Come to the City of Toronto Archives and study how the city has addressed issues concerning public health over the last 125 years.

This program addresses units in the Grade 8 history and healthy living curricula.

City of Toronto Archives Series 372, sub-series 32, item 332

Look at health case studies to analyse the diseases and health problems that were prevalent in Toronto.

Use medical guides and archival materials to diagnose diseases, find their causes, and the methods used by the city to eradicate them.

Discuss ways how the city can prevent and deal with present and future health issues.

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

Students will learn how diseases are caused, spread, cured and contained.  They will understand the importance of personal and public hygiene, the importance of decent living conditions and the necessity of a public healthcare program.

City of Toronto Archives Series 372, sub-series 32, item 893

Grade 9 History

Canada: A Changing Society

Social and working conditions of Canadians around the beginning of the twentieth century

Factors contributing to change in Canadian society

Achievements of groups who have contributed to the development of Canada

Individuals and events that have helped change the position of women and children in Canada

City of Toronto Archives Series 372, sub-series 32, item 154

Healthy eating

Analyse the effects of under-eating on health and well being

Growth and Development

Identify symptoms, methods of transmission, prevention and behaviours related to common STDs

Substance Use and Abuse

Outline the possible consequences of substance use and abuse

Other Grades

This school program can be adapted for other school grades.
The recommended size of groups is 30 or less.

The Archives thanks Toronto Public Health for its support and assistance in the development of this program.

Please contact the Archives at 416-392-0558 or at archives@toronto.ca to book a tour.

'An Infectious Idea' is also available in a PDF format (PDF 235KB)

You will need the free Adobe Acrobat Viewer to view and print the PDF files.