Skip to content
Stratford & District Historical Society

Stratford & District Historical Society

Stratford & District historical society

  • Home
  • Events
  • About Us
  • Documentaries
  • Stratford Books
  • Membership
  • Friends of SDHS
  • Links
  • Contact
  • Home
  • Events
  • About Us
  • Documentaries
  • Stratford Books
  • Membership
  • Friends of SDHS
  • Links
  • Contact

Category: History

Historical Articles From Local News Media For May 2024
History / News

Historical Articles From Local News Media For May 2024

June 1, 2024June 2, 2024

Articles of historical interest from local news media in the Stratford area. BEACON HERALD – Reflections: Looking back on local Mother’s Day celebrations – Guest …

An Artist and His Cottage – Part Two 0f Three
History

An Artist and His Cottage – Part Two 0f Three

February 27, 2024April 12, 2024

77 Brunswick Street in Stratford and Gerard Brender à Brandis by Marianne Brandis CLICK HERE FOR – PART ONE OF THREE CLICK HERE FOR – …

An Artist and His Cottage – Part One 0f Three
History

An Artist and His Cottage – Part One 0f Three

January 29, 2024April 12, 2024

77 Brunswick Street in Stratford and Gerard Brender à Brandis by Marianne Brandis CLICK HERE FOR – PART TWO OF THREE CLICK HERE FOR – …

An Artist and His Cottage
History

An Artist and His Cottage

December 22, 2023December 20, 2023

77 Brunswick Street in Stratford and Gerard Brender à Brandis by Marianne Brandis When the artist Gerard Brender à Brandis bought the historic little yellow …

Stratford’s first public hospital, is gone
History / News

Stratford’s first public hospital, is gone

December 21, 2023January 3, 2024

Despite pleas from heritage groups, and concerned Stratford citizens, the destruction of Avon Crest began in November 2023. Little imagination was shown by the Huron …

Stratford Public Library Presents
History / News

Stratford Public Library Presents

November 1, 2023

The Stratford Public Library is presenting a four part series called  Archives & Antiquities. We at SDHS thought some members might be interested. Be sure …

The struggle to save local historic buildings
History

The struggle to save local historic buildings

April 13, 2023April 23, 2023

The push by Andrew Williams and his Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance board to demolish Stratford’s Avon Crest hospital has taken us back to the late …

When Ontario Street Was Shakespeare Road
History

When Ontario Street Was Shakespeare Road

October 31, 2022October 31, 2022

In the days when Ontario Street was known as Shakespeare Road – there was a strong belief in ghosts and such things. This is an …

A Bird’s Eye View of Stratford 150 Years Ago 
History

A Bird’s Eye View of Stratford 150 Years Ago 

May 29, 2022May 28, 2022

The original map was created by Herman Brosius in 1872. By enlarging the map, you will be able to recognize many of the buildings that …

Gene’s Restaurant
History

Gene’s Restaurant

April 24, 2022April 24, 2022

By Ken Gene Gene’s Restaurant was founded by my parents, Larry and Rae Gene, in 1970. They were originally trying to open up on my …

Posts navigation

Older posts

It’s time to renew your membership!

April to April

Click on membership and download the form. Membership rates for 2024 - Adults $25, Students $10, Household $40.

With every new membership, you will receive a Stratford-Perth Museum FAMILY PASS, which entitles you and your family to one visit to the Museum

Follow us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube

We Are Looking For Your Stories!

Are you interested in the history, people, places and events of Stratford and district?

Do you know an interesting but unknown story? Do you like to write?

We want to hear from you.

Email us at: info@sdhs2019.ca with your stories (50-150 words) or your ideas.

What we do

SDHS aims to advance public education and awareness of the history of Stratford and district by disseminating historical information, hosting events and organizing displays, exhibitions and performances. We seek to promote and advocate for the built heritage, landscapes, people, institutions and events that contribute to our region’s rich heritage.

Membership is open to all who share these interests.

Download membership application here.

77 Brunswick St 1872 AGM Annie Allcock Around Market Square authors Avon Crest Avondale Cemetary barber Beacon Herald Benjamin Sleet black history month Boat tour books British home children city hall confederation falls dinner Discovering Your House's History easson Gene's Restaurant Gerard Brender à Brandis Gertrude Ross ghosts Herman Brosius International Women's Day James Anderson Lucy Cartwright Marianne Brandis My Stratford Now Ontario Heritage Week Overview map Premiere Screening protests railway stations Registry Office remembrance Save Avon Crest Shakespeare Road Stratford Times Stratford Today Ted Fawm threatened demolition volunteer walking tour

  • Did you know…
  • documentary
  • Events
  • History
  • News

Our Logo

Created by SDHS member Andrew C. Brown, the SDHS logo incorporates a photograph of Stratford’s former Land Registry and Archives Office at 24 St. Andrew St.

Constructed in 1910 by T.J Hepburn, it was designed to harmonize with the neighbouring jail and courthouse buildings designed by architect George Durand in the 1880s.

In June 2024, it was announced Here For Now Theatre would be renovating and establishing a Micro Black Box Theatre space in the building.

Registry office photo courtesy of Allan O’Neill

Recent Posts

  • Join Us for a Fun Afternoon Celebrating Local History and Horse Racing!
  • Exploring Our Community’s History: Articles from MARCH – APRIL 2025
  • Special Event Presentation – Recollections of Horse Racing History
  • Exploring Our Community’s History: Local News Media Must-Read Articles from January to February 2025
  • Honouring Ted Fawm: A Legacy Preserved Through Film 

Privacy policy

Contact

Email: info@sdhs2019.ca

Mail: Stratford & District Historical Society

356 Ontario St., Suite 133

Stratford, ON N5A 7X6

  • Facebook
Copyright © 2025 Stratford & District Historical Society. Powered by WordPress and Bam.