Doors Open Ontario 2012 commemorates War of 1812

Guelph's Church of Our Lady Immaculate
photo credit: fadedgenes/via Flickr
TORONTO, April 3, 2012 /Canada NewsWire/ - The 2012 Doors Open Ontario season kicks off in Guelph on April 28. Fifty-seven events across the province comprise this year's program. From April until October, heritage buildings, cultural sites and other interesting venues will be open - free of charge - for public viewing.

The theme for Doors Open 2012, "Defending a nation," commemorates the bicentennial of the War of 1812 and the locations, events and persons connected to the defence of our province and country. Doors Open participants will uncover the stories of early inhabitants who faced invasion during the War of 1812 and learn about other heroic war efforts from the past 200 years. A diverse range of defence-related sites will be open to visitors, such as battlefields, military fortifications, armouries, armament manufacturing facilities, legion halls, commemorative monuments and peace gardens.

Five new communities have joined Doors Open this year. Georgian Bay, Quinte West, Algonquin Highlands, Halton Hills and Lambton County are hosting events to tell the stories of their local heritage.

The new Doors Open Ontario website, www.doorsopenontario.on.ca, allows visitors to pinpoint specific site locations and to plan their event itinerary. The site's interactive calendars, "my favourites" folder and social media tools allow visitors to enhance their Doors Open experience.

Doors Open Ontario is the province's most exciting heritage tourism program. Since its launch in 2002, it has grown from 17 events to a record 57, representing hundreds of communities and thousands of individual heritage sites. When the 2012 events conclude in October, the program will have generated more than 4.5 million visits to 5,000 sites across the province. Out-of-town visitors will have spent an estimated $23 million in Ontario's communities.

Trails Open Ontario, part of the Doors Open program, encourages visitors to explore Ontario's 88,000 kilometres of walking, hiking and cycling trails. Participating trails can be discovered in the Doors Open Guide and on the Doors Open website. Call 1-800-ONTARIO (1-800-668-2746) for a free copy of the guide.

Doors Open Ontario 2012 sponsors include: the Globe and Mail, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation, the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund and the participating communities.
The Ontario Heritage Trust is an agency of the Government of Ontario dedicated to identifying, preserving, protecting and promoting Ontario's heritage for present and future generations.

Below is the Doors Open Ontario 2012 calendar of events. Visit www.doorsopenontario.on.ca for more information about each community

Doors Open Ontario 2012 Calendar of Events

April
Guelph April 28

May
Whitby May 5
Hamilton May 5-6
Richmond Hill May 12
Brockville-Thousand Islands May 26-27
Kincardine May 26-27
Toronto May 26-27

June
Stratford June 2
Whitchurch-Stouffville June 2
Huronia June 2-3
Ottawa June 2-3
Owen Sound June 2-3
Smiths Falls June 3
Clarington June 9
Burlington June 9-10
Niagara (Ontario and New York) June 15-17
Georgian Bay New! June 16
Fergus and Elora June 23
Kingston June 23
Muskoka June 23-24

July
Aurora July 14
Orillia-Mariposa July 28

August
Timmins August 11
Georgina August 25

September
Mississippi Mills-Carleton Place September 8
Thunder Bay September 8
Cornwall-Seaway Valley September 8-9
Kawartha Lakes September 9
Haldimand County September 15
King Township September 15
Quinte West New! September 15
Waterloo Region September 15
Algonquin Highlands New! September 15-16
South Bruce Peninsula September 15-16
Brant September 22
Markham September 22
East Elgin September 22
Oshawa September 22
Oxford September 22
Walkerton and Area September 22
Grimsby September 22
Kenora September 28-29
Ajax September 29
Mississauga September 29
Oakville September 29
Parry Sound September 29
Port Stanley-Sparta September 29
Chatham-Kent September 29-30
Gananoque September 29-30
Halton Hills New! September 29-30
Lambton County New! September 29-30
London September 29-30
Middlesex September 29-30
St. Thomas September 29-30
Vaughan September 29-30
Windsor September 29-30

October
Huron County October 13-14

Call for nominations to Ontario Heritage Trust community recognition programs

TORONTO, March 29, 2012 /Canada NewsWire/ - The Ontario Heritage Trust is seeking nominations to its Young Heritage Leaders, Heritage Community Recognition and Community Leadership programs. The annual nomination deadline is June 30.

