Historic sites across York Region open during Doors Open 2017

Visit local history in Richmond Hill, Whitchurch-Stouffville, Aurora, King Township and Markham during Doors Open 2017

Yorkregion.com
May 11, 2017
By Amanda Persico

With access to more than 1,000 historic buildings, Doors Open Ontario makes local heritage come alive.

There are Doors Open events across York Region in the coming weeks and months, with Richmond Hill the first to open on May. 13.

“Doors Open is an opportunity to learn about these historical places,” said Dawson Bridger of Ontario Heritage Trust, the organization which hosts Doors Open Ontario.

“History comes alive in an informal way, with buildings and locations you might see every day.”

There are a number of hidden gems across in the region.

Richmond Hill’s Cober-Johnson General Store, built in 1912, is one of the best preserved commercial buildings turned private residence with a full veranda and half-rounded arches.

The Richmond Hill Hindu Temple and the Darul Khair Center in Whitchurch-Stouffville are a few of the many places of worship on display, where the community is invited to learn new cultures and traditions.

There are a number of churches, temples, and synagogues open to the public across the province, said Bridger.

“Doors open gives access to space some might be nervous about visiting,” he said. “It’s an opportunity to learn different religions and cultures.”

Another place of worship is St. Mary and St. Joseph Coptic Orthodox Church in Richmond Hill, featuring hand-painted murals, carved wood and marble imported from Egypt.