Emerging Historians
Our Emerging Historians program empowers the next generation of city-builders, supporting new ideas and perspectives to drive and diversify heritage work.
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For the future of Toronto’s heritage
Since 2018, the Emerging Historians program has provided direct hands-on experience in heritage work to over 200 new young professionals ranging from producing new and immersive programming, to researching and writing digital stories, from volunteer management, to video production, event photography, digital marketing, and more.
Who can be an Emerging Historian?
Are you a:
- Current student?
- Recent graduate?
- Emerging professional in the first five years of building your career?
If yes, we believe you would thrive as an Emerging Historian.
2025 Highlights
Last year, 37 young professionals participated in the Emerging Historians program. We worked with 22 Emerging Historians from across the city through paid contracts to develop and lead more than 20 equity-focused in-person tours and workshops, creating new avenues for representation and dialogue in Toronto. They also researched and wrote digital stories, such as A League of Her Own and Taking Flight, and self-guided digital tours, such as Big Stories in Little India and Making Change at Honest Ed’s. We also offered opportunities for emerging historians to conduct interviews with community members and produce creative assets across photography, videography, and graphic design.
2025 Annual Report
More of the Annual Report is online!
Through the Emerging Historians program, I gained new professional skills, mentorship, and plenty of Toronto-focused historical knowledge. Most importantly, I was able to work directly with communities, help tell their stories, and spark interest in the city’s heritage. The program has made a lasting impression on me and allowed me to pursue my long-standing passion for history.
Ela Gach
During my time with Heritage Toronto, I’ve gained a massive amount of appreciation for small-scale archival and historical work. The experience has made me a more confident person. I saw that I was resourceful, and I could communicate my passion and excitement for stories and history to others and connect through that shared experience.
Xin Amy Wen
Emerging Historians Champions
Join the team
Learn more about our Emerging Historians program and how you can participate.
