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The Slide Show represents a few of the photographs taken for the Whitby Sesquicentennial Calendar Book in 2005.

In 2004, The Whitby Historical Society proudly opened its doors once again presenting The Whitby Our present museum was opened in 2004 to showcase our many artifacts so that members of the community and tourists would have a place to view and enjoy them after over 17 years in storage. 

The Museum now attracts around 2500 visitors each year in additon to the special events.

The goal was also to plan for Whitby's Sesquicentennial the following year. A much appreciated award from the Ontario Trillium Foundation for projects was awarded, and this along with support from the Lyons Club as well as raising money through Bingos we managed a good start. The store front museum in downtown historic Whitby, the heart of Durham Region Ontario is located at 123 Brock St. South, Whitby Ontario.

Since opening its doors the museum and it's volunteers have been quite active. Here are some of the things we have done and a bit about our own past at WHS.

2005

Whitby's Sesquicentennial year. President, Margaret Boyce, had a dream to create a Calendar/Book of historic events, from the beginning in Whitby -to the present, in the form of a coffee table book as a lasting memento, fundraiser, and vehicle to help bring awareness to the community about, The Whitby History Museum & Children's Centre in downtown Whitby.

Heritage Day in Whitby was celebrated by the Whitby Historical Society in two locations an Our Sesquicentennial Book Launch at Sobeys on Thickson's road and at The Museum with special displays.
Peter MacKellar, Matt Armstrong, Jay Cannings, Darryl Whitlock and Matt Cardwell Members of the Whitby Dunlops Hockey team were kept busy signing autographs

The Ontario Trillium Foundation that had awarded the group a $54,000 grant, made a presentation of a plaque to The Society, accepted by Margaret Boyce, President.Jim Flaherty MP, (MPP for Whitby-Ajax at the time) and Alan Strike, a volunteer with OTF, presented the Society with a special plaque.

Jim Flaherty, MP said, “I am pleased that the important service that the Whitby Historical Society provides has been recognized by the Ontario Trillium Foundation, especially during this, Our Sesquicentennial year. The commemorative Sesquicentennial Book is a wonderful tribute to our collective past and will be cherished for many years by the people of Whitby.”

Margaret Boyce, President Whitby Historical Society accepted the plaque on behalf of WHS saying,
“The Whitby Historical Society is very happy to have the support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation. The impetus gained in the first few weeks of being given this grant have made a tremendous difference to the level of services that we have been able to plan for and provide to the community and especially to the school children who will be attending special tour to learn about early history in Whitby and Area, a microcosm of Southern Ontario history. Also thanks to Ontario Trillium Foundation support, we have been able to add to our fundraising efforts and create this premier Sesquicentennial Memento book in honour of Whitby’s proud 150 year history.”

Special Remarks were also given by Gerry S. Emm, Deputy Mayor; Lorne E. Coe, Councillor; and John Dolstra of the Durham District School Board also were on hand to say a few words about the fine job the Whitby Historical Society is doing to preserve Whitby Heritage. Then Deputy Mayor Gerry S. Emm commented on the fine job WHS is doing in the community and once again pledged the Town's support in future.

Matt Cardwell spoke on behalf of the Whitby Dunlop's and thanked Whitby fans for supporting the Teams efforts. You are invited to see team updates at
The Whitby Dunlop's web site.

Carol Wood-Keston, WHS Board of Director thanked Sobeys on behalf of WHS for hosting the event. "Community endeavours depend on local business supporting them and we'd like to thank Sobeys for getting involved and supporting us locally." Janet Muir from Sobeys Head Offices along with store manager Nick Lucarelli said they were happy to be in Whitby and look forward to providing Whitby shoppers with all their grocery needs.

Trina Astor-Stewart, Special Projects Coordinator for the book project, who also photographed many of the pictures in 'Our Sesquicentennial', and and together with her husband Breck Stewart managed the funding and publishing for the book, thanked everyone for attending.

