Archaeology
Our Waterfront's Archaeological Heritage
The plans for our archaeological sites by the water
By Rhan-Ju Song, PH.D, University of Toronto Scarborough
As clearly evident in tourist postcards, Toronto's position on the shores of Lake Ontario is key to its identity, vitality and global appeal. The CN Tower, Rogers Centre (Sky Dome), Royal York Hotel, C.N.E., and Ontario Place are just a few examples of the landmarks familiar to local residents, as well as visitors. However, the (pre)history of Toronto's waterfront is far older than most people realize, from indigenous settlements and activity dating back 10,000 years, to a lively industrial period that began 200 years ago.
The Eastern Waterfront late 1800s (City of Toronto Archives, Series 376 Item 44a)
Delicious
Digg
FacebookToronto: An Illustrated History of its First 12,000 Years
You're invited to the book launch on Wednesday, November 12th
Heritage Toronto, Archaeological Services Inc. and James Lorimer & Co. Limited are pleased to host the book launch of Toronto: An Illustrated History of its First 12,000 Years, edited by Ron Williamson.
From the book description: From the final retreat of the Laurentide Ice Sheet to its emergence as a Canada's leading city, this book explores the evolution of Toronto over the past 12,000 years. Five knowledgeable historians have combined efforts to bring together beautiful illustrations and fascinating, fresh perspectives in this new, natural, archaeological and social history.
Please join us on Wednesday, November 12th from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at St Lawrence Hall (157 King Street East, Third Floor). Enjoy hors d'oeuvres and refreshments and meet the authors behind the book.
Hope to see you there!
The Need for a University of Toronto Archaeological Master Plan
An open letter to President Naylor
Dear Professor Naylor,
I am writing to you on behalf of Heritage Toronto in strong support of the suggestion from Archaeological Services Incorporated that an archaeological master plan for the land holdings of the University of Toronto be undertaken.
There are several registered archaeological sites located on the grounds of the Toronto campus and potential for other archaeological resources on these and other lands owned and managed by the University.
In order to avoid future disturbance of potential sites and knowing in advance of highly sensitive areas, it is suggested that the University of Toronto would benefit from an Archaeological Master Plan for its total land holdings. The Master Plan would provide a guide and data base of registered archaeological sites as well as areas of high potential for archaeological resources. It may be possible that such a plan could be put together as part of an academic process whereby students would benefit from the study and the University would have a document and policy that would be to its benefit as it grows and develops into the future.
This Weekend's Walks
Bâby Point: 10,000 Years of History and In The Footsteps of Black Victorians
Saturday, July 26 - 1:30 PM
Bâby Point: 10,000 Years of History
Explore some of Toronto's First Nations and French history with this tour of the area named after the estate of James Bâby, an early French settler. Hear about the Seneca village of Teiaiagon, the Carrying Place trail and the first French fort in what is now Toronto. Tours will be offered in English and French.
LEADERS: La Société d'histoire de Toronto
START POINT: SW corner of Jane St and Bâby Point Rd/Annette St
FINISH POINT: Near Old Mill Subway Station
LENGTH: Approx. 2 - 2 ½ hours
FOCUS: Historical, natural, architectural
DIFFICULTY: Long walk with slopes, many stairs and some rough ground
Sunday, July 27 - 1:00 PM
In The Footsteps of Black Victorians
In the 19th century, Toronto was a centre of antislavery organizations and Black cultural and political activities. Hear about the men and women of the community as we visit some of the sites known to them.
Summer Walks Schedule Now Online
Our free historic walking tours run to October
The remainder of our 2008 Walks Schedule has now been posted here, with new walks including Fort York, the Toronto Islands and an Exhibition Ghost Walk! We hope you'll join us and explore many of Toronto's neighbourhoods and sites - for free!
The last of our Spring walks this weekend are below, before the Canada Day long weekend.
Hope to see you this summer!
Saturday, June 28 - 1:30 PM
NEW
Riverdale Homes and People
Explore an old and historically significant neighbourhood. Hear stories about life east of the Don River: the oldest house; homes of the wealthy, gardeners, merchants and clerks; recreation and incarceration.
LEADER: Gerald Whyte, Riverdale Historical Society
START POINT: Historic Don Jail, NW corner of Broadview and Gerrard Streets
FINISH POINT: Broadview St and Riverdale Ave
LENGTH: Approx. 1 ½ hours
FOCUS: Historical, architectural
DIFFICULTY: Average walk on sidewalks, some park grounds
On the (Toronto) Waterfront
The Archaeological Conservation and Management Strategy
Our waterfront is on the tips of people's tongues lately, with the proposed dismantling of the eastern Gardiner Expressway and the plans for a Toronto Museum. With all this focus on the waterfront's future, now is the time to take scope of its past.