Camp X Walking Tour
2024-09-28 13:00 - 15:30 (America/Toronto) | Camp X – Intrepid Park, 2008 Boundary Road, Whitby, Ontario, L1N 7G4, Canada
Join premier Camp X Historian Marlene Hodgson and her team of experts on-site, for an in-depth look at Canada’s top-secret World War 2 spy training facility!
Tour the grounds where the Camp once stood, and learn the stories of the courageous and talented agents who walked these paths. Discover craters that still exist more than seventy years after explosives training took place, and see the place where two brave men lost their lives in accidents with live ammunition. Uncover the meetings in the Commanding Officer’s den involving J. Edgar Hoover, Sir William Stephenson, and Ian Fleming, author of the James Bond series.
Tour begins at the Intrepid Park monument, and includes a presentation followed by a walk around the site. Wear comfortable shoes!
REGISTRATION BY DONATION
NOTES: There are no washroom facilities at Intrepid Park. There are no nearby eating facilities. Please wear running shoes or boots as the ground is rough and sometimes wet. It can be 5 to 7 degrees colder at the lake, so you may want to bring a jacket. Please bring water to drink. Keep in mind that there is 45 minutes to an hour of walking on the tour. There is no seating available for the presentation at the beginning of the walk, so you may want to bring your own.

HISTORY in the PARK
2024-10-05 11:00 - 15:00 | Lynde House Museum, 900 Brock Street South, Whitby, Ontario, L1N 4L6, Canada
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
Whitby Town Criers – Opening Proclamation
49th Regiment of Foot – War of 1812 Reenactors
Brian Winter – Postcard Collection
Marlene Hodgson – Camp X
Wade Szilagyi – History in the Frame
Liam Lacy – Historic Whitby Cemeteries
DEMONSTRATIONS
Heritage Garden Soup Making
Loom Weaving & Spinning
Quilting Techniques
Victorian Dancing
ARTIFACT EXHIBITIONS
Victorian Mourning Jewellery
New Additions to the WHS Collection
NO REGISTRATION NECESSARY

Meet the Author: Gwen Tuinman
2024-10-19 14:00 - 16:00 | Lynde House Museum, 900 Brock Street South, Whitby, Ontario, L1N 4L6, Canada
Join us for a Presentation & Book Signing with novelist Gwen Tuinman
Gwen is descended from Irish tenant farmers and English Quakers. Her storytelling influences include soul searching, an interest in bygone days, and the complexities of living a life. Fascinated by the landscape of human tenacity, she writes about women navigating the social restrictions of their era. Gwen now lives with her husband on a small rural homestead in Ontario’s Kawartha Lakes region. She wrote Unrest and The Last Hoffman
while residing in Whitby.

Victorian Christmas Tours
2024-11-21 11:00 - 2024-11-23 15:30, 2024-12-02 11:00 - 2024-12-03 15:30, 2024-12-05 11:00 - 2024-12-06 15:30, 2024-12-09 11:00 - 2024-12-10 15:30, 2024-12-12 11:00 - 2024-12-14 15:30, 2024-12-16 11:00 - 2024-12-17 15:30, 2024-12-19 11:00 - 2024-12-21 15:30
Visit Durham Region’s oldest home while it’s decorated for a traditional Victorian Christmas! Discover the history of Whitby, hear the Lynde family’s stories, and learn how they assisted in the growth of our Town.
Approximately 45 minutes.
Admission by Donation.

Victorian Christmas Tours
2024-11-25 11:00 - 2024-11-26 15:30, 2024-11-28 11:00 - 2024-11-30 15:30
Visit Durham Region’s oldest home while it’s decorated for a traditional Victorian Christmas! Discover the history of Whitby, hear the Lynde family’s stories, and learn how they assisted in the growth of our Town.
Approximately 45 minutes.
Admission by Donation.
REGISTER ONLINE: https://warren-general-store.square.site/product/victorian-christmas-tours/3103

Whitby Santa Claus Parade
2024-12-07 10:00 - 12:00 | Brock Street, Whitby, Ontario, Canada
The Whitby Historical Society is pleased to once again be participating in the Whitby Santa Claus Parade! Look for our entry and be sure to wave as out costumed volunteers go by!!!

