News release archives

Dec 3, 2025

TORONTO — The Ontario Heritage Trust, in collaboration with York University, unveiled a new provincial plaque at Glendon College that recognizes its pivotal role in advancing bilingual education in Ontario and across Canada. Glendon, York University’s founding campus, opened in September 1959 on the Toronto estate, built in the 1920s, that once …

Nov 14, 2025

RIVER CANARD — Today, the Ontario Heritage Trust, in partnership with the County of Essex, the Town of Amherstburg and the Town of LaSalle, unveiled a new provincial plaque commemorating the River Canard Bridge. This bridge exemplifies rapid change and growth in Depression-era Ontario, when infrastructure design balanced beauty with innovative …

Oct 23, 2025

TORONTO — Today, the Ontario Heritage Trust — in partnership with the Consulate General of Hungary, the Hungarian Canadian Cultural Centre and the Hungarian Research Institute of Canada — unveiled a new provincial plaque celebrating the Hungarian ’56ers. October is Hungarian Heritage Month, and the 23rd is the National Day commemorating the …

Jul 30, 2025

DRESDEN — On Saturday, August 2, visit the Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History, operated by the Ontario Heritage Trust, for an Emancipation Day celebration of hope and freedom commemorating the end of slavery in Canada on August 1, 1834.

This year’s program theme — Pressed, Poured, Plated and Played — celebrates how Black culture is …

Jul 11, 2025

GUELPH — Today, the Ontario Heritage Trust, alongside the Guelph Black Heritage Society, unveiled a new provincial plaque to the Guelph British Methodist Episcopal (BME) Church. This new provincial plaque tells the story of this building and how it fulfilled the spiritual and social needs of its congregation and Guelph’s historical Black community. …

May 29, 2025

TORONTO — Discover Ontario’s heritage by exploring an Ontario Heritage Trust site as part of your summer adventures! The Trust offers museums, natural sites and programs to help uncover local gems, explore the past and connect with your community and province.

The Trust operates two of Ontario’s many intriguing museums and both are now open for …

Apr 25, 2025

TORONTO — Today, the Ontario Heritage Trust and the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario are celebrating the 2024 recipients of the Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Awards. These annual juried awards, administered by the Trust, recognize people’s outstanding achievements across a variety of pursuits in preserving and promoting Ontario’s …

Apr 24, 2025

TORONTO — Doors Open Ontario is the perfect way to explore Ontario’s historical hidden gems this year! The Ontario Heritage Trust supports municipalities and other groups across the province to present Doors Open Ontario events in their communities each year, providing visitors and locals with opportunities to explore behind normally closed doors. …

Apr 11, 2025

TORONTO — On Thursday, April 10, the Ontario Heritage Trust celebrated five outstanding people with King Charles III Coronation Medals.

The Coronation Medal was created by King Charles III on the advice of the Canadian Government to mark the significant and historical occasion of His Majesty’s Coronation as King of Canada and to recognize …

Jan 31, 2025

DRESDEN — This February, join the Ontario Heritage Trust to celebrate Black History Month with events and programs at the Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History.

The museum, historically known as the Dawn Settlement, was the home of Josiah Henson, abolitionist and a conductor on the Underground Railroad. The museum uses Henson’s story as …

Jan 9, 2025

KIRKLAND LAKE — The Museum of Northern History at the Sir Harry Oakes Chateau, a beloved pillar of Kirkland Lake’s heritage, will reopen in February thanks to the collaborative efforts of many, including the Oakes Project: Heritage, Arts and Tourism (OPHAT), the Town of Kirkland Lake and the Ontario Heritage Trust. This was also made possible …

Sep 26, 2024

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 …

Sep 24, 2024

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 …

Jul 23, 2024

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.

The Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History celebrates …

Jun 4, 2024

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. Among those paying tribute were former premier Mike Harris, former premier Ernie Eves, Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, TVO journalist Steve Paikin …

Apr 26, 2024

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. With hundreds of sites to explore, …

Feb 22, 2024

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. These are annual juried awards administered by the Ontario Heritage Trust to recognize remarkable achievements in heritage …

Feb 5, 2024

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.

