Milton Historical Society donates books to all local schools

In an effort to expand the knowledge of the past, the Milton Historical Society has made a significant donation to local schools.

The Society donated more than $5,500 worth of local books of history to all public, private and Catholic elementary and secondary schools in Milton.

The books are meant to complement the schools’ existing library collections with information about Milton’s rich history.

Here’s a list of what was donated:

• Historic Homes and Buildings of Milton, Volume III, written and researched by local historian Marsha Waldie and containing the histories and photographs of some of the community’s most historic homes and businesses;
• Milton & Area Biographies, Volume III, compiled by local historian Marsha Waldie and containing the biographies of some of the community’s most interesting residents;
• Milton And Area Churches, a coffee table-quality book co-written by local historians John Challinor II and the late Jim Dills and containing beautiful photography and the complete histories of religious institutions in and around the community;
• Milton Historical Society’s 35th Anniversary Collection of Favourite Recipes, Past & Present, which includes numerous photographs of Milton from years past;
• Moments In History, Reflections of Halton’s County Town (1833 – 1864), a coffee table-quality book written by local historian the late Jim Dills, and considered to be the seminal history of Milton.

“The Society has made this donation to all Milton schools because we believe understanding Milton’s rich history is fundamental to having an appreciation for our community as well as developing an interest in the history of our province and our country, ” said John Challinor II, a local councillor and Society president.

“We are the community’s only resource about matters of local history and we want all principals, teachers and students to know we are prepared to engage with them to assist in providing education through presentations, programs, research and volunteerism.

“We hope that providing an introduction to local history this week will help to put the pins in place over the summer for related education, beginning in the fall and continuing for many years to come.”

With the donation was a letter to the principals of each school, making them aware of the following opportunities for their staff and students:

• Joining the Society is free for students $25 per year for staff
• Membership entitles them to do research in the Society’s archives for free
• The Society has historians who will make class presentations on various aspects of Milton’s rich history at no cost to the school
• The Waldie Blacksmith Shop hosts two-hour tours and demonstrations for students aged 14 and older at a fee of $10 per person
• The Society holds numerous events for members through the year, including hosting numerous guest speakers on local and regional historical matters
• High school students can accumulate volunteer hours working at the Waldie Blacksmith Shop
• The Society publishes The Journal, a quarterly historical newsmagazine focused on local history, for its members