — The Ontario Heritage Trust is pleased to welcome six new artists to the Doris McCarthy Artist-in-Residence Centre. Hosted at the former home and studio of renowned Canadian artist Doris McCarthy, the residency offers artists a quiet space to retreat, revitalize and focus on their practice ...



2022

October 13, 2022

New provincial plaque commemorates Mother Marie Thomas d’Aquin (1877-1963)

OTTAWA – Today, the Ontario Heritage Trust, in partnership with the Sisters of the Jeanne d’Arc Institute, unveiled a provincial plaque commemorating Mother Marie Thomas d’Aquin (1877-1963) for her significant contributions toward advancing the status of women and for her positive impact on the community of Lowertown Ottawa, Ontario and beyond ...

September 30, 2022

Provincial plaque commemorating Shingwauk Hall updated to reflect the true history of the former residential school

SAULT STE. MARIE – Today, on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Ontario Heritage Trust, in partnership with the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association (CSAA) and Algoma University, unveiled a new provincial plaque commemorating the former Shingwauk Indian Residential School ...

July 30, 2022

Introducing the Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History

DRESDEN – Today, the Ontario Heritage Trust announced it has renamed Uncle Tom’s Cabin Historic Site to the Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History in honour of Josiah Henson ...

July 18, 2022

Celebrate Emancipation Day on July 30 at Uncle Tom’s Cabin Historic Site

DRESDEN – The Ontario Heritage Trust’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin Historic Site welcomes the public back for in-person Emancipation Day celebrations ...

July 4, 2022

Applications open for 2023 Doris McCarthy Artist-in-Residence Program

TORONTO – The Ontario Heritage Trust is now accepting applications to the Doris McCarthy Artist-in-Residence Program. Residencies are available throughout 2023, with flexible terms ranging from one to three months. The application deadline is September 30, 2022 ...

May 18, 2022

Ontario Heritage Trust museums open for the summer: Visit Uncle Tom’s Cabin Historic Site and Fulford Place

ONTARIO – The Ontario Heritage Trust’s museums are reopening their doors to the public this summer. These provincially significant sites explore Ontario’s shared history and bring it to life through interactive public tours, exhibits and special events ...

April 28, 2022

Ontario Heritage Trust announces four provincial plaque unveilings to replace plaques commemorating Ontario’s Black history in Southwestern Ontario and Niagara Region

TORONTO – Today, the Ontario Heritage Trust unveiled four updated provincial plaques commemorating four significant communities and events from Southwestern Ontario and Niagara Region’s Black history ...

April 25, 2022

Ontario Heritage Trust announces partnership for improvement and expansion of Niagara Twenty Valley Trail

TOWN OF LINCOLN – The Ontario Heritage Trust is partnering with the Town of Lincoln, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority and the Bruce Trail Conservancy on the Niagara Twenty Valley Trail Revitalization Project ...

April 22, 2022

Doors Open Ontario returns with more in-person events for 2022 season

TORONTO – Expand your horizon and go behind the scenes of some of Ontario’s most significant places and spaces. Doors Open Ontario returns with a larger number of in-person events this spring, starting on Mother’s Day weekend ...

February 25, 2022

Exceptional Ontarians and conservation projects recognized at the 2021 Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Awards

TORONTO – The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, and John Ecker, Chair of the Ontario Heritage Trust, presented projects and individuals who made exceptional contributions to heritage conservation with the 2021 Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Awards during a virtual ceremony on February 24, 2022 ...

February 17, 2022

Celebrate Ontario’s heritage during Heritage Week, February 21-27

TORONTO – February 21-27 is Ontario Heritage Week, an opportunity for communities across the province to celebrate Ontario’s natural and cultural heritage and explore local history. The Ontario Heritage Trust is offering a range of digital programs for all ages throughout the week ...

February 4, 2022

Black History Month: Free virtual programs from Uncle Tom’s Cabin Historic Site

DRESDEN – The Ontario Heritage Trust invites all Ontarians to celebrate and recognize the legacy of Black Canadians during Black History Month with Uncle Tom’s Cabin Historic Site ...

January 31, 2022

The Ontario Heritage Trust welcomes a new group of artists set to live and create at the Doris McCarthy Artist-in-Residence Centre

TORONTO – Six artists from across Canada have been selected for the eighth year of the Doris McCarthy Artist-in-Residence Program ...



2021

October 14, 2021

Cole Shoal Lighthouse near Brockville commemorated by provincial plaque

BROCKVILLE – Today, the Ontario Heritage Trust and Township of Elizabethtown-Kitley and its Five Mile Light Rebuild Committee unveiled a provincial plaque to commemorate Cole Shoal Lighthouse ...

August 4, 2021

Top 20 ways to experience something new with digital Doors Open Ontario

TORONTO – Expand your horizons and go behind the scenes: visit Ontario’s most intriguing buildings, places and spaces online through Doors Open Ontario ...

July 21, 2021

How to celebrate Emancipation Day 2021 in Ontario

DRESDEN –This Emancipation Day, August 1, you can experience a week of digital activities from the Ontario Heritage Trust that celebrate and explore Ontario’s Black communities and Black heritage through engaging and educational video programming produced by Uncle Tom’s Cabin Historic Site ...

July 8, 2021

Doris McCarthy Artist-in-Residence program accepting applications for 2022

TORONTO – The Ontario Heritage Trust is now accepting applications to the 2022 Doris McCarthy Artist-in-Residence program. Residencies are available throughout 2022, with flexible terms ranging from one to three months. The application deadline is September 30, 2021 ...

June 21, 2021

Ontario Heritage Trust launches the Harvey McCue (Waubageshig) Internship for Indigenous Youth

TORONTO – The Ontario Heritage Trust is pleased to announce the creation of the Harvey McCue (Waubageshig) Internship for Indigenous Youth. The internship will provide opportunities, mentorship and support to young Indigenous persons interested in the fields of heritage conservation, education or culture ...

June 3, 2021

Take a hike and explore Ontario trails on June 5, International Trails Day

TORONTO – June 5 is International Trails Day, an annual and worldwide celebration of trails and the healthy lifestyle they promote ...

April 22, 2021

The Ontario Heritage Trust announces the 2021 Doris McCarthy Artist-in-Residence participants

TORONTO – Four Canadian artists, whose skills span a wide range of practices, will be the 2021 Artists-in-Residence of the Doris McCarthy Artist-in-Residence Program ...

February 19, 2021

2020 Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Awards celebrate heritage excellence in Ontario

TORONTO – The 2020 recipients of the Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Awards were recognized at a virtual ceremony on February 18, 2021 by the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, and the Ontario Heritage Trust. The awards celebrate projects and individuals who made exceptional contributions to heritage conservation in Ontario in 2020 ...

February 15, 2021

Ontario Heritage Trust celebrates Heritage Week 2021

TORONTO – February 15-21 marks Ontario Heritage Week 2021, an opportunity for communities across the province to celebrate Ontario’s natural and cultural heritage. This is the 37th year that Heritage Week has been commemorated in Ontario. While celebrations will look different this year, the digital and virtual programs at Ontario museums, galleries, historic sites as well as libraries and archives provide an opportunity for Ontarians to safely reconnect with and celebrate their local history and community ...

February 1, 2021

Ontario Heritage Trust recognizes Black History Month with a virtual lecture featuring award-winning author Esi Edugyan and a virtual museums forum on Black history in Chatham-Kent

TORONTO – The Ontario Heritage Trust is recognizing Black History Month with two exciting programs that will help Ontarians learn more about Black history and reconnect with creators, researchers, thinkers and community leaders from Canada’s and Ontario’s Black communities ...