The museum is rooted in the Black history of Ontario's southwest, where over 30,000 freedom-seekers travelling along the Underground Railroad finally found their hard-won freedom and built …

Sep 25, 2023

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.

“The Uptown …

Aug 5, 2023

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. The plaque recognizes the Moose Cree and their relations with European settlers …

Jul 19, 2023

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.

The residency program is open to emerging Canadian artists practising a wide array of …

Jul 17, 2023

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 …

Jun 23, 2023

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.

“The Trust is pleased to commemorate Trooper Lorne Mulloy, a man who dedicated his life to serving his …

May 17, 2023

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.

These provincially significant sites explore varying aspects of Ontario’s …

Apr 26, 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. Ontarians can visit the province’s most …

Mar 31, 2023

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.

The new plaque commemorates …

Feb 23, 2023

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 …

Feb 13, 2023

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

Enjoy visits to three of the Ontario Heritage Trust’s historical sites: Enoch Turner Schoolhouse (Toronto) and Fulford Place (Brockville) will be open for in-person visits on February 20 while the Josiah Henson …

Jan 30, 2023

DRESDEN — To celebrate Black History Month, the Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History is offering in-person and virtual tours for all ages. The museum will also explore the historical legacy of Mary Ann Shadd Cary — a trailblazer across publishing, education and law — who made a profound mark in Canadian Black history.

Black History …

Jan 16, 2023

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.

The artists selected to take part in 2023 …

Oct 13, 2022

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 …

Sep 30, 2022

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 in Sault Ste. Marie.

The new plaque replaces an outdated …

Jul 30, 2022

Uncle Tom’s Cabin Historic Site in Dresden, Ontario, changes its name to reclaim the legacy of Josiah Henson, renowned 19th-century abolitionist, Underground Railroad conductor and preacher 

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 …

Jul 30, 2022

DRESDEN — The Ontario Heritage Trust’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin Historic Site welcomes the public back for in-person Emancipation Day celebrations. The program of events will celebrate Black history and heritage in the province through musical performances and special guest speakers — Free admission, Saturday, July 30.

Emancipation Day commemorates the …

Jul 4, 2022

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.

The residency program is open to professional Canadian artists practising a wide array …

May 18, 2022

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.

Uncle Tom’s Cabin Historic Site, Dresden, Chatham-KentUncle Tom’s Cabin Historic Site hosts …

Apr 28, 2022

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.

The plaques honour the resilience and perseverance of Black communities in the face of hardship and celebrate the success of Black settlers and …

Apr 25, 2022

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. This expanded trail network will enhance visitors’ access to natural and cultural heritage sites in the Niagara region — such as …

Apr 22, 2022

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. The 2022 season will feature more than 20 in-person events running from May to October, providing ample opportunities to …

Feb 25, 2022

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.

Created in …

Feb 17, 2022

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.

The Trust will kick off Heritage Week celebrations with a free …

Feb 4, 2022

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.

This year, Black History Month at Uncle Tom’s Cabin Historic Site will delve into stories about the experiences — the good and the bad — of Black Ontarians, past and …

Jan 31, 2022

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

Run by the Ontario Heritage Trust and supported by the RBC Foundation’s Emerging Artists Project, the program provides professional artists, working across a variety of media, a tranquil space to retreat, revitalize …

Apr 20, 2012

GRAVENHURST — Today, the Ontario Heritage Trust unveiled a marker commemorating the gravesite of the Honourable Frank Stuart Miller, premier of Ontario from February to June 1985.

“Frank Stuart Miller devoted much of his life to public service and was recognized for his commitment when he was invested to the Order of Ontario, the province’s most …

Mar 1, 2012

TORONTO — Today, the Ontario Heritage Trust unveiled a marker commemorating the gravesite of the Honourable John Parmenter Robarts, premier of Ontario from 1961 to 1971.