The Trust's recognition programs celebrate volunteer and community contributions to identifying, preserving, protecting and promoting Ontario's heritage. The Lieutenant Governor's Ontario Heritage Award is the highest level of recognition awarded through the programs.

"By conserving our heritage, volunteers and communities help to ensure that Ontario's history lives on," said Dr. Thomas H.B. Symons, Chairman of the Ontario Heritage Trust. "Our past tells the story of how life in Ontario has changed and evolved over time, which enriches our understanding and experience of living in Ontario today."

"The Ontario Heritage Trust's recognition programs provide an important opportunity to celebrate volunteers and communities for their contributions to heritage conservation," said Michael Chan Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. "Through their commitment and dedication, nominees help preserve and promote our shared history for generations to come."

Achievements in built, cultural and natural heritage conservation are eligible for recognition through the programs:

...Young Heritage Leaders recognizes exceptional young volunteers. The top individual and group nominees are eligible for the Lieutenant Governor's Ontario Heritage Award for Youth Achievement. The most outstanding individual also receives a $2,000 post-secondary scholarship, awarded by the Ontario Heritage Trust and program sponsors Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life.

...The Heritage Community Recognition Program celebrates volunteers for local conservation activities. Individuals with contributions over a period of 25 years or more can be nominated for the Lieutenant Governor's Ontario Heritage Award for Lifetime Achievement.

...The Community Leadership Program recognizes communities for leadership in heritage conservation and promotion. Through the program, communities can nominate themselves for the Lieutenant Governor's Ontario Heritage Award for Community Leadership.

Nominations to the recognition programs must be endorsed by a motion of a municipal council, regional council, First Nation band council or Métis community council and include supporting material. For Young Heritage Leaders, school principals can also endorse nominations.

Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life have supported the Young Heritage Leaders program since its inception with funding through the companies' national corporate citizenship program.

"We have sponsored Young Heritage Leaders for more than a decade because we understand the value of encouraging youth to take the lead in preserving local heritage and ecology," said Jan Belanger, Assistant Vice-President, Community Affairs, for Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life. "We are pleased that our long-term support helps the Ontario Heritage Trust recognize and inspire young leaders to greater involvement as we all work to build stronger communities together."

The Ontario Heritage Trust is an agency of the Government of Ontario dedicated to identifying, preserving, protecting and promoting Ontario's heritage for the benefit of present and future generations.

Learn more:

Program guidelines and nomination forms are available at www.heritagetrust.on.ca.

Ontario Heritage Trust launches Heritage Week 2012 with opening of Parliament interpretive centre in Toronto

TORONTO, February 17, 2012 /Canada NewsWire/ - Today, the Ontario Heritage Trust hosted a special event at its new Parliament interpretive centre to kick off the province's celebrations for Heritage Week 2012, which runs from February 20 to 26, and to launch the commemoration of the bicentennial of the War of 1812.

"As we gather here today at one of the province's most significant historic sites to celebrate the launch of Heritage Week 2012, we are reminded of the people, places and events that have shaped our society," said The Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. "This year, the people of Ontario will have the opportunity to mark several notable historic milestones, from the bicentennial of the War of 1812 to the commemoration of Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee."

"The new Parliament interpretive centre will help educate and enlighten Ontarians on our collective past while honouring our heritage," said Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. "This Heritage Week and in the months ahead, I encourage Ontarians to explore this significant site as the first permanent home of democratic government in our province and learn more on the events of the War of 1812 that have shaped Ontario into the place we cherish today."

This year's theme, "Defending a nation," offers an opportunity for communities across the province to commemorate 2012 as the bicentennial anniversary of the War of 1812 - a significant and defining event in Canadian history. During Heritage Week 2012, communities are also encouraged to reflect on other major conflicts in our history, and examine how they have influenced our culture and our physical environment. Heritage Week events and activities throughout the province are listed on the Trust's website here.

"Heritage Week is a time to reflect upon our rich history and to honour the contributions of those who have helped to preserve our precious heritage resources," said Professor Thomas H.B. Symons, Chairman of the Ontario Heritage Trust. "With the opening of the Trust's new Parliament interpretive centre, the story of the birthplace of representative government in Ontario - and the struggles of war witnessed during the province's critical formative years - comes to life."