CANDLELIGHT TOURS
2024-12-13 18:30 - 21:00, 2024-12-20 18:30 - 21:00 | Lynde House Museum, 900 Brock Street South, Whitby, Ontario, L1N 4L6, Canada
Tour Durham Region’s Oldest Home, Decorated in Victorian Christmas Style
Discover the Historic Origins of Your Favourite Christmas Traditions
Enjoy a Taste of Old-Fashioned Holiday Treats and Sweets
Sing Along with the Baker Street Victorian Carollers
Meet Victorian Father Christmas and Take a Photo with Him
Gather for Refreshments and Holiday Shopping in the Warren General Store
REGISTER ONLINE

Tea & History Speaker Series: Famous People Who Were Spies with Marlene Hodgson
2025-01-21 19:00 - 20:30 | Whitby Central Library – Meeting Room 1, 405 Dundas Street West, Whitby, ON, L1N 6A1, Canada
Whitby Central Library – Meeting Room 1

When we think of famous spies, the first name that usually comes to mind is Bond… James Bond. It’s well known that Bond’s creator, author lan Fleming, was a real life spy who was connected to Whitby’s own Camp X, but did you know many other famous authors, actors, and performers were also secret agents? From swashbuckling superstars to glamourous leading ladies, best-selling children’s authors to celebrated chefs, the list of legendary undercover agents contains numerous unexpected names! Join premiere Camp X historian and espionage expert Marlene Hodgson as she shares the surprising secrets of your favourite celebrities.

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Admission by Donation. Refreshments Provided.

Seating is limited! PLEASE PRE-REGISTER ONLINE or by phone at 905-665-3131

Tea & History Speaker Series: Black History Month Celebration with Dr. Rosemary Sadlier
2025-02-13 19:00 - 20:30 | Whitby Central Library – Meeting Room 1, 405 Dundas Street West, Whitby, ON, L1N 6A1, Canada
Whitby Central Library – Meeting Room 1

History equips us with the tools to analyze current problems and uncover issues that might otherwise remain invisible. It allows us to see the present in a new light and offers critical perspectives on how we can address present and future challenges. Understanding the events that shaped the past is essential to understanding how we got to where we are today. Raising awareness about Black history is crucial to building a truly inclusive history — one that accurately reflects all aspects of our shared past. This presentation will focus on how the formalization of Black History Month came into existence, among the untold stories that every Canadian should know, to help them to appreciate the challenges and diversity that is Canada.

Dr. Rosemary Sadlier is a renowned diversity, inclusion, and equity consultant, social justice advocate, researcher, writer, and international speaker specializing in Black History, anti-racism, and women’s issues. With a remarkable 22-year tenure as President of the Ontario Black History Society, she spearheaded the establishment of February as Black History Month nationwide and secured the recognition of August 1st as Emancipation Day. Sadlier played a pivotal role in the creation of the national day for the Hon. Lincoln Alexander, and has provided expert input to various organizations, including the UN Rapporteur on Race Relations, the Royal Ontario Museum, and the Bi-National Study of the Underground Railroad. As an educator, she has contributed to African Canadian curriculum development, national exhibits, and publications, authoring seven books on African Canadian history. Committed to social justice, Sadlier uses the lens of Black History to educate and empower others.

Admission by Donation. Refreshments Provided.

