Simcoe County Historical Association

Preserving the Past, In the Present, For the Future

Speaker Series

 

 

It was the late 1800’s that the city was given the nickname “Toronto The Good” but in truth it was often anything but.  In this talk by author Adam Bunch, we’ll head into the shadows where Victorian vice reigned and meet the notorious criminals who once terrorized the town. From con artists to kidnappers, we’ll explore the days when our city was a hard-drinking outpost on the edge of the British Empire filled with brothels, pickpockets, and thieves.

Adam Bunch is a Canadian public historian, author, and storyteller known for making history engaging through projects like the Toronto Dream Project, hosting the series Canadiana, and writing popular books such as The Toronto Book of the Dead.

Join SCHA as Adam tells the story of Toronto’s not-so-good side on:

Date:   Wednesday January 21st, 2026
Time:    7 PM

Register for this free virtual session by following this link:

Toronto’s Victorian Underworld: with Adam Bunch Tickets, Wed, Jan 21, 2026 at 7:00 PM | Eventbrite

Registration is not required but we suggest you log in 5-10 minutes before the session begins.

Cost:  attend this event free of charge. Your membership or a donation would be greatly appreciated.

It is only with the support of our members and donors that we are able to continue to offer sessions like these.  Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

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.