Upcoming Events 
HURON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY ON FACEBOOK
Click here to visit the HCHS Facebook page for event updates and posts about local heritage and history from Huron County.
For current news, events and scheduled Zoom meetings Click here to visit the HCHS Facebook page for event updates and posts about local heritage and history from Huron County.
Dear Members of Huron County Historical Society
Upcoming Autumn Events 2024
Upcoming November 20th Zoom Talk
Our next ZOOM meeting is November 20, 2024, at 7 p.m. and we are thrilled to host Dr. John O'Shea who will share his research on a now submerged area of Lake Huron, a 'land bridge' connecting northeast Michigan to Huron County, Ontario.
Email HCHS1965@gmail.com by Nov 18th for ZOOM Link.
Everyone is welcome.
Click here for a larger version of the poster.
October 29th 2024, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Huron County Museum Theatre
"The Disneys of Huron County Project Group" cordially invites you to attend a presentation by Mike Miles.
Pioneering Spirit: Walt Disney's Connection to Four Pioneering Families of the Huron Tract (Disney, Holmes, Richardson and Cantelon)
Location: Huron County Museum (Theatre): 110 North Street, Goderich
Date: Tuesday October 29th, 2024 at 6:30 - 8:30 pm
See details for complete itinerary. Click here for an Adobe PDF version of the poster.
November 2nd 2024, 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Huron County Culture Summit
The Huron County Culture Summit is coming up in Bayfield on Saturday, November 2nd. Through speakers and peer presenters, we'll be exploring topics such as:
- Enhancing Rural Community through Partnerships and Collaborations
- The Foundations of Event Planning
- Developing Community Champions
- Best Practices and Innovation
Peer speakers include: Sinead Cox - Huron County Museum; Gil Garratt - Blyth Festival; Mark Nonkes - Local Immigration Partnership; Angela Smith, Community Development Officer, Municipality of Central Huron; Gemma James Smith - Bayfield Lavender Farm; Miriam Terpstra - Maple Lane Haven; Pamela Stanley - RCAF/Vanastra; Derry Wallis - Climate Change and Energy Specialist, County of Huron, ... and more.
Summit participants will explore innovative strategies, share best practices, and ignite creativity in creating experiences that make a lasting impact.
Register today at this link and should you have any food intolerances, please forward any dietary restrictions to kstewart@huroncounty.ca by Friday, October 25.
Karen Stewart
Cultural Development Officer
County of Huron
519.524.8394 extension 2730 / 226-543-1100
September 18th 2024 at 7 p.m. - Blyth Memorial Hall
Please join us IN PERSON at Blyth Memorial Hall, for what is sure to be a great talk by Gil Garratt, Artistic Director, and Rachael King, General Manager, on the building of Blyth Memorial Community Hall and the history of the Blyth Festival.
431 King Street, Blyth
There is also a limited number of seats at the Blyth Inn for dinner at 5 p.m.
Email HCHS1965@gmail.com by Sept. 15 for ZOOM link and/or dinner menu.
See details attached for complete itinerary. Click here for a larger version of the poster.
Saturday May 11, 2024 - Trek to Waterloo County (full day excursion)
Please pre-register with David Armstrong by phone: 519-524-1156, or by email: Davidarmstrong@hurontel.ca by April 26th, 2024.
See details attached for complete itinerary. Click here for a larger version of the poster.
April 17, 2024 - ZOOM talk at 7:00 p.m.
Join us for a tale of adventure, discovery, love and courage with author Anne Kay who will share details about the early days of the oil and salt industries, as she traces the life of her great-great-grandfather Peter McEwan - The Salt Man.
email: hchs1965@gmail.com (by April 14th) for Zoom link.
See details attached. Click here for a larger version of the poster.
March 20, 2024 - In Person Presentation also on ZOOM talk at 7:00 p.m.
Join us for 'Riding the Rails with Dean Hickey as he shares a brief history of train travel in Huron County and beyond.'.
Meet at the former Grand Trunk Railway Station, now the home of FAUXPOP Media Inc., at 1 Maitland Rd N in Goderich to watch in person.
email: hchs1965@gmail.com (by March 19th) for Zoom link.
See details attached.
Huron County Historical Society members:
March 6th, 2024 at 8:30 a.m.
As you will recall, for many years our Society and others have been concerned about the lack of space at our HC Archives. Recently this issue has regained attention because of the closure of the North Huron Museum.
On Wednesday morning, March 6th, Ralph Laviolette and I will be appearing as a delegation at the County Council meeting here at the Court House in Goderich. We have been advised to be there by 8:30 am. We will be advancing the case for a co-ordinated effort to develop a business plan for the expansion of the archives.
We would be pleased to have anyone interested join us at the Court House. Alternatively, you may wish to join the meeting online using the link provided below.
