New and improved! Richmond Hill Heritage Centre reopens May 5

The exhibits at the heritage centre showcase the history of Richmond Hill through a collection of historically significant artifacts from the early 19th century to the present.

Yorkregion.com
May 9, 2022
Sheila Wang

More than two years after COVID-19 forced it to shut the door, the Richmond Hill Heritage Centre is ready to greet the public again with new exhibits showcasing the city’s natural environment and stories of the past.

The 1840s Regency-style dwelling, located in Amos Wright Park, reopened its doors May 5 bringing back a variety of exhibits displaying various communities across the city.

Mayor David West, ward councillors Raika Sheppard and Godwin Chan, joined the staff at the heritage centre to celebrate the reopening of the heritage centre May 3.

This is the first time the heritage centre that hosts exhibits showcasing the history of Richmond Hill to open its door since March 2020 when it was closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the heritage centre, visitors can enjoy a collection of historically significant artifacts from the early 19th century to the present while also learning about the life and history of Richmond Hill through colourful stories of the past.

During the closure, the city began five-month-long renovation works from Sept. 2020 to Jan. 2021 to improve the event and exhibit space at the centre.

Upgrades included expanding entryways and opening walls to improve accessibility and provide a more open and welcoming space for visitors, school groups and tours. Professional displays, graphics and exhibits were installed to build awareness and appreciation for the history and heritage of Richmond Hill, according to the city.

After the $500,000 reno work, the new and improved heritage centre also added a number of new exhibits including 'Richmond Hill’s Green' which offers a closer look at the environment and natural oasis of Richmond Hill.

Meanwhile, visitors can learn about Richmond Hill when it was still a village in the early 1800s in the Community Gallery, enjoy a trip through time with interactive pop-up panels in the History Room, and find out the importance of Yonge Street in the development of Richmond Hill in the Yonge Street Gallery.

Designed to provide an educational and entertaining experience, the Heritage Centre offers something for everyone through programs and workshops, educational programs for schools, walking tours, summer camps and the centre’s ever-popular afternoon teas.

Gallery hours are Tuesdays from 1 to 4 p.m., Thursdays from 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit RichmondHill.ca/HeritageCentre.