The Multicultural History Society of Ontario (MHSO) is a not-for-profit educational institution and heritage centre established in 1976 by Professor Robert F. Harney and some of his close colleagues who wanted to increase public awareness of the multicultural nature of Ontario's history.

We envision a cohesive Ontario in which citizens have an appreciation of our shared histories, access to the products of our diverse heritage and the tools to eradicate stereotyping and prejudice from our places of learning and work.

We are committed to bringing to a wide public audience the positive aspects of living in a multi-ethnic province.

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The MHSO publicizes, preserves and makes accessible material which demonstrates the role of immigration and ethnicity in shaping the cultural and economic development of Toronto, Ontario and Canada.

Specifically, we:

  • Operate a museum
  • Produce publications
  • Create exhibits
  • Facilitate research
  • Assist Organizations
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We offer a range of services for schools, individuals, communities and special interest groups. In addition to our regularly offered school programmes and resources, we offer customized services and consulting in the following areas:

  • Workshops
  • Research assistance
  • Project management
  • Exhibit Design
  • Technical advice
  • Teaching guides
Please contact us directly by phone at 416-979-2973 for more information.

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This website is the result of another great partnership with the University of Toronto at Scarborough and Centennial College. Many thanks to the talented New Media Studies students who developed this website.

Photo credits:

  • Korean children in Toronto. Photographed by Richard Dibon-Smith. MHSO Photo Collection. Ontario's People: The Multicultural Heritage Appointment Calendar, 1984, p. 19.
  • Recently arrived Polish immigrants, Renfrew area, c.1918. MHSO Photo Collection. Featured in Our Multicultural Heritage, compiled by Lillian Petroff, 1990, p. 56.
  • Lebanese family portrait, London, Ontario, c. 1921. MHSO Photo Collection. Featured in Our Multicultural Heritage, compiled by Lillian Petroff, 1989, p. 9.
  • Canadian Soldiers on leave c. 1944. MHSO Photo Collection. Featured in Polyphony: The Bulletin of the Multicultural History Society of Ontario: Toronto's People 6/1 (1984), p. 30.
  • Lewis kids, date unknown. MHSO Photo Collection.
  • Italian builders. Image featured in the Oral History Museum.
  • Villa Columbo. Image featured in the Oral History Museum.
  • Chinese Lumb sisters leaving home. Image featured in the Oral History Museum.
  • Sri Lankan Tamil family on the day of daughter's coming of age ceremony in Toronto, 1993. Photographed by Vincenzo Pietropaolo for the exhibit and publication, Safe Haven: The Refugee Experience of Five Families.
  • Somali woman and co-founder of the Somali Cultural Centre in Etobicoke, 1993. Photographed by Vincenzo Pietropaolo for the exhibit and publication, Safe Haven: The Refugee Experience of Five Families.
  • Hungarian refugees arrive in Toronto, 1957. Photographed by László Dénes. MHSO Photo Collection. Ontario's People: The Multicultural Heritage Appointment Calendar, 1984, p. 19.
  • Bengali community supper, 1983. MHSO Photo Collection. Featured in Our Multicultural Heritage, compiled by Lillian Petroff, 1989, p. 22.
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