Calling all Scout and Guide Organizations

Join us on May 24, 2025, at the Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory! Heritage Services is hosting this one-of-a-kind event, where Scouts and Guides organizations from all branches will come together for a jam-packed morning or afternoon full of interactive activities. Participants will explore the Richmond Hill David Dunlap historic Administrative Building, Observatory Dome and surrounding park as they rotate between 20-minute activity stations. Each activity will support one or more badge connections.

World of Archaeology

Uncover the Past, Discover the Future

Participants will handle real prehistoric and historic artifacts. They will practice artifact analysis and preservation while learning how these objects help us understand history. Participants will document their findings and explore the fascinating significance of the artifacts they uncover.

Badge themes:

• Science
• Earth
• Building skills
• Experimenting and creating - Science Lab
• Exploring identities and local communities

Weaving a Story

Crafting Patterns, Creating Connections

Participants will explore fibre and textile arts as they learn the basics of weaving and practice techniques using yarn and fabric. This hands-on experience fosters both creativity and critical thinking while participants practice a traditional skill that spans across cultures.

Badge themes:

• Arts
• Hobby
• Building skills
• Experimenting and creating - Art Studio
• Exploring identities and local communities

Build A Time Capsule

Preserve Your Story for the Future

Participants will reflect on their favorite stories and imagine how they would preserve them for future generations. They will write journal entries and create artwork based on characters from their favorite books, sealing their creations in a time capsule to capture the essence of today.

Badge themes:

• Community
• World
• Arts
• Experimenting and creating - Art Studio
• Exploring identities and local communities

Makerspace Tour

Innovation Meets Craftsmanship

Participants will learn about cutting-edge tools like computer programming machines and 3D printers. They will explore various materials, learn the basics of crafting, and view innovative projects made with a variety of techniques, from blacksmithing to laser cutting.

Badge themes:

• Engineering
• Science
• Hobby
• Building skills
• Experimenting and creating - Design Space

Meet the Astronomers and Telescope Tour

Explore the Stars and Beyond

Participants will explore the wonders of space with our astronomers as they learn about the observatory and how it is used to observe distant stars and planets. They will see a working demonstration of the RHDDO’s 74” telescope. Please note: there is no viewing from the RHDDO’s 74” telescope included in this activity.

Badge themes:

• Space
• Science
• Experimenting and creating - Science Lab
• Exploring space and scientific discovery

 Get Involved Today!

Event: Discovery Day In Richmond Hill

Date: Saturday, May 24, 2025

Location: Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory (123 Hillsview Drive)

Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

            or

            1 to 4 p.m.

Age of Participants: 5 - 14

Fee:

• Minimum Group Fee $185.58 for up to 12 people. $15.46 per each additional person.
• A required minimum ratio of One (1) Adult/Leader admitted free for every 10 Children.
• Due to capacity limitations, additional leaders/adults are required to pay the additional fee.

Please Note: As required, we will join smaller groups together to be able to accommodate everyone. 

Registration is limited. Registration Deadline is Thursday, May 22 at 12 p.m. (noon)

To request a booking, please fill out the Discovery Day request form.

 Discovery Day Request Form

Exhibit on display at the Richmond Hill Heritage Centre from March 29 to August 16, 2025.

Standing in the Doorway: Lived Histories and Experiences of the Chinese Community

縈繞中華文化: 華人社區歷史和生活展覽

萦绕中华文化: 华人社区历史和生活展览 

Home. Place. Belonging. Throughout Canadian history, people of Chinese descent have contributed to the development of our nation. They resisted and persevered, overcoming stereotypes, labels, and racist policies. They created homes and built places and spaces to foster connection and community.

Now, we commemorate and remember the contributions of Chinese Canadians over the past 100 years since the Chinese Exclusion Act. Explore, learn, and listen to the stories, traditions and knowledge of the diverse Chinese Canadian community from York Region.

This exhibit was developed by the Markham Museum and the York Region District School Board Museum and Archives working in conjunction with YRDSB students, and the University of Toronto Museum Studies program.

Now accepting requests to book an exhibit tour or discovery package. 

York Region District School Board
Heritage Services
City of Richmond Hill
Richmond Hill Public Library
Markham Museum
City of Markham

Additional funding provided by:

Government of Canada
Government of Ontario

This bright, east facing room provides a beautiful indoor setting for intimate gatherings. Overlooking the manicured gardens with direct access to the patio, this room is perfect for small group celebrations like birthdays and baby/bridal showers. The Patio is included with rental May through October. Patio furniture can be permitted for an additional fee. Upgrade your rental permit by adding Amos Wright Park, the All Occasion Package and/or the Beverage Package. Tour the Heritage Centre virtually by clicking here.

Room size: 20’x10’

Capacity: 15 people - Class or conference set up (Tables and Chairs)        

                20 people - Theatre set up (Chairs Only)

Hourly Rental Includes:

• Use of the Gardenview Room with 6 foot tables and folding chairs
• Use of vestibule area with triple sink and counter
• Patio Included May to October Only 
• 15 minutes before and after permitted time for set up/clean up
• Wifi

Fee (in effect until September 3, 2025) HST Applicable:

May to October

November to April

Patio Furniture: Set up on the Patio Only – Seating for 20

May to October

Submit a Heritage Centre Permit Request for your preferred date and time.

This beautifully landscaped historic park is a popular destination for wedding ceremonies and picnics. Amos Wright Park can accommodate parties of up to 75 guests.

Fee (in effect until December 31, 2025) HST Applicable:

Picnic/Event Permit:

Three-Hour Wedding Permit:

Submit a Facility rentals request to book Amos Wright Park. 

Photo Permits

For wedding or family photos, we offer a two hour permit. A photography permit must be purchased for use of the grounds on a set date.

Fee (in effect until December 31, 2025) HST Applicable:

Submit a Photography Permit Request to book your preferred photo shoot location and time.

Offering a delightful option for your next meeting, bridal shower or get-together with friends, the All Occasions Package offers a hassle-free way to host a function while enjoying the tranquil atmosphere of the Gardenview Room overlooking Amos Wright Park. The Heritage Centre staff will provide a traditional Victorian tea served buffet style, which includes finger sandwiches, delicious treats and bottomless cups of tea and/or coffee.

Capacity: 10 – 20 people  

Package Includes:

• Two hour rental of the Gardenview room
• Sandwiches, cookies and tea/coffee/lemonade for your guests
• China cups, glasses and plates, napkins and utensils
• Use of the patio with patio furniture (May to October)

Fee (in effect until December 31, 2025) HST Applicable:

May to October

November – April

Submit an All Occasions Permit Request to for your preferred date and time. 

Package includes:

• Unlimited tea, coffee and lemonade for up to two-hours or your rental
• Glasses, china cups or mugs, napkins
• Additional hours can be added on

Fee (in effect until December 31, 2025) HST Applicable:

If you would like to book the Beverage Service, please include this in your Heritage Permit Request.  

• General inquiries about Heritage Services received at Heritageservices@richmondhill.ca will be reviewed and you will hear from us within 2 business days. (Response times may be delayed at peak volume periods such as registration weeks)
• Requests for Afternoon Tea reservations will be responded to within 5 business days, once received and reviewed.
• Requests for Private/Group/School bookings and rental permits will be responded to within 5 business days, once received and reviewed.