Kendra shared with us some of the real-world inspirations woven into the book. The novel is dedicated to two living tortoises: Jonathan, aged 193 on Saint Helena Island — the same remote island where Napoleon spent his final years — and Fernanda, believed to be the last surviving Fernandina tortoise in the world. 

Twenty-five members and guests gathered at the Glencoe Library for Kae Elgie's presentation on her book, This Land: the Story of Two Hundred Acres in Kent County, Ontario. Drawing from extensive research preserved by her ancestors and combined with her own deep dive into census and land records, archaeological findings, and historical texts, Elgie told the remarkable story of 10,000 years of food gathering and agricultural production on the 200-acre farm in Chatham-Kent where she grew up. Her

Join acclaimed musical artist Denise Pelley, accompanied by Stephen Holowitz, for a powerful lecture-and-listen experience inside the historic AME Church at Fanshawe Pioneer Village.

This fifth edition of the Fanshawe Village series highlights the lives and contributions of two remarkable Black Canadians:

Salome Bey – pioneering singer, songwriter, and “Canada’s First Lady of Blues”

Lawrence Hill – celebrated author of The Book of Negroes

Daytripping! Plan your own itinerary for a lovely summer day trip celebrating the rich heritage of Ailsa Craig and North Middlesex—a region known for its remarkable commitment to preserving archives, stories, artifacts, and community history. This will be an opportunity to visit several unique local sites, meet devoted volunteers, and explore some of the most meaningful places in our rural landscape.

There are a number of options, so study the list of stops, prepare your route, and fill up your car for a Friday day trip on June 12th.  Click through for all the details.

🔎 Why do some places vanish while others endure? Join us to explore how geography, transportation, industry, and timing shaped the fate of Middlesex County’s lost communities—and what their stories still tell us today. In this illustrated and engaging talk, local historian Jennifer Grainger explores the rise and fall of these vanished villages. Drawing on maps, photographs, land records, and archaeological clues, she traces where these communities were located, how historians and genealogists research them today, and what—if anything—remains on the landscape.

Join us for our Annual St. Mary’s Service at one of Middlesex County’s most treasured historic landmarks, lovingly preserved since the 1840s.

Built of local walnut—generously donated by Captain Christopher Beer, who even postponed building his own home to support the church—St. Mary’s stands as a testament to dedication, sacrifice, and community vision. Although regular services ended in 1920, the tradition of gathering here has continued for over a century.

Step into a miniature world where imagination meets historical curiosity. Steve Robson will guide visitors through the creative process of using LEGO-style bricks to reconstruct scenes from small towns — whether rooted in historical accuracy, modern-day reflections, or imaginative blends of different eras.

This hands-on approach to local history brings buildings and streetscapes to life, offering a playful yet thoughtful lens on how communities grow and change over time. Attendees will discover how anyone can begin exploring small-town design — choosing a place, picking an era (or mixing a few!), and recreating it one brick at a time.

Early announcement — details are still being confirmed. Please check back here and visit the Celebrate Community Committee Southwest Middlesex Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/cccswm for updates.

Willey Cemetery, 5267 Gentleman Drive, Ekfrid Township. The Glencoe & District Historical Society, in partnership with the United Empire Loyalists' Association of Canada, invites the public to a commemoration ceremony honouring two veterans of early Canadian and American history — and the family they planted here in Ekfrid Township.

Have you ever been to a powwow? A Powwow is a living celebration of Indigenous culture — a gathering of song, dance, community, tradition, and connection that welcomes people of all backgrounds. Expect spirited drumming, colourful regalia, dancing competitions, and vendors showcasing traditional crafts and foods.

September 25, 26, 2026.  Fair weekend. Go to Glencoe Fair site: https://glencoefair.ca/ The Society always has a booth at the Glencoe Fair staffed by historians Harold Carruthers, Norm McGill and many others coming and going.   The Crystal Palace on the fairgrounds in Glencoe. It was home to about 50 Japanese Canadians in the summer […]