Seating is limited! PLEASE PRE-REGISTER ONLINE or by phone at 905-665-3131

CLOSED - FAMILY DAY
2025-02-17

Red Dress Beaded Pin Workshop - Part 1
2025-02-22 14:00 - 17:00 | Warren General Store, 900 Brock Street South, Whitby, Ontario, L1N4L6, Canada
Facilitated by Janet Dugan
This is a 2 Part Workshop, with sessions on consecutive Saturdays
FEBRUARY 22nd and MARCH 1st from 2:00 – 5:00pm
SESSION 1 – Participants will create a Red Dress Awareness pin using the one needle flat stitch method of bead embroidery. Participants will choose the type of pin, the colour of beads and backing for the project. Two or three rows will be beaded around the cabochon to complete the first part of the pin making process. Next, the project and backing will be cut out, a pin attached and then glued.
SESSION 2 – Participants will learn how to use the whip stitch method of edging to bring the back and front of the project together.
ABOUT THE ARTISAN – Janet Dugan – Changing Sky Designs
Janet is of mixed heritage. Her Spirit name in Ojibwe is Onsek Keeshigo (kwe), meaning Changing Sky (woman).
Janet is a proud member of Munsee Delaware FN (Leni Lenape) Wolf Clan. Her maternal Grandmother was a member of Alderville FN, and her maternal Great Grandmother was a member of Akwesasne FN, Turtle Clan.
The fallout from the residential school experience for Indigenous people has affected her family tremendously. Her Great Grandmothers were best friends during their time at residential school. Her Maternal Grandmother attended day school in Alderville FN, and her Mother was detained in the Mohawk Institute as a young girl along with her siblings.
Janet began her journey with seed beads in 2018 when she founded the “Red Dress Pin Project”. She has made over 350 red dress pins with all proceeds going to organizations who support Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit who are at risk of becoming murdered or missing. More than $4,000 has been donated to date.
Beading is an important part of her healing journey. Janet believes that beading is medicine.
REGISTRATION INCLUDES ALL SUPPLIES
REGISTER ONLINE AT THE LINK BELOW, OR CALL 905-665-3131

Red Dress Beaded Pin Workshop - Part 2
2025-03-01 14:00 - 17:00 | Warren General Store, 900 Brock Street South, Whitby, Ontario, L1N4L6, Canada

POSTPONED - Tea & History Speaker Series: The Story of the Brickworks
2025-03-06 19:00 - 20:30 | Whitby Central Library – Meeting Room 1, 405 Dundas Street West, Whitby, ON, L1N 6A1, Canada
POSTPONED DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES
Please join us on Monday, March 10th for TEA & HISTORY: The Campbells – Divorce & Scandal in 1870s Whitby

Tea & History Speaker Series: The Campbells - Divorce & Scandal in 1870s Whitby with Jim Phillips
2025-03-10 19:00 - 20:30 | Whitby Central Library – Meeting Room 1, 405 Dundas Street West, Whitby, ON, L1N 6A1, Canada
Whitby Central Library – Meeting Room 1

“I DID NOT COMMIT ADULTERY!” ~ Eliza Campbell
Did you know there was a famous legal battle involving a Whitby couple 150 years ago? This presentation will focus on the socio-legal history of the 1873 breakdown of the marriage of Robert and Eliza Campbell of Whitby. Over half-dozen years saw the couple square off three times in the Ontario courts, and another three times in the Parliament of Canada, all while living in close proximity to each other in Whitby.
Jim Phillips, MA, LLB, PhD, FRSC, is Professor of Law at the University of Toronto, cross-appointed to the Department of History. He is also Editor-in-Chief of the Osgoode Society for Canadian Legal History, and co-author of A History of Law in Canada Volumes 1 & 2. He will talk about his forthcoming book ‘I Did Not Commit Adultery’: Law and Gender in Ontario in the 1870s, which details the Campbell case.

Admission by Donation. Refreshments Provided.

Seating is limited! PLEASE PRE-REGISTER ONLINE or by phone at 905-665-3131

Soapstone Carving Workshop - Part 1
2025-03-22 15:30 - 17:30 | Warren General Store, 900 Brock Street South, Whitby, Ontario, L1N4L6, Canada
Facilitated by Peter Martin
This is a 2 Part Workshop, with sessions on consecutive Saturdays
MARCH 22nd & 29th
3:30 – 5:30pm
Learn the basics of the art of Soapstone Carving!
Your choice of two iconic Canadian figures – the Loon or the Inukshuk
REGISTRATION INCLUDES ALL SUPPLIES
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REGISTER ONLINE AT THE LINK BELOW, OR CALL 905-665-3131

