Stories Connect Us

Our stories make up our personal identity and allow us to connect with each other.

We have assembled 100 stories inspired by artifacts drawn mainly from the City of Toronto’s 150,000-item Historical Collection and other privately owned objects. The stories came from the diverse voices of our city and from the community connections we have made through Doors Open Toronto.

From the memories triggered by the artifacts, our TMp volunteer 'story-tellers' shared a wide range of impressions about Toronto and being a Torontonian. These stories connect our past with our present and inform our future.

Select an image below to meet our TMP volunteers and access their stories

  • The Centre Island Community and Park
    Save Island Homes Button
    The Centre Island Community and Park
    By Torontonian (Paul R.)  
  • Back to the Future and Bonanza
    10-inch Screen Television with Bak...
    Back to the Future and Bonanza
    By Torontonian (Lizette Maryann H.)  
  • The Toronto Negro Choral Society
    1950 Photograph of Negro Choral So...
    The Toronto Negro Choral Society
    By Torontonian (Betty C.)  
  • Winning Championships
    1961 Maple Leaf Gardens Programme
    Winning Championships
    By Torontonian (Tom C.)  
  • The Ballet On Grass
    1962 St. Michael's College Hockey ...
    The Ballet On Grass
    By Torontonian (Pal D.)  
  • The Summer of ’89
    1989 SkyDome Opening Gala Celebrat...
    The Summer of ’89
    By Torontonian (Salima R.)  
  • Root for the Home Team
    1992 Blue Jays World Series Souven...
    Root for the Home Team
    By Torontonian (Ashley D.)  
  • New Discoveries
    A View of Todmorden Mills Watercol...
    New Discoveries
    By Torontonian (Samantha B. )  
  • Keeping My Eye on the Prize
    Agricultural Association of Upper ...
    Keeping My Eye on the Prize
    By Torontonian (Jane L.)  
  • Canoe + Purpose = Media
    Algonquin-style Birch Bark Canoe
    Canoe + Purpose = Media
    By Torontonian (Neil B.)  
  • E.J. and Me
    Architectural Bas-Relief Terracott...
    E.J. and Me
    By Torontonian (Catherine N.)  
  • Shreds of a New Life
    Arpillera, Exile and Solidarity
    Shreds of a New Life
    By Torontonian (Cecilia S.)  
  • The Making of a ‘Metropolis’
    Art Deco Architectural Pattern Blo...
    The Making of a ‘Metropolis’
    By Torontonian (Guinevere P.)  
  • Toronto Touched By War
    Beaver's 204th Sham Battle in High...
    Toronto Touched By War
    By Torontonian (Keith F.)  
  • The Window Above the City
    Avro Aircraft Unveiling Programme
    The Window Above the City
    By Torontonian (Hagen N. )  
  • My Mother's Wedding Saree from 1932
    Banaras Saree
    My Mother's Wedding Saree from 1932
    By Torontonian (Babi R.)  
  • The First Time I Was Called To Worship At The Altar Of Glamour
    Beaded Dress Train
    The First Time I Was Called To Worship At The Altar Of Glamour
    By Torontonian (Chris T.)  
  • Fond Memories as a Performing Artist
    Bendayan Dress
    Fond Memories as a Performing Artist
    By Torontonian (Wendy A.)  
  • The Dance Shoes, the Butterfly, and the Forbidden Art
    Black Ballet Slippers
    The Dance Shoes, the Butterfly, and the Forbidden Art
    By Torontonian (Maria S.)  
  • Men in Kilts
    Highland Dress
    Men in Kilts
    By Torontonian (Carole L. )  
  • The Building that Royalty Blessed
    Bronze Sconces
    The Building that Royalty Blessed
    By Torontonian (John H.)  
  • Unpredictable Moments