Today's event, featuring special guest emcee Nil Köksal, weekend anchor of CBC News Toronto, showcased presentations, remarks from dignitaries and special performances by school groups and the Fort York Guard. Also among the highlights was the opening of the centre's exhibit, Foundations & Fire: Early Parliament and the War of 1812 Experience at York.

The Parliament interpretive centre is located at 265 Front Street East, on a property acquired by the province and transferred to the Trust in 2005. It and three adjoining properties comprise the site of Ontario's first purpose-built parliament buildings. Opened in 1797, the buildings were burned by invading American forces during the War of 1812. They were later rebuilt, but were destroyed by fire again in 1824. Today, the site is both historically and archaeologically significant for its association with the beginnings of our representative government.

Next week, a number of Ontario Heritage Trust sites are hosting special events. Free guided tours are being offered at the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre and at Enoch Turner Schoolhouse in Toronto. A series of free lectures and guided tours are also happening at Fulford Place in Brockville. In addition, on Friday, February 24, The Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, will present the annual Lieutenant Governor's Ontario Heritage Awards at Queen's Park, in partnership with the Trust. Visit www.heritagetrust.on.ca for details.

The Ontario Heritage Trust is an agency of the Government of Ontario, dedicated to identifying, preserving, protecting and promoting Ontario's heritage.

Celebrate Emancipation Day at Uncle Tom's Cabin Historic Site on July 30

DRESDEN, Ontario, July 26, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - Join us at Uncle Tom's Cabin Historic Site from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 30, for Emancipation Day - an annual celebration of hope and freedom commemorating the end of slavery in the British Empire. This year, we also celebrate the United Nations International Year for People of African Descent, to promote greater respect and awareness among Ontario's Black community and all Ontarians, of the diverse heritage and culture of people of African descent.

Everyone is welcome for this fun and educational day featuring traditional African music, story-telling and lectures. Admission is free - thanks to the support of the RBC Foundation.

Schedule of activities:

Tales of Freedom - 10:35 a.m. and 1:35 p.m.
Canadian Blues icons Diana Braithwaite and Chris Whiteley share their talents through soulful Underground Railroad narratives.

A Year to Celebrate - 11 a.m.
Acclaimed best-selling author Dr. Afua Cooper celebrates the International Year for People of African Descent with a discussion on "Emancipating the Dream: Black Canadians after the First Decade of the 21st Century."

With Every Heartbeat - 11:30 a.m. and 2:20 p.m.
Muhtadi and The World Drummers captivate audiences with drums and rhythms from around the globe.

BBQ Lunch and African Fashion Show - 12 noon

Mass Melody - 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Members of the First Baptist Church of Toronto Choir entertain and inspire with Underground Railroad folktales and uplifting Negro spirituals.

A Tale of Two Cabins - 12:45 p.m.
Shirl Spicer, Museum Manager with the Montgomery County Department of Parks, speaks about the Josiah Henson Special Park in Rockville, Maryland, providing new insights into Henson's life.

I Have a Story to Tell - 1:15 p.m.
Maymette Dolberry engages young and old alike with fascinating tales drawn from her rich cultural background.

From Tollgate to Parkway - 2 p.m.
Adrienne Shadd speaks about her latest novel, The Journey from Tollgate to Parkway, chronicling the history of Blacks in the Ancaster-Burlington-Hamilton area, and their struggle for justice and equality.

This event is part of the Ontario Heritage Trust's program to commemorate the International Year for People of African Descent, made possible with funding from the Government of Ontario. The Trust is an agency of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture dedicated to identifying, preserving, protecting and promoting Ontario's heritage.

For more information on the Ontario Heritage Trust's activities commemorating the United Nations International Year for People of African Descent, visit www.heritagetrust.on.ca.

About Uncle Tom's Cabin Historic Site

Uncle Tom's Cabin Historic Site commemorates the life of Josiah Henson, a former slave, who escaped to Canada via the Underground Railroad. Henson rose to international fame after Harriet Beecher Stowe acknowledged his memoirs as a source for her novel, Uncle Tom's Cabin. Settling in southwestern Ontario, Henson worked to improve life for the Black community and helped to establish the Dawn Settlement. He would go on to become an internationally recognized abolitionist, preacher and conductor on the Underground Railroad.