Sincerely,
David Armstrong, HCHS President
If you are unable to attend in person the meeting will be available on Zoom and Telephone Conference.
Zoom: Please click or copy the link below to join the Zoom webinar via Computer:
https://zoom.us/j/331429936
Password: 145566
Or Telephone:
Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
Canada: +1 778 907 2071 or +1 438 809 7799 or +1 587 328 1099 or +1 647 374 4685 or +1 647 558 0588
Webinar ID: 331 429 936
Password: 145566
February 21, 2024 - ZOOM talk at 7:00 p.m.
Join us for 'A Huron County Pioneer in Canadian Aviation' 'Keith 'Hoppy' Hopkinson'.
See details attached.
It is also that time of year again.
Membership fees/dues are $20 per year, (January 1st - December 31st).
Please make cheque payable to:
The Huron County Historical Society P.O. Box 3 Goderich, ON N7A 3Y5.
E-transfers are also an option.
For further information call 519-440-6206 or email:
hchs1965@gmail.com
Thank you for your support. Wishing you a happy and healthy winter season.
What better way to kick off the New Year then with a ZOOM talk with Davis Yates.
Join us January 17th , 2024 at 7 p.m. for 'Challenging Times'.
Upcoming Autumn Events September, October, November 2023
Please join us September 13th, 7 p.m. at the East Street Cider Co., 130 East Street, Goderich for a talk on this beautiful heritage building and its rich history as an industrial site in Goderich. Enjoy sampling Cider brewed on-site, made from 100% Ontario apples which will be available for purchase. There are also non-alcoholic options if preferred.
Cheers to David and Ellen's vision "to create cider worthy of the heritage and fortitude of our historic building and the community within which it is located".
Everyone Welcome. We hope to see you there!
Upcoming Summer Events June, and July 2023
Town of Exeter 150th Anniversary June 29 to July 2, 2023.
Look forward to seeing you there! Click here for a PDF poster of the events.
Upcoming Spring Events April 19, and May 13
An in-person event has been scheduled for Wednesday, April 19, 2023 @ 7pm:
A tour of the Menesetung Canoe Club AND Maitland Lodge #33, @ 39 West Street, Goderich.
A wonderful opportunity for us to get out and about - and mingle– AND be permitted to visit two wonderful Huron County facilities not otherwise generally accessible!
As indicated on the poster attached, RSP's are NOT required – however, any questions, email HCHS1965@gmail.com.
Look forward to seeing you there! Click here for larger poster image.
We are excited to have confirmed plans for our Trek to Lucan and London on Saturday, May 13th, 2023. These tours are always popular and great days out.
Please pre-book your tour by May 1st with David Armstrong.
Telephone 519-524-1156 or email davidarmstrong@hurontel.on.ca
If you have any questions David will be happy to help.
Look forward to seeing you. Click here for larger poster image.
The Wingham & Area Historical Society Meeting
Wed. March 8 at 2:30 pm
Alice Munro Public Library, Wingham
Program includes
Stars of the Town, a black & white, silent movie taken about 1949 of Wingham's main street's buildings
Plus Jodi Jerome's collection of old photos with information about more than 200 businesses on Josephine St.
Plus a Dramatic Reading of Audrey's McKague's recollections of how getting a radio in the 1940s was very memorable.
Everyone welcome
February 15, 2023:
Join us February 15 at 7 p.m. to hear Sinead Cox share the history behind the Young Canuckstorian Project. Email hchs1965@gmail.com to be notified of the Zoom link..
On June 12, 2022:
Exeter and District Heritage Foundation
'It Only Seems Like Yesterday…' June 12 Special Heritage Open House 1-4 pm.
Royal Canadian Legion Exeter Branch 316 William Street, Enjoy a wonderful trip down memory Lane with artifacts and nostalgia.
Authors Bonnie Sitter and David Yates will be there. The Foundation will feature their newest project, a decorative fence around the perimeter of the Exeter cemetery.
Van Egmond House
Spring Breakfast June 12, 2022 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Van Egmond House, in Egmondville is a magnificent restored country manor. It was built in 1846 and is furnished with antiques representative of the period. That alone is worth the visit and with breakfast offered too! What a start to the weekend. Prices: Adult $10; Children under 10 $5 with Preschoolers free.
Click here to load a PDF poster of the June June HCHS Newsletter in a new browser window.
On May 25 the Huron County Historical Society will be doing some housekeeping. Hard to believe a year has passed since our last Annual General Meeting This is a business formality that allows members to see what has been done over the last year, how we sit financially and how the membership has grown (or not).
We invite all members to take part in the HCHS AGM and make comment on the last year's events, activities.
Please consider this a warm invitation to attend via Zoom
For getting the zoom link for May 25, 2022, 7 pm, all interested should email hchs1965@gmail.com to be notified of the login details.
Looking forward to welcoming your input.
