Laura Centore

Writing History: A Conversation Between Two Storytellers

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Hello Everyone,

Please see this guest post from the Canadian Institute for Historical Education (CIHE):

“Writing History: A Conversation Between Two Storytellers”

In partnership with the Yorkminster Park Speakers Series, the CIHE is pleased to present two of Canada’s best known writers on stage together this coming Friday, September 26th at 7PM at Yorkminster Park Church in Midtown Toronto.  

Charlotte Gray is a prolific popular historian and the author of a dozen books including The Massey Murder, Sisters in the Wilderness, and Passionate Mothers, Powerful Sons, as
well as biographies of Alexander Graham Bell, Nellie McClung and Pauline Johnson.

Maureen Jennings has published eighteen crime fiction novels in four different series, each set in a different historical era.  She is best known for her Detective Murdoch Books, which inspired the
popular Murdoch Mysteries television series which has now been broadcast in over 150 countries and territories worldwide.  


Maureen Jennings and Charlotte Gray’s presentation is entitled “Writing History: A
Conversation Between Two Storytellers” and promises to be an entertaining and insightful evening.  This event will also be live streamed so that you can watch online wherever you happen to be.
You can learn more at the link below and register to attend either in person or online, and you will receive a reminder email before the event.

Join award-winning author and historian Charlotte Gray and Maureen Jennings  for a powerful discussion about the future of Canada’s national archives — and what’s at stake if we fail to act.

Canada’s national archives preserve our collective memory — yet chronic underfunding, bureaucratic roadblocks, and limited public access threaten their ability to do so.

This thought-provoking talk will examine:

  • Why Canada’s archives matter more than ever
  • The real impact of years-long research delays and restrictive access laws
  • Why new buildings aren’t enough to fix the deeper problems
  • What citizens can do to ensure Canada’s history remains accessible

This event builds on her recent Globe & Mail article, Canada’s National Archives Need More Than Just a Facelift.

Whether you’re a historian, researcher, educator, or a concerned citizen who cares about preserving Canada’s past, you won’t want to miss this engaging evening.

Seats are limited — reserve yours now.

To register for the event follow this link: “Writing History: A Conversation Between Two Storytellers”

The OxHS is now on Facebook and Instagram, to like us search: OxfordHistoricalSociety1897
Or click on the FB or Instagram symbol on the right hand side of our website!

If you would like your event or article published (relating to Oxford County ON or South-Western ON), on the Society’s blog please email us at info@oxhs.ca

OxHS Presentation on Wednesday, September 24, 2025!

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Industrial Woodstock!

Hello Everyone,
please join us for Wes Magill’s presentation as he takes us through the history of “Industrial Woodstock”.
To download and share this event, click on this link to: Industrial Woodstock
This presentation will take place at the Woodstock Museum, NHS. Doors open at 6:15, meeting starts at 6:30pm. This is a free event and open to all!

The OxHS is now on Facebook and Instagram, to like us search: OxfordHistoricalSociety1897
Or click on the FB or Instagram symbol on the right hand side of our website!

If you would like your event or article published (relating to Oxford County ON or South-Western ON), on the Society’s blog please email us at info@oxhs.ca

“Growing Stronger Together: A Celebration of Oxford County’s Past” Book Launch July 30, 2025!

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Hello Everyone,
please see this guest post from the Oxford County Archives:

Folklore, true crime, heroes and Elvis: Oxford County’s most noteworthy
moments are captured in, “Growing Stronger Together: A Celebration of
Oxford County’s Past,” a new book by the Oxford County Archives that
celebrates the 175th anniversary of the County’s incorporation.

A collection of stories about local people, events and communities, the
book has its origins in an Archives blog started during the COVID-19
pandemic to share interesting stories about the County’s past. It
features articles and historical research from multiple contributors and
was curated by Oxford County Archivist Liz Dommasch.

The public book launch for “Growing Stronger Together: A Celebration of
Oxford County’s Past” takes place this month:

When: Wednesday, July 30, 2025 from 1:00 – 3:00pm

1:30pm: Comments from Deputy Warden Brian Petrie and book excerpts
read by County Archivist Liz Dommasch

Where: Oxford County Archives (Governor’s House building)
82 Light Street, Woodstock N4S 7Y3
Phone: 519-539-9800 x3071

Copies of the book will be on sale at the event for $45.00 each.

The book will also be available for purchase online at
www.oxfordcounty.ca/archives, at the Ingersoll and Tillsonburg
branches of Oxford County Library, Oxford County Archives, and at the
Customer Service desk in the Oxford County Administration Building.

Oxford County is celebrating the 175th anniversary of its
incorporation as a county in 2025 and the 50th anniversary of the
restructuring of Oxford County into its eight area municipalities:
Blandford-Blenheim, East Zorra-Tavistock, Ingersoll, Norwich, South-West
Oxford, Tillsonburg, Woodstock and Zorra. It is the 60th anniversary
of the Oxford County Library system and the 25th anniversary of Oxford
County Archives.

