Doors Open Markham to introduce new theme on educational history
By David Yin, Local Journalism Initiative reporter
Doors Open Markham will introduce a new theme centred on educational history when it returns Sept. 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The one-day event will feature 14 venues, including a variety of century-old schoolhouses and a modern-day campus, to showcase Markham’s educational heritage to visitors.
York University Markham Campus will participate in Doors Open for the first time this year, providing guided tours and allowing visitors to explore its multiple storeys filled with educational opportunities and resources.
Additionally, the York Region District School Board Museum & Archives, located in the former Brown’s Corner/Buttonville Schoolhouse, will provide unrestricted access to the public, allowing visitors to explore a one-room schoolhouse from 1872 and attempt to write cursive on slate tablets.
According to heritage planning manager Regan Hutcheson, the YRDSB museum will be participating for the first time in about 20 years. Museum access is generally restricted to students and teachers outside of Doors Open.
Other former and historic schoolhouses participating in Doors Open include Box Grove Community Centre, Cedar Grove Community Centre, German Mills Community Centre, Markham Museum offices, and Village Hive Markham.
Even non-educational centres will contribute to Doors Open’s educational theme. The Markham Village and Unionville Train Stations used to transport multiple students to and from schools, according to Hutcheson.
The Varley Art Gallery and McKay Art Centre continue to offer learning opportunities in the arts.
The Unionville Curling Club educates individuals on the sport of curling and the importance of healthy living.
The Markham Village Fire Station will teach kids about fire safety, while also displaying a photo board of the former Clayton schoolhouse that was demolished by a Christmas Day fire in 2022.
Even the Heintzman House will display a photo board of former schools in Thornhill.
Hutcheson said that Doors Open Markham will provide visitors with passports for the first time, with volunteers adding a stamp each time a new location is visited.
“What I want as a takeaway is a better appreciation of how Markham is different from other communities by the fact that we actually preserve our heritage,” he said.
Rebekah Mitchell, YRDSB Museum curator, said that she is excited for the museum to participate in Doors Open.
“Our museum is just one of many museums throughout Markham and in York Region, and the York Region District School Board does take the time and effort to preserve York Region’s history as it relates to public education,” she said.
Visit doorsopenontario.on.ca/markham for more details.
Photo: Located in the former Brown’s Corner/Buttonville Schoolhouse, the YRDSB Museum & Archives collects and preserves the history of public education. (supplied photo)