Monday to Friday: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm

The Archives will re–open on Saturdays from October 19, 2013.

The Archives is closed on Sundays and statutory holidays.

One day only! Saturday May 25th, join us at the City of Toronto Archives for a jam-packed day of local history, fascinating guests, and behind-the-scenes exploring.

Doors open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

For more information about Doors Open events at the Archives, see our flyer and our theatre schedule.

Sir Ernest MacMillan riding his bicycle on University Avenue
1942
City of Toronto Archives
Series 1569, File 11

On May 6th, 1973, conductor, composer, organist and writer, Sir Ernest MacMillan died.

MacMillan was born in Mimico in 1893. A child prodigy, he performed his first concert aged 10 on the organ at Massey Hall. Completing his music doctorate in 1918, he rapidly gained a reputation as a composer, concert organist, and conductor in Canada and the United States. In 1926 MacMillan was appointed as Principal of the Toronto Conservatory of Music and later became Dean of Music at the University of Toronto.

He is, however, best recognised for his 25-year tenure as Conductor and Musical Director with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, where he was particularly known for his dedication to music education for children and young people. He also served as organist for Timothy Eaton Memorial Church.

MacMillan was knighted in 1935, and received the Order of Canada in 1969.

See past editions of this month in Toronto.

New Exhibit Picturing Immigrants in the Ward Runs until May 31, 2013 Free admission

Featuring historical photographs of the Ward, this exhibition looks at how photography shaped ideas about Central and Eastern European immigrants in early 20th-century Toronto. By juxtaposing the historical photographs with new work by contemporary photographer Susan Dobson, the exhibition also reflects on how the Ward district has changed over the course of a century.

See the exhibit poster.

If you missed out on Toronto's Visual Legacy: Official City Photography from 1856 to the Present the first time, now is your chance to purchase the soft back edition. This book contains nearly 200 archival images offering a visual overview of Toronto’s history, documenting attitudes and values expressed by City officials, from the 19th century to today.