Located in Dresden, approximately three hours west of Toronto, Uncle Tom's Cabin Historic Site has parking and is fully accessible. The site is owned and operated by the Ontario Heritage Trust.

Homewood Museum open for the summer

photo credit: Ontario Architecture

MAITLAND, Ontario, June 27, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - This summer, visit Homewood Museum for guided tours and events. A highlight of the season is the annual Homewood Family Day - on Sunday, July 31 - with special activities for visitors of all ages.

One of the oldest houses in Ontario, Homewood was built by Dr. Solomon Jones, a Loyalist who came to Augusta Township with his young family c. 1784. He was the area's first physician and the second member from Leeds County to be elected to the Parliament of Upper Canada (1796-1800). This large two-storey stone house (built in 1799-1800) reflects his aspirations and accomplishments. It remained in the Jones family for seven generations.

Homewood Museum is located between Maitland and Prescott, just over one hour from Ottawa. This National Historic Site is owned and operated by the Ontario Heritage Trust, an agency of the Government of Ontario dedicated to identifying, preserving, protecting and promoting Ontario's heritage.

Provincial plaque commemorates The Armenian Boys' Farm Home, Georgetown

TORONTO, June 27, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - Today, the Ontario Heritage Trust and the Armenian Community Centre of Toronto unveiled a provincial plaque to commemorate The Armenian Boys' Farm Home, Georgetown.

"The arrival of Armenian child refugees at Cedarvale Farm in Georgetown helped to lay the groundwork for this country's international humanitarian efforts throughout the 20th century," said Dr. Thomas H.B. Symons, Chairman of the Ontario Heritage Trust. "We are proud to honour this significant event in our history with this provincial plaque."

The plaque reads as follows:

THE ARMENIAN BOYS' FARM HOME, GEORGETOWN

On July 1, 1923, a group of 50 Armenian boys arrived at this farm site from an orphanage in Corfu, Greece. The 'Georgetown Boys,' as they came to be known, arrived in Canada between 1923 and 1927 - 109 boys in all. The orphans were survivors of the Armenian Genocide (1915-1923). Their plight touched the hearts of thousands of Canadians, who raised significant funds and lobbied the Canadian government to bring them here. Under the care and supervision of the Armenian Canadian Relief Fund's Farm and Home Committee, the children lived at Cedarvale Farm located on this property and were taught English and farming skills. By 1928, the orphans were placed with farm families in Southwestern Ontario. As adults, most of the Armenians became Canadian citizens and chose to remain in this country. By providing assistance to non-British Commonwealth refugees, the Armenian Boys' Farm Home was the first humanitarian effort of its kind in Canada.

"The plight of the Georgetown Boys is a powerful reminder of our deep conviction as Ontarians and as Canadians to help those in need," said Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism and Culture. "This plaque helps to honour our history and commemorate this experience that has shaped the cultural fabric of this community and the province."

The unveiling ceremony took place at the Armenian Youth Centre - Hamazkayin Theatre in Toronto. The plaque will be permanently installed at Cedarvale Park in Georgetown, the site of the Armenian Boys' Farm Home.

"Canada's humanitarian efforts in aiding the 109 orphaned Armenian children who survived the Armenian Genocide of 1915 must be remembered and commended," said Armenian Community Centre President Vatche Kelebozian. "This provincial plaque will immortalize the memory of the Georgetown Boys and act as a permanent reminder of Canada's proud humanitarian tradition and its unyielding commitment in aiding Armenians."

The Ontario Heritage Trust is an agency of the Government of Ontario, dedicated to identifying, preserving, protecting and promoting Ontario's heritage.

Quick facts:

...The Ontario Heritage Trust's Provincial Plaque Program commemorates significant people, places and events in Ontario's history.

...Since 1953, over 1,200 provincial plaques have been unveiled.

...There are 110 provincial plaques in the city of Toronto.

For more information on the Provincial Plaque Program, visit www.heritagetrust.on.ca.

Ontario Heritage Trust to commemorate site of province's first parliament buildings and War of 1812

TORONTO, June 23, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - Today, the Honourable Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism and Culture, and Dr. Thomas H.B. Symons, Chairman of the Ontario Heritage Trust, announced a new interpretive centre commemorating the site of Ontario's first parliament buildings and the War of 1812.

