Ontario Provincial Heritage Fair will bring 90 youth to Keele Campus on June 8

The Department of History in the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, in collaboration with the Archives of Ontario, will host the Ontario Provincial Heritage Fair on Saturday, June 8 at the Founders Assembly Hall, Room 152 Founders College, Keele Campus.

This annual event brings together Ontario students, from grades 4 to 11, their teachers and parents, to share the fascinating stories of their family, communities, province and country with their peers, teachers, parents and the public. The Ontario Provincial Heritage Fair will run from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Marcel Martel

York University history Professor Marcel Martel, holder of the Avie Bennett Historica Chair in Canadian History, is the organizer of the event at York University. He says the provincial fair will showcase the work of 90 young people who will display their award-winning posters that were created for the Youth Heritage project. According to Martel, the themes focus on diverse array of topics including, the history of historical figures, stories of immigration, Indigenous history, the history of sports, the arts and science, and acknowledge individuals of all genders, ethnicities and religions. Students use posters to tell the stories of Canadian heroes, legends, milestones and achievements. The provincial fair brings together the best projects for a showcase.

Martel is inviting members of the York community to come and talk with young people. He said they are eager to share their knowledge about history and Canada.

The Ontario Provincial Heritage Fair is part of the Ontario Heritage Fairs Association, which organizes 20 regional fairs. This event is free and open to the public. All are welcome.

To learn more, visit the Ontario Provincial Heritage Fair website or contact Martel by email at mmartel@yorku.ca.