THE NORTH YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY was formed in 1960 by a group of local residents who were concerned that the built heritage in North York was rapidly being lost to developers and the teaching of history in North York schools had insufficient local emphasis. In particular they wanted to save the Gibson House from the wreckers' ball, indifferent politicians and greedy developers.

The Gibson House has stood for over 150 years on its original site. It was the home of David and Eliza Gibson and their family. David Gibson, a noted 19th century surveyor, was a leading participant in the Upper Canada Rebellion supporting William Lyon Mackenzie - which led to Gibson's exile to the United States for some years.

Society meetings are held on the 2nd Wednesday of the month, January/June and September/December, usually at the Willowdale United Church, 353 Kenneth Avenue, North York. If traveling by subway, exit at Finch Station and walk to the first stoplight south of Finch Avenue on Yonge Street, turn left on Byng Avenue and walk two blocks east to Kenneth Avenue and then south to the church. Visitors are welcome

As its Millenium project the Society contracted with sculptor, Adrienne Alison, to create and and erect in York Mills Park a statue of noted historian artist, C. W. Jeffreys, who lived and worked in North York. Heritage Toronto awarded the Society a 2002 Community Award for this project and publication of a biographical booklet.

The Society is an affiliate of The Ontario Historical Society and a member of Toronto Historical Association. The Society has an appointee on the Gibson House/Historic Zion Schoolhouse Museum Management Board and encourages members to serve as citizen representatives on the North York Community Preservation Panel.

Non-profit organization sponsored in part by a grant from the Ontario Minstry of Culture. Charitable receipts for income tax purposes are provided for donations.

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