Mark June 12 on your calendar - Exeter and District Heritage Foundation would like to invite you to their Special Heritage Open House. There will be displays of local artifacts and nostalgia, authors Bonnie Sitter and David Yates will be there. The poster is attached. Please feel free to share and make it an interesting outing. I'll reply promptly.
Click here to load a PDF poster of the June 12, 2022 Special Heritage Open House in a new browser window.
ROAD TRIP!
Join the Huron County Historical Society on our Trek to Bruce & Grey.
Immerse yourself for a day in the history of our neighbours to the north. These tours are well organized, informative and fun.
Any questions or for more information contact David Armstrong 519-524-1156 or davidarmstrong@hurontel.on.ca or DM us.
Pre-book by May 1st.
UPCOMING ZOOM VIDEO CALLS:
March 16, 2022 at 7 p.m. Zoom Online Presentation
The Land Between
An Overview of the Indigenious Archaeology of Huron County
with Jim Sherratt, M.A., CAHP
Please email hchs1965@gmail.com for Zoom link...
November 3, 2021 @ 7:00 p.m. Zoom Online Presentation
Inviting Huron County Historical Society to join us.
Join David Yates sharing stories from his book "That Freedom Might Survive"
The pre-registration link is https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0udumrqTovG9ze1QWCtpGISDeVLSX9HJ0R
This free webinar is open to anyone.
Deb McAuslan
Chair, Huron County Branch,
Ontario Ancestors
October 20, 2021 @ 7:00 p.m. Zoom Presentation
Please email hchs1965@gmail.com for Zoom link...
Huron Branch OGS Webinar - Please join us on Wed, Oct 6th at 7:30 p.m. EDT
"Female Preachers of the Bible Christian Church" presenter Jim Bowen.
Pre- register for this Zoom webinar at
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwvc-6sqTItEtx5FDSP9mdKv60rg3W4-b4i
Jim's focus has been on the origins and history of the 19th century evangelical Methodist sect, the Bible Christian Connexion, with a specific interest in the stories of the female itinerant preachers. This research path has led him to Huron County, as he has explored the lives of his maternal ancestors.
Deb McAuslan
Chair, Huron County Branch,
Ontario Ancestors
September 15, 2021 at 7 p.m. EDT
Huron County Stone Gardens
Liz Sangster will present a summary of research done during the past year on cemeteries in Huron County. As a local historian, master gardener, student of art history and author, Liz has a unique ability to describe many facets of how the lives of Huron County residents have been commemorated. Liz is fluent in the language of flowers, symbolism, and the Victorian cult of the dead. By contrast, Liz's sister, Pam, is a geoscientist and dimension stone expert who addresses the physical aspect of the cemetery in the landscape.
Initially, the goal of the study was to provide a more robust understanding of these sites from a heritage perspective. Plans were to provide guidelines on a standard approach to documenting sites. As work progressed, some plans were modified to accommodate COVID restrictions to data. References, resource materials and suggestions for future study will be provided. Liz and Pam continue to work on their project.
For getting the zoom link for Sept 15, 7 p.m., all interested should email hchs1965@gmail.com to be notified of the login details.
HCHS FILM SOCIETY proposal:
Over the past few meetings, the Society's Directors have considered forming a Film Society section and would like your input as members. The proposal involves a film evening to be held once a month, by Zoom conferencing until COVID permits live meetings, then at the Goderich Museum.
Please contact James White at 519-821-5096 if you want further information. Attendance will be by invitation using email addresses. If you wish to join this first, free evening Zoom presentation on April 22 at 7:00pm, please email your request for the Zoom link to hchs1965@gmail.com.
More information is available in the March HCHS newsletter linked below.
Click here to download the March 2021 Newsletter in PDF format.
FUNDRAISING - HURON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
SUPPORT THE HURON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
LOCAL HISTORY BOOKS FOR SALE
We have been offered some more books to sell with proceeds to the Huron County Historical Society. Bonnie Sitter is generously looking after this project, with delivery terms and collection.
She can be reached via email bonnie.sitter@gmail.com Make an offer!
PURCHASE BACK COPIES OF THE HCHS NOTES
Back copies of The Historical Notes can be purchased from – Finchers and The Book Peddler both of Goderich, North Huron Citizen in Blyth, The Book Barn off Hwy 86 between Wingham and Whitechurch, The Village Bookshop, Bayfield and Bayfield Archives.
Copies of recent past Historical Notes are also available from Elaine Snell please phone at 519-523-9531 (past copies $8.00 per copy).
MEMBERSHIP DUES
Renewing and New Memberships may be easily paid by e-transfer. Contact us at hchs1965@gmail.com to arrange.
To view the current HCHS member brochure click here.
PURCHASE JACK MCLAREN NOTECARDS
Please email glousher@cabletv.on.ca or e.mary.gregg@gmail.com to arrange purchase. Choose from 10 Huron County Scenes. $3.00 each.
