Galleries and Exhibits
Richmond Hill Heritage Centre
Richmond Hill's Heritage Centre showcases the rich heritage of our community. Designed to provide an educational and entertaining experience, these exhibits are for all ages.
Exhibits at the Heritage Centre - 19 Church Street |
The Heritage Centre showcases exhibits to learn about the history of Richmond Hill and more. Gallery Hours: Yonge Street GalleryLieutenant-Governor John Graves Simcoe officially established Yonge Street in the 1790s. Yonge Street opened up the northern part of York County for settlement, positioning Richmond Hill as an essential stopping point along the two-day journey. The town owes much of its development to its location along this “Main Street”. Community GalleryIn the early 1800s, most people knew everyone in the village. People worked hard, with little rest — except on Sundays when they attended church and socialized with neighbours. By the next century, people had more leisure time. Labour-saving devices lightened workloads and new cleaning materials reduced housework, making it easier for women to work outside the home. As the village grew, so did modern services. Let’s discover our community. History RoomEnjoy a trip through time starting with the earliest inhabitants in the area moving through the centuries to the city of Richmond Hill we know today. Interactive pop-up panels encourage creative thinking as you meander through this exhibit. South GalleryThis is a gallery of change that showcases changing exhibits from our Heritage Services team, the community and travelling exhibitions that inspire and connect through cultural heritage. Featured Exhibit in the South Gallery 'Worthy: The History of the RCAC'This exhibit covers the history of one of Canada's most storied fighting forces, the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps (RCAC), and its founder, Major-General Frederic Franklin Worthington. Visitors will discover how Canada's tank and armoured vehicle units have evolved from cavalry and armoured cars in the First World War to some of the world's most advanced main battle tanks and fighting vehicles that protected Canadian troops in Afghanistan. They also will learn how "Worthy", as his troops knew him, had a massive impact on the fighting prowess and professional skills of the Canadian Army's armoured units and why he remains at the centre of their history, identity, and culture. On display from October 5 to December 19, 2024.
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Richmond Hill Sports Hall of Fame
We also have a Sports Hall of Fame exhibit where we recognize players, coaches, trainers, teams, sponsors and sports builders who have helped shape the Richmond Hill sports community.
Visual Art Gallery
The Richmond Hill Visual Art Gallery showcases the works of artists, collectives, arts organizations and schools and is located in the main lobby at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts (RHCPA).
Heritage Services Pop-Up Exhibits
Visit locations around the community to see a variety of Pop-Up Exhibits that showcase items from the Richmond Hill Heritage Services artifact collection.
A Toy Story |
Toys have existed as long as there have been children to play with them. Every culture from the ancient past to the present has had toys and games, many of which are still very familiar to us. “A Toy Story” looks at toys that children in early Richmond Hill played with. Rouge Woods Community Centre |
Little Adults: Children’s Clothing through the Ages |
This exhibit looks at clothing for children throughout the centuries. McConaghy Seniors’ Centre |
Tea for Two |
Afternoon tea parties are a common part of everyday life across the globe with a 5,000-year history. From China to the rest of world, one special plant has embedded itself into so many traditions and cultures through trade, travel, and colonization. Beloved for its spiritual, heath, social and energizing properties, tea has become a universal symbol of rest and rejuvenation. Elgin West Community Centre |
Explore Richmond Hill’s Treasures |
Richmond Hill holds over 10,000 artifacts in public trust for the education and enjoyment of its residents. The City collects significant artifacts related to its social, political and economic history as represented by the past, present and for the future of the community. Come explore this exhibit that takes you behind the scenes of the Heritage Collections process and shares the mystery of museum collecting. City of Richmond Hill Municipal Office |
When Tin Was In |
A display of tin based artifacts, that include a candle holder, tea container, a tin for candy and one for Epsom salts, a small money box and various cooking pieces. Operations Centre |