"This commemorative centre will provide a unique opportunity for citizens and visitors to learn about and mark significant events from our collective past - a fitting and timely initiative as we prepare for next year's celebration of both the bicentennial of the War of 1812 and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, events that will highlight and reinforce the Crown's important role in our parliamentary democracy," said the Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.

"The opening of the new interpretative centre is an innovative approach in the commemoration of the province's first parliament site," said Minister Chan. "The bicentennial of the War of 1812 is a wonderful opportunity to highlight such significant sites and honour these chapters in our history."

The commemorative centre will open in February 2012 at 265 Front Street East in Toronto, on a property acquired by the province and transferred to the Ontario Heritage Trust in 2005. It and three adjoining properties comprise the site of Ontario's first purpose-built parliament buildings. Opened in 1797, the buildings were burned by invading American forces during the War of 1812. They were later rebuilt, but were destroyed by fire again in 1824.

"This new commemorative centre will not only shed light on the history of this site, it will also put that history in a provincial and national context," said the Honourable Glen Murray, Minister of Research and Innovation and MPP Toronto Centre. "It will be an excellent addition to the other attractions that bring visitors into this historic neighbourhood."

"Next year's bicentennial is an ideal time to draw attention to the importance of Ontario's first parliament buildings, which were destroyed in battle during the War of 1812," said Dr. Symons. "We are delighted that the new commemorative centre will showcase this history, exploring the evolution of our democracy and the significance of the war, both of which have played major roles in shaping the province and the country we know today."

The existing building on the property, a former car dealership, will be adapted to house the new commemorative centre. The front showroom area will accommodate interpretive exhibits and displays, as well as provide space for educational activities and special events. A request for commercial leasing proposals for the remainder of the building will be initiated in the near future, to assist with the operating costs of the centre.

"Many citizens of Old Town Toronto and local organizations have been eager to see this site commemorated and interpreted, particularly as the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 approaches," said Rollo Myers, who has been actively involved for many years with the protection of the site of Ontario's first parliament buildings. "I'm delighted that the Trust's centre will celebrate the bicentennial and showcase the critical early years of Upper Canada, as many of Ontario's most important institutions - social, political and religious - trace their beginnings to this site."

As the Trust begins to plan for the centre, it will develop opportunities to involve community groups, provincial and federal partners, War of 1812 regional groups and educators to ensure that the site's programming reflects its significance from a local, provincial, national and international perspective.

The Ontario Heritage Trust is an agency of the Government of Ontario, dedicated to identifying, preserving, protecting and promoting Ontario's heritage.

Quick facts:

...The first parliament site in Toronto is located on the block bordered by Front Street East on the north, Berkeley Street on the west, and Parliament Street on the east.

...Burned during the War of 1812, it is the only parliamentary site in Canada to have been attacked in an international war.

...Today, the site is historically significant as the birthplace of democratic government in Ontario.

Learn more:

Information about the history of Ontario's first parliament buildings is available on the Trust's website at www.heritagetrust.on.ca. Details about the interpretive centre will be posted as they become available.

Historic Barnum House Museum opens June 4

GRAFTON, Ontario, June 2, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - Join us this summer at the historic Barnum House for another season of guided tours and special events! Approximately two hours east of Toronto, Barnum House Museum is located in Grafton, in the beautiful setting of Northumberland County.

At Barnum House, visitors can explore furnished rooms throughout the historic home. The house was built in 1819 by Eliakim Barnum, who was a successful entrepreneur. Barnum immigrated to Haldimand Township from the United States around 1807 and subsequently opened a tavern, a small distillery and a grist mill. By 1820, after the house was built, he added 900 acres of adjoining farmland. The home's design was influenced by American architecture that was popular in the New England states at the beginning of the 19th century. Today, it remains one of Ontario's finest examples of neoclassical architecture.

Barnum House is a National Historic Site owned and operated by the Ontario Heritage Trust. The Trust is an agency of the Government of Ontario dedicated to identifying, preserving, protecting and promoting Ontario's heritage.

Hours of operation:

Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Open Canada Day (July 1) and the Civic Holiday (August 1)

Admission:

$3 for adults
$1.50 for seniors and children (up to age 16)
Free for children under 4

Conservation work completed at Mather-Walls House in Kenora

KENORA, Ontario, April 18, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - The Ontario Heritage Trust recently completed significant conservation and repair work at Mather-Walls House. The work will help to ensure the long-term protection and preservation of this important historic site, owned by the Trust and operated by the Lake of the Woods Historical Society.