Reflections: The Life and Works Of J.W. (Jack) McLaren
October 8th 2020 to April 30th 2021
For current Huron County Museum hours please visit:
https://www.huroncountymuseum.ca/huron-county-museum/
Or for more information call the Museum at 519-524-2686
This exhibition showcases the life and works of John. W. (Jack) McLaren, who fought with the Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry in WWI, and entertained troops at Ypres Salient, Vimy Ridge and many other locations on the Western Front with the PPCLI Comedy Company and 3rd Division Dumbells Comedy Troupe. McLaren was also an associate of the Group of Seven at the Arts and Letters Club Toronto, and a talented artist and writer who enjoyed successful careers as a commercial and editorial illustrator, caricaturist, advertising and promotion executive, and painter throughout much of the 20th century.Jack and his wife Lillian moved to Huron County in the early 1960s, where Jack continued to be prolific in both the visual and theatrical fields. He was elected president of the Huron County Historical Society in 1968 and designed our logo. This exhibition is in partnership with the Huron County Museum.
Below find a link to a video tour of the exhibition Reflections: The Life & Work of J.W. (Jack) McLaren running at the Huron County Museum in Goderich, produced by The County of Huron. The Huron County Historical Society wanted to feature Jack in a way that would bring long due awareness to this remarkable Canadian and Huron County resident.
As the idea evolved, it became clear gallery space would be required to best show his work and tell his story so a partnership with the museum was born.
The video features: Huron County historian and author David Yates, Shawn Henshall who is married to Jack's great granddaughter Kelly and who has authored the book The Forgotten Legend (Friesen Press 2020), Susan Glousher and Mary Gregg, Directors of the Huron County Historical Society and Sinead Cox Acting Senior Curator of the Huron County Museum.
Absent is Dr. Michael Gregg. Michael is with the Department of Archaeology at the University of Toronto. He led the research and wrote the text for the interpretive panels you will see at the museum and secured institutional loans for the show. He also led the HCHS through over a dozen boxes of Jack's extensive reference files in the Huron County Museum archives to uncover a plethora of examples of his creative process, inspiration, advertising mock ups and far reaching connections a few examples of which you will see in the glass cases in the gallery and are described in the video.
This 27 minute video is a great primer to watch before and after seeing the show. We hope all who visit come away inspired and enlightened by Jack McLaren's life and work.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gU94jq3J-x0
November 2020 Newsletter
- A Tribute to Jack McClaren
- James Harrison White examines Sadra Orr's book 'Grand Bend to Southhampton'
- Lots to do this winter...
Click here to download the November 2020 Newsletter in PDF format.
Join us for the HCHS Annual General Meeting in September
We are planning to hold our COVID19-postponed Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, September 23, 7 p.m. in order to satisfy our corporate and charitable status requirements by audio–video conferencing using Zoom. The popularity of this new way of holding meetings and group communications is both convenient and, for some members who live further away, may be the first time they can take part in the Annual General Meeting without all the travelling involved. One of the main items on any AGM agenda is the slate of officers. We are a small friendly group who share the work to make the load lighter for others. Vicky Culbert is standing down as president. She has been very active and has set us on a course to be more in the public eye. Graham Booth has stepped down as director, and with his solid suggestion of creating banners, and Vicky lining up locations at local fairs, we were headed into a much needed public awareness campaign. While the summer is slipping by and all of the events we were to attend have been cancelled, we still have the basic blueprint to follow to get us back into the swing of things when safe to do so.
If you would like to virtually attend the AGM on September 23, please contact Ralph Laviolette to register and get set up with a link.hchs1965@gmail.com
Click here to download the August 2020 Newsletter in PDF format.
Rescheduled: Trek to Bruce and Grey
Huron County Historical Society is Hosting a Bus Tour
Trek to Bruce & Grey Bus Tour Scheduled Spring 2021
We are still hoping to make this bus tour happen and we are hopeful with more and more businesses opening up is a good sign for us.
David Armstrong 519-524-1156 davidarmstrong@hurontel.on.ca
Cancelled: The Victorian Tea for May 23
sponsored by the the AMGH Foundation, Goderich that we told you about last newsletter has been totally cancelled.
We hope it will be scheduled for next year. It promised to be a wonderful event that would appeal to so many.
Step Back in Time, A Victorian Event
An immersive event includes admission and activities at three unique locations!
- St. George's Anglican Church - Victorian Tea and International Bayfield Croquet Club demonstartion on the lawn
- Huron County Museum - One woman play featuring Colleen Maguire and access to the Victorian Apartment
- Huron County Gaol - Infantry School Corps will be performing exercises in the courtyard
Consult the NEWSLETTER section for other upcoming events and meetings or click below.
Derek Fazakas. Web page last updated November, 2024.