To learn more visit www.oxfordcounty.ca/anniversary

Other anniversary year events

* Woodstock Art Gallery Exhibit: Oxford County Archives: Celebration,
175+ years: July 12, 2025 – January 24, 2026

This exhibit explores the history of some of Oxford County’s iconic
administrative buildings, including the Court Houses, Jail, Registry
Offices and House of Refuge, and highlights some of the architectural
drawings, photographs, and artwork maintained by the Oxford County
Archives.

* Display at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario: “Oxford County:
Celebrating 175 Years.” April- December 2025

Part of the Legislative Assembly Community Exhibits Program, this
submission by the Oxford County Archives and Oxford County Library
celebrating Oxford County’s 175th anniversary and the County’s
historical and milestone achievements is on display now at Queen’s Park
in Toronto.

* Oxford County Archives: “Who Do You Think You
Are.”

Coming this fall, this video series will share the genealogical
stories of some of Oxford’s current County Councillors.

* Oxford County Archives and Oxford County Library exhibits in the
Oxford County Administration Building.

The Archives is featuring four displays throughout 2025 highlighting
the history of the County; promoting the Archives’ holdings, programs
and services; highlighting stories from the new anniversary book;
and sharing the history of the Oxford County Library system.

Oxford County Library is also hosting special events this year to mark
the Library’s 60th anniversary.

* Oxford County Library Memory Wall:
This virtual scrapbook invites stories, photos and other creative expressions
of people’s memories of County library branches over the years. Visit the wall at
www.ocl.net/memory-wall.

* Local History Speaker Series events: “Twice a Pioneer: A History of
Oxford County Library Services “

Takes place on July 19, featuring local historian Dr. Matthew Griffis,
in a presentation that will share archival images and other historical items.
In May, Oxford County Archivist Liz Dommasch offered a sneak peek
of “Growing StrongerTogether: A Celebration of Oxford County’s Past”
as part of the Local History Speaker Series.

* Anniversary video: “The Oxford County Library at 60: Foundations and
Future”

A short video that celebrates Oxford County Library’s anniversary
is being released this week through the Library’s social media
channels.

* Oxford County Library Reception: “Remember When: Celebrating Our
First 60 Years”

A public celebration of the Library’s anniversary, will
be held on September 20, 2025, at the Ingersoll branch. Watch for
details at www.ocl.net  or Speak Up, Oxford!

Comment

Marcus Ryan, Warden, Oxford County

“Oxford’s 175th Anniversary reminds us that we have a story that is
worth sharing–in fact, multiple stories worth sharing, more than 150 in
this publication alone. The story of how Oxford grew to become Oxford
shows a vibrant past and a love of community that continues today. Thank
you to the many contributors who devoted their time and passion to
keeping these stories alive.”

The OxHS is now on Facebook and Instagram, to like us search: OxfordHistoricalSociety1897
Or click on the FB or Instagram symbol on the right hand side of our website!

If you would like your event or article published (relating to Oxford County ON or South-Western ON), on the Society’s blog please email us at info@oxhs.ca

Volunteers Needed for Doors Open & Spirit of Christmas!

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Hello Everyone,

If you are interested in volunteering for either Doors Open or the Spirit of Christmas Home Tours, please complete the attached form: Volunteer Request Form 2025

Must be 18 years of age or older to volunteer.

If you would like your event or article published (relating to Oxford County ON or South-Western ON), on the Society’s blog please email us at info@oxhs.ca

The OxHS is now on Facebook and Instagram, to like us search: OxfordHistoricalSociety1897
Or click on the FB or Instagram symbol on the right hand side of our website!

AUSCHWITZ. Not long ago. Not far away.

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Special Exhibition at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), on display until September 1, 2025.

Photograph provided by the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)

Dear Members,
Please see this guest post from the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM):

“The ROM is offering a promo code to save 15% on tickets to
Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away.
Which is on display until September 1, 2025

We hope you will join us to help share this unprecedented exhibition.
Your involvement would play a crucial role in bringing this impactful
experience to a wider audience.

The promo code MUSEUM15 is also valid on tickets to these other exhibitions:
Nature in Brilliant Colour; Saints, Sinners, Lovers, and
Fools: 300 years of Flemish Masterworks.”

To take advantage of this offer, download and print this PDF: ROM Auschwitz Exhibition Special Offer

For more information about the ROM and their exhibits or to purchase tickets go to: rom.ca

If you would like your event or article published (relating to Oxford County ON or South-Western ON), on the Society’s blog please email us at info@oxhs.ca

The OxHS is now on Facebook and Instagram, to like us search: OxfordHistoricalSociety1897
Or click on the FB or Instagram symbol on the right hand side of our website!