Explore Markham’s past over coffee with the city’s official historian

Markham may be one of Canada’s most diverse and fastest-growing cities today—but its roots run deep into the early days of Upper Canada.

Did you know that the name “Markham” was chosen to honour William Markham, the Archbishop of York, by John Graves Simcoe, Ontario’s first Lieutenant Governor? Or that Markham was settled by German-speaking Mennonites from Pennsylvania in the late 1790s?

By 1873, the village of Markham was officially incorporated, and by 1891 its population had grown to 1,100. The community quickly became a hub for innovation in agriculture, hosting one of Ontario’s first agricultural societies.

Did you know our community still showcases buildings dating back to the 1800s, preserving the character of the region’s early settlers?

Bring your questions and curiosity and enjoy complimentary coffee and conversation with Lorne Smith, the official historian for the City of Markham, on Sept. 17 at 10 a.m. at 20 Union Street in Unionville.

Don’t miss this chance to explore the city’s remarkable heritage and uncover the stories that helped shape modern-day Markham.

Unionville BIA, the Markham Historical Society, and Bethesda Lutheran Church are event sponsors.

For more information, call 416-996-2720.

Photo: Markham’s official historian Lorne Smith hosts a coffee and conversation on Sept. 17.