Soapstone Carving Workshop - Part 2
2025-03-29 15:30 - 17:30 | Warren General Store, 900 Brock Street South, Whitby, Ontario, L1N4L6, Canada

Beginner's Quilting Workshop - Patchwork Potholder
2025-04-05 14:30 - 17:00 | Warren General Store, 900 Brock Street South, Whitby, Ontario, L1N4L6, Canada
Facilitated by Helena Turner
Learn basic hand quilting and binding techniques by crafting your own patchwork potholder.
Quilting experience is not necessary, but basic knowledge of using a needle and thread is recommended.
REGISTRATION INCLUDES ALL SUPPLIES
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REGISTER ONLINE AT THE LINK BELOW, OR CALL 905-665-3131

Tea & History Speaker Series: Indigenous Starlore and Constellations with Frank Dempsey
2025-04-10 19:00 - 20:30 | Whitby Central Library – Meeting Room 1, 405 Dundas Street West, Whitby, ON, L1N 6A1, Canada
Whitby Central Library – Meeting Room 1

Join amateur astronomer Frank Dempsey, a member of Dokis First Nation in Ontario, to consider the reasons why Indigenous starlore is so interesting, and why the night sky and celestial movements are important in everyday life. Discover a variety of constellations as seen by Indigenous peoples of Turtle Island, and some of the starlore and legends of the Ojibway and others. Frank Dempsey is a retired meteorologist, a member of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada for over half a century, and a member of the Durham Region Astronomical Association and North York Astronomical Association. He holds a Master’s in astronomy, as well as B.Sc. in chemistry and physics. Frank keeps busy with building telescopes, observing astronomical objects and sights, and public outreach.
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Admission by Donation. Refreshments Provided.

Seating is limited! PLEASE PRE-REGISTER ONLINE or by phone at 905-665-3131

CLOSED FOR EASTER
2025-04-18 - 2025-04-20 | Lynde House Museum, 900 Brock Street South, Whitby, Ontario, L1N 4L6, Canada
Lynde House Museum and the Warren General Store will be CLOSED for the Easter Weekend

Jane's Walk Heritage Walking Tour
2025-05-02 14:00 - 15:30 | Lynde House Museum, 900 Brock Street South, Whitby, Ontario, L1N 4L6, Canada
Step back in time through the Werden’s Plan Heritage Conservation District! Join the Whitby Historical Society for a journey into the stories & structures that define the character of Whitby, unveiling the rich tapestry of our shared history.
– Your host, dressed in historical attire, will breathe life into the stories of heritage buildings, and the individuals who lived, worked and worshipped in them.
– Uncover the untold narratives of these beautiful homes, businesses and churches, enriching your understanding of their significance in the community.
– Appreciate the unique architectural features that set these homes apart, highlighting their importance in our built heritage.
Jane’s Walk is an annual festival of free, community-led walking conversations inspired by Jane Jacobs. On the first weekend of May every year, walks take place in hundreds of cities around the world. Jane’s Walks encourage people to share stories about their neighbourhoods, discover unseen aspects of their communities, and use walking as a way to connect with their neighbours.
CALL 905-665-3131 to Register
Donations Gratefully Accepted

Mother's Day Tea & Workshop
2025-05-11 14:00 - 17:00 | Lynde House Museum, 900 Brock Street South, Whitby, Ontario, L1N 4L6, Canada
Join Local Artist Mina Daya to Learn How to Paint Your Own Teacup & Saucer
followed by Tea with Scones and Sweets in the Lynde House Museum
REGISTRATION REQUIRED
LIMITED SEATING
(minimum participation age – 10)
$50.00 per guest
Fee includes instructor and supplies, painted teacup & saucer to take home, and group tea party.

CLOSED for VICTORIA DAY
2025-05-19
Lynde House Museum and the Warren General Store will be CLOSED on Monday, May 19, 2025. We wish you a safe & happy long weekend!
