Kingston Historical Society

The Kingston Historical Society is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the history and heritage of Kingston, Ontario, and its surrounding areas. Established in 1893, the society is one of the oldest historical societies in Canada and operates as a volunteer-driven not-for-profit entity.

Mission and Activities

The society's mission is to create, foster, and maintain interest in the local history and heritage of Kingston and environs. It achieves this through a variety of activities including monthly meetings featuring guest speakers, the publication of a monthly newsletter titled Limelight, and an annual journal named Historic Kingston.

In addition to educational and publication efforts, the Kingston Historical Society operates the Murney Tower National Historic Site, a museum that forms part of the Kingston Fortifications, which are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site connected to the Rideau Canal.

Programs and Events

The organization sponsors and organizes various special heritage events throughout the year. Notable annual events include:

• A historically themed trip
• A celebration of Sir John A. Macdonald's birthday
• A commemorative ceremony at Sir John A. Macdonald's gravesite at Cataraqui Cemetery

Governance and Status

The Kingston Historical Society is recognized as a registered charity under Canadian law, carrying the Business Registration Number 118982149RR0001. This status enables it to facilitate donations that support its mission while providing tax receipts to donors.

Significance

As a longstanding custodian of Kingston's rich history, the society plays a vital role in connecting the past with the present, ensuring that future generations appreciate the cultural and historical fabric of the region. Its stewardship of historical sites and ongoing educational outreach underline its importance within the community.

This article summarizes key information about the Kingston Historical Society as a nonprofit focused on local history and heritage preservation in Kingston, Ontario.[1][2][3][5]

[1] https://www.kingstonhistoricalsociety.ca [2] https://www.instagram.com/kingstonhistoricalsociety/ [3] https://211ontario.ca/service/68952625/agency/kingston-historical-society/ [4] http://hanleyspur.blogspot.com/2024/03/kingston-historical-society-presentation.html [5] https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/kingston-historical-society/