Simcoe County Historical Association

Preserving the Past, In the Present, For the Future

Speaker Series – We Must Have More Men!

Danielle Kostrich, who co-wrote the play, ‘We Must Have More Men! Barrie and the Great War‘, will be talking about her research process, how she turned reality into drama and the difficulties in choosing who to include as characters in this successful play. Performances of We Must Have More Men were staged by Theatre by the Bay at several Simcoe County communities in 2016 and 2017, and highlight a critical time in Barrie’s history.

The Simcoe County Historical Association invites you to join us on November 13 at 7:30 p.m. in the Huronia Room at Barrie City Hall for this insightful presentation.

Read on for more information about Danielle Kostrich.

 

Speaker Series – Dam Busters: The Secret Raid Against Nazi Germany

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the legendary bombing mission, referred to as the Dambusters Raid. In 1943 a secret air raid on Nazi Germany changed the Second World War. It involved a team of the best Royal Air Force airmen – a quarter of which were Canadian.

The SCHA and the Barrie Historical Association invite you to join us on October 23rd at 7pm at the Royal Canadian Legion on St. Vincent Street, Barrie to hear award-winning author Ted Barris speak about his new book “Dam Busters” and this historic raid.

Ted will have copies of his new and previous books for sale and signing. The Dam Busters is $36.75 (taxes included)

The History of Les Bertram & Sons Ltd

Join us at Minesing Hall on September 22 at 2 p.m. to hear two generations of Bertrams share their story of commitment and adaptability that has kept the business thriving for nearly 80 years.

One of their projects was the historic Knock School which dates back to 1902 and was in use until 1965, before becoming a community centre. The Town of Innisfil took ownership in the ’90’s and in 2007, the building was renovated and became known as the Knock School Heritage Site and home to the Innisfil Historical Society.

 

Looking forward, into the past.

Ted Duncan and John Merritt of the Simcoe County Historical Association, talk shop under an old maple tree while visiting the Oro African Methodist Episcopal Church, Tuesday. The group celebrated its 125th anniversary and is hoping to expand by connecting with other historical groups in the area.  

Read more about the SCHA’s long history here

 

 

Simcoe County Historical Association Land Acknowledgement

In recognition of those who walked this land before us, Simcoe County Historical Association acknowledges that we gather on the ancestral
territory of the Anishinaabek Nations: the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Pottawatomi, who collectively are known as the Three Fires Confederacy. We remember
too the people of the Wendat who once made this land their home. We acknowledge with regret that in the past we have not lived in harmony
with the Indigenous People of Turtle Island and our relationship has not been one of true friendship based on honesty, generosity, and mutual respect.
Today we recognize the enduring presence of the people of the Chippawa Tri-Council: Beausoleil First Nation, Georgina Island First Nation, and Chippewas of Rama First Nations, as well as the people of the Métis Nation, the Inuit, and other First Nations who have chosen to make their
homes in this region. The members of the Simcoe County Historical Association recognize that we have much to learn from the history, culture, and teachings of the Indigenous Peoples with whom we now share this land. We are committed to nurturing a spirit of respect, honesty, and reconciliation with all our First Nations, Métis, and Inuit neighbours. Click Here for more info.