Come to the City of Toronto Archives and study the changes in one Toronto neighbourhood over the last 120 years. This program addresses a number of units in the Grade 9 geography and Grade 10 history curricula.
Look at original archival documents and see the stories they reveal about the people who lived in ‘The Ward’, the place they called home.
Where did they work?
What were their families like?
What were their homes like?
Discover immigration patterns, socio-economic conditions and demographic shifts over time.
Students will analyse raw data and develop informed conclusions based on the evidence.
They will learn and apply the same techniques used by local historians, genealogists and house researchers.
Sources include:
Tax Assessment Rolls
City Directories
Photographs
Maps
Once students have researched ‘The Ward’, they will have acquired the skills to study their own neighbourhood or that of their school.
This program is free and lasts for 1½ hours. The program can be adjusted to meet your class's schedule or special needs. Advance booking is required. To book a visit or for more information, please contact the Archives.
Curriculum Expectations
This City of Toronto Archives program will fulfill the following expectations from the Grade 9 geography and Grade 10 history curricula.
Grade 9 Geography
Understanding and managing change
Identify and explain factors influencing demographics and migration
Methods of Geographic Inquiry
Gather geographic information from primary sources
Use different types of maps to interpret geographic relationships
Geographic Foundations
Identify characteristics of urban environments
Identify population densities and patterns
Grade 10 History
Change and Continuity
Identify groups of immigrants to Canada
Evaluate impact of urbanisation
Social and Economic Structures
Explain changes in economic conditions and
social welfare programs
Methods of Historical Inquiry
Gather information from a variety of sources
Evaluate the credibility of sources and information
Other Grades
The school program for Grade 9 and 10 students can be adapted for other school grades.
This program can also fulfill sections of the Grade 8 History and Geography curricula, Canada: A Changing Society, Patterns in Human Geography and Migration.
The recommended size of groups is 30 or less.
Please contact the Archives at 416-392-0558 or at archives@toronto.ca to book a tour.
Neighbourhood under the microscope is also available in a PDF format (PDF 317KB)
You will need the free Adobe Acrobat Viewer to view and print the PDF files. 
Top Image: City of Toronto Archives Series 372, sub-series 32, item 187
Centre Image: City of Toronto Archives Series 372, sub-series 32, item 33
Bottom Image: City of Toronto Archives Series 372, sub-series 32, item 58