“John Robarts had great passion for the province and left a lasting legacy from his time in politics,” said Dr. Thomas H.B. Symons, Chairman of the Ontario Heritage Trust. “His …

Nov 25, 2011

LINDSAY — Today, the Ontario Heritage Trust unveiled a marker commemorating the gravesite of the Honourable Leslie Miscampbell Frost, premier of Ontario from 1949 to 1961.

“Ontario witnessed an exceptional period of growth and prosperity throughout Leslie Frost’s years of service as premier,” said Dr. Thomas H.B. Symons, Chairman of the Ontario …

Oct 25, 2011

GUELPH — Today, the Ontario Heritage Trust unveiled a gravesite marker and a provincial plaque commemorating the Honourable George Alexander Drew, C.C., Premier of Ontario from 1943 to 1948.

“George Alexander Drew was a passionate and forward-thinking politician who provided strong leadership to Ontario during a critical time in its history,” said …

Mar 24, 2011

TOWNSHIP OF SPRINGWATER — Today, the Ontario Heritage Trust unveiled a marker commemorating the gravesite of the Honourable Ernest Charles Drury, Premier of Ontario from 1919 to 1923.

“Ernest Charles Drury devoted much of his career to improving the quality of life in the province’s rural areas,” said Dr. Thomas H.B. Symons, Chairman of the …

Nov 16, 2010

OSHAWA — Today, the Ontario Heritage Trust unveiled a marker commemorating the gravesite of the Honourable Gordon Daniel Conant, premier of Ontario from 1942 to 1943.

“Gordon Daniel Conant was the Premier of Ontario and a prominent figure in the formative years of the City of Oshawa,” said Dr. Thomas H.B. Symons, Chairman of the Ontario Heritage …

Oct 1, 2010

ST. THOMAS — Today, the Ontario Heritage Trust unveiled a marker commemorating the gravesite of the Honourable Mitchell Frederick Hepburn, Premier of Ontario from 1934 to 1942.

“Mitchell F. Hepburn was a charismatic politician and a gifted orator who led the province through a challenging period in its history,” said Dr. Thomas H.B. Symons, …

Oct 15, 2009

TORONTO — Today, the Ontario Heritage Trust unveiled markers at Mount Pleasant Cemetery to commemorate the gravesites of five Ontario premiers: the Honourable Sir Oliver Mowat (premier from 1872-96), the Honourable Sir George William Ross (premier from 1899-1905), the Honourable Sir William Howard Hearst (premier from 1914-19), the Honourable …

Jun 25, 2009

BRANTFORD — Today, the Ontario Heritage Trust unveiled a marker commemorating the gravesite of the Honourable Arthur Sturgis Hardy, premier of Ontario from 1896 to 1899.

"Arthur Sturgis Hardy was a dynamic and intelligent leader who dedicated much of his life to the province of Ontario," said the Honourable Lincoln M. Alexander, Chairman of the …

Jun 13, 2009

TORONTO — Today, the Ontario Heritage Trust unveiled a marker commemorating the gravesite of the Honourable Edward Blake, premier of Ontario from 1871 to 1872.

"Edward Blake was one of the early political leaders in Ontario," said the Honourable Lincoln M. Alexander, Chairman of the Ontario Heritage Trust. "The commemoration of his gravesite will …

Mar 12, 2009

ST. GEORGE — Today, the Ontario Heritage Trust unveiled a marker commemorating the gravesite of the Honourable Harry Corwin Nixon, premier of Ontario from May to August 1943.

"We are delighted to honour another of Ontario's former premiers through this commemorative program" said The Honourable Lincoln M. Alexander, Chairman of the Ontario …

Nov 13, 2008

ST. ANDREWS WEST — Today, the Ontario Heritage Trust launched the Premiers' Gravesites Program in Eastern Ontario with a ceremony honouring The Honourable John Sandfield Macdonald, Ontario's first premier.

In 2007, the Ontario Minister of Culture announced funding for the Premiers' Gravesites Program. Because of its experience with the Provincial …