The recent conservation work and capital repairs included the replacement of all wood shingle and flat roofs, and the repair and repainting of all exterior woodwork, including siding, mouldings, windows and verandas.

"Conservation work is essential to maintaining our heritage," said Dr. Thomas H.B. Symons, Chairman of the Ontario Heritage Trust. "We are pleased to have completed this project at Mather-Walls House and were delighted to see a high level of interest about it in the community."

The Ontario Heritage Trust purchased Mather-Walls House in 1975 and undertook a complete restoration of the site. Under an agreement with the Trust, the Lake of the Woods Historical Society has operated Mather-Walls House since it opened in 1985. The Society holds its meetings and hosts community events on the premises, and in the summer months conducts public tours.

Commissioned by industrial entrepreneur John Mather for his son David in 1889, Mather-Walls House was designed in the Queen Anne style by Winnipeg architect George Browne. The Mather family was instrumental in the formation of the local milling industry and the growth and modernization of the town. The house was later purchased by local mill foreman John Walls in 1906. Today, the house features furnishings from the era of the Walls family, as well as an interpretive display highlighting the Mather family's significant impact on the area's development.

The Ontario Heritage Trust received financial assistance for the conservation work at Mather-Walls House from the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, announced last year.

The Ontario Heritage Trust is an agency of the Government of Ontario, dedicated to identifying, preserving, protecting and promoting Ontario's heritage.

Quick facts:

The Ontario Heritage Trust owns 25 built heritage sites and over 160 natural heritage properties across the province.

In addition to the project at Mather-Walls House, the Ontario Heritage Trust received infrastructure stimulus funding to support conservation and repair work at the Hudson's Bay Staff House in Moose Factory, McMartin House and Inge-Va in Perth and Sheppard's Bush Residence in Aurora.

Learn more:

Mather-Walls House is open for visitors from June 20 to August 20, 2011 (9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Saturday). For hours of operation, admission fees, a special events schedule and other information, call Lake of the Woods Historical Society at 807-547-2870 during summer opening hours or leave a message.

For more information on the Ontario Heritage Trust, visit www.heritagetrust.on.ca.

Ernest Charles Drury honoured through Premiers' Gravesites Program

Photo Source - Wikipedia

TOWNSHIP OF SPRINGWATER, Ontario, March 24, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - Today, the Ontario Heritage Trust unveiled a marker commemorating the gravesite of the Honourable Ernest Charles Drury, Premier of Ontario from 1919 to 1923.

"Ernest Charles Drury devoted much of his career to improving the quality of life in the province's rural areas," said Dr. Thomas H.B. Symons, Chairman of the Ontario Heritage Trust. "We are proud to commemorate his place in our history with this gravesite marker."

Born in Simcoe County in 1878, Ernest C. Drury was Ontario's eighth premier. He was a leader in the farming community, and became the first president of the United Farmers of Ontario in 1914. The group became a political party in 1918 and won the election of 1919. Drury was then asked to form a government. Known as the "Farmer Premier," Drury enacted progressive legislation that improved life in rural jurisdictions, and began an ambitious road-building program. Drury retired from provincial politics in 1923.

"Through advanced social programming and expansion of the province's road network, Premier Drury gave a voice to rural Ontario," said Minister of Tourism and Culture Michael Chan. "He is remembered for his significant contributions to his community and to his province."

The Premiers' Gravesites Program honours Ontario's former premiers and their service to Ontario by marking their gravesites. Specially designed bronze markers inscribed with the individual premier's name and dates of service are installed at each gravesite, along with flagpoles flying the Ontario flag, where possible.

This program is administered by the Ontario Heritage Trust with funding support from the Government of Ontario. The Trust is an agency of the government dedicated to identifying, preserving, protecting and promoting Ontario's heritage for the benefit of present and future generations.

Quick Facts:

Eighteen premiers will be commemorated through the Premiers' Gravesites Program. This is the 13th marker to be unveiled through the program since it began in 2008. View them all at Ontarioplaques.com

Learn More:

For more information on the Premiers' Gravesites Program, visit www.heritagetrust.on.ca.