Jack and Noni Hutchinson dressed in costume for Heritage Day.. Jack and Noni also appear in the book, "Our Sesquicentennial"
 

2006
 

Book Gift to Whitby School children Celebrating Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's 80'th Birthday -A ceremony was held marking the event at Sir William Stephenson Public School,1125 Athol Street South, Whitby on May 18th, at 9:30 AM - Followed by speeches, and a Birthday cake fit for a Queen! lovingly baked by Suzanne of Brooklin Bakery.
Special guest speaker was: Christine Elliott, MPP for Whitby/Ajax
9,000 copies of ‘Our Sesquicentennial’ books, created as a memento of Whitby’s Sesquicentennial were given to all school children in Whitby, grades 1 to 6.The Society's President, Margaret Boyce announced that the Whitby Historical Society received communications from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II regarding the birthday celebrations. Birthday greetings were sent on behalf of The Whitby Historical Society and its members to The Queen, including an "Our Sesquicentennial" Gift Book which was acknowledged with sincere thanks.

2007

The Whitby Historical Society celebrated its 40th anniversary with an Heritage Ball at the Royal Ashburn Golf Club in 2007.

A series of events are planned through out the year as fundraisers and ways to involve the community in enjoying activities at the museum such as the following.

2008 to 2009 -Representative activities since 2004

• 'Victorian Tea' at the Museum 
• Whitby History Contest
• 'A Musical Evening at Trafalgar Castle'
• Hot Chocolate after the Santa Clause Parade 
• Traveling Museum to Schools & Seniors Homes
• Heritage Arts and Crafts Workshops & Pioneer Life Skills and Olde Tyme Toy Demonstrations
• for Sparks, Brownies, Guides, Cubs, Scouts and Beavers
• 'Death by Chocolate' or 'Chocolate Fantacy' Evenings
• Heritage display -Brooklin Spring Fair
• Summer Fresh Fruit Fantasy Afternoon
• Children's Summer Camp Heritage Workshops
• Heritage Day displays and events with as many as 300 visitors each year.
• Two Gala Heritage Balls, one for WHS 40th Anniversary.
• 2009 WHS organized the first Durham Region wide museums tour with 9 participating museums in the Summer/Fall event which was advertised in Astoria Magazine. Museums reported more visits due to the tour.

• 2009 -The Canadian Heritage Art Guild was formed, becoming part of the activities carried on at the museum. Heritage skills are really an art! People are encouraged to learn and showcase their heritage and present day artisan skills. Several people were awarded Certificates in 2009 for their artful entries.

Since its opening the History Museum & Children's Centre has been visited by people from home and abroad, many are astounded at the size of the collection and the attractive, ever changing displays.

School children, Scouts and Guides, especially enjoy the butter making, candle making and pioneer kitchen ‘hands on’ activities. One child didn't know how corn meal was made, other are fascinated with the corn planter on display at the museum.

Our volunteer tour guides and planners are always looking for new ways to make the History Museum a fun and interesting place to visit.

The Whitby Historical Society wishes to thank the community for its tremendous support for the History Museum.

History of The Society before 2004

The Whitby Historical Society was founded in 1967 as a Centennial Project for Canada’s Centennial that same year. It was Incorporated as a Registered Charity in 1968.

The Whitby Historical Society has opened its collection to the public through a Museum in various temporary locations over the years.

1. Centennial Building in Whitby, (originally the Ontario County Court House)
2. The Community Temperance Hall in Myrtle.
3. Lynde House, at Dundas and McQuay from 1972 to 1986 when Lynde House was moved to Cullen Gardens where it was operated by Cullen Gardens. The land where Lynde House once stood is now a coffee shop.

Cullen Gardens was closed at the end of 2005, the land was bought by the Town of Whitby.

4. In 2004, The Whitby Historical Society proudly opened its doors once again presenting The Whitby History Museum & Children's Centre 123 Brock St. South, Whitby Ontario. Occupying a portion of historic London House in the heart of Whitby’s downtown. L. 123-125 Brock St. S. (1878/79) - Originally called London House, this building was constructed in 1878 for Andrew M. Ross (see #30), a dry goods merchant and grocer.

Before that the collection of artifacts was first housed at Kendalwood Plaza for two years until being put in storage for 17 years. A dedicated group of volunteers worked tirelessly at fundraising in order to again open The Collection to public viewing in its present location.