In January of 2019, the founders of the Stratford & District Historical Society (2019), Mary Jane Amey, Carole Huband and Sandra Huntley began work to establish a historical society to celebrate our local history and the people who contributed to its richness and diversity. Mary Jane Amey was the author of the constitution and by-laws. The late Rick Huband and Mary Jane Amey contributed the fees for incorporation into the Ontario Historical Society.
SDHS Executive
President: Jayne Trachsel
Vice-President: Carole Huband
Treasurer: Allan Tye
Membership Coordinator: Shirley Hutton
Secretary: Pat Bolton
Programme & Facebook Co-ordinator: Nancy Musselman
Newsletter Editor: Carole Huband
Video Documentary Production & Website Design: Andrew C. Brown
Keeping History Alive in Stratford
We are all shaped by the past, while we live in the present, and keep an eye on the future. We are making history every day.
R. Thomas Orr reflected this concept when as the Chair of the Stratford Library Board, he assumed direction of the Stratford Historical Society in 1900. Both the Library and the Society collected artifacts from all parts of Perth County to display in the History Room at the Library, up until 1932 (Stratford’s Centennial Year).
Subsequently, the Stratford Historical Society became the Perth County Historical Foundation and served as guardian of the Stratford and Perth County Historical Collection until 1972. The collection is now owned jointly by the City of Stratford and Perth County, and is maintained by the Stratford Perth Museum Association.
And more recently the Perth County Historical Foundation was renamed the Stratford Perth Heritage Foundation at a regular meeting of the Board of Directors held on December 4, 2013, with a full focus on Fryfogel’s Tavern and Arboretum.
This leaves a niche for a public education-focused historical society to grow and thrive in Stratford and District. A dedicated group of Stratford residents are in the process of setting up such a society. We look forward to your joining our efforts as we honour those who went before us.
Purpose:
The purpose of the Stratford and District Historical Society (2019) is:
• To advance education by improving the public’s understanding and awareness of the history of Stratford and the surrounding district;
• To celebrate local history and honour the people who contributed to its richness and diversity;
• To work within the existing historic network that collects, preserves, exhibits and publishes material relative to Stratford and District’s heritage and history.
Proposed Activities:
• Researched historic lectures by members and guests;
• Historic walking & boat tours, and educational material to support these;
• Presentations by members of their personal collections;
• Replicating historic events, create displays, exhibitions and performances;
• Development of an on-line presence to distribute local history;
• Any other historic public education activities that may arise and supporting programs offered by others within the historic network.
Photos on this page courtesy of Stratford Perth Archives and Library Canada