    C. Hatch & Co. Painted Side Ch...
    Unpredictable Moments
    By Torontonian (Dan S. )  
  • Burke’s Brace
    Cabinet Maker's Brace
    Burke’s Brace
    By Torontonian (Bruce K.)  
  • The Underground Home
    Cameo Lounge Drinks Menu
    The Underground Home
    By Torontonian (Saidah Baba T.)  
  • Visit to the Store
    Canada and Liquor Control Pamphlet
    Visit to the Store
    By Torontonian (Ian R.)  
  • I Only Know Digital
    Canadian Kodak Company Limited Gra...
    I Only Know Digital
    By Torontonian (Ian P.)  
  • Patinated Surfaces and Mellow Tones
    Cello
    Patinated Surfaces and Mellow Tones
    By Torontonian (Andrew H.)  
  • The Return of Spring
    Dunsmore Pipe
    The Return of Spring
    By Torontonian (Heather B.)  
  • My Life in Campus/Community Radio
    CHUM Radio "Super Star" ...
    My Life in Campus/Community Radio
    By Torontonian (Alka S. )  
  • Europe In Toronto?
    Old City Hall Video
    Europe In Toronto?
    By Torontonian (Aldo G.)  
  • Under Observation?
    Boer War Presentation Binoculars
    Under Observation?
    By Torontonian (Ken R.)  
  • Arabesque!
    Coffee Pot
    Arabesque!
    By Torontonian (Howayda G. )  
  • The Grass Can Be Greener On Your Own Side!
    Copper Barrel Hoops
    The Grass Can Be Greener On Your Own Side!
    By Torontonian (Sumiko O.)  
  • My Home Territory
    Copy Book of Deeds, Indian Treatie...
    My Home Territory
    By Torontonian (Bryan F. )  
  • Lingering Scents
    Dabqaad, Somali Incense Burner
    Lingering Scents
    By Torontonian (Faduma A.)  
  • Eyes Wide Shut
    David Dunlop Observatory Souvenir ...
    Eyes Wide Shut
    By Torontonian (Bobby A.)  
  • “First Time Home Buyer Going Bananas”
    Deed of Settlement, Robert Baldwi...
    “First Time Home Buyer Going Bananas”
    By Torontonian (Keshia E.)  
  • Don Valley Connections
    Don Valley Toronto Viaduct Constru...
    Don Valley Connections
    By Torontonian (Beth R.)  
  • Toto and Cinderella
    Eaton Auditorium Folding Chair
    Toto and Cinderella
    By Torontonian (Barbara H.)  
  • Eaton's Delivery Service - Just in Time Delivery
    Eaton Delivery Van
    Eaton's Delivery Service - Just in Time Delivery
    By Torontonian (Donald I.)  
  • I Said It Loud...I'm Black And Proud
    Flag of the United States of Ameri...
    I Said It Loud...I'm Black And Proud
    By Torontonian (Gloria S.)  
  • The Gift for Grandma
    Folk Art Chair of Mel Lastman
    The Gift for Grandma
    By Torontonian (Ibrahim H.)  
  • My First True Love
    Great Combination McCready and Dun...
    My First True Love
    By Torontonian (Carolyn T.)  
  • Great Toronto Hip Hop
    Great Toronto Fire Video
    Great Toronto Hip Hop
    By Torontonian (Mark C.)  
  • The Positive Effects of Discriminatory Immigration Policies!
    Head Tax Certificate of Harvey Low...
    The Positive Effects of Discriminatory Immigration Policies!
    By Torontonian (Harvey L.)  
  • Mamie Chérie
    Holy Bible
    Mamie Chérie
    By Torontonian (Brigitte H.)  
  • The Weather is Ever-Present
    Humber River Floods Video
    The Weather is Ever-Present
    By Torontonian (Sally S.)  
  • Local Warming
    Iceboat Comet Name Plate
    Local Warming
    By Torontonian (John S.)  
  • Arriving in Canada
    Immigration Identification Card
    Arriving in Canada
    By Torontonian (Sage D.)  
  • Excellent Summers
    Industrial Exhibition Association ...
    Excellent Summers
    By Torontonian (Andrew L.)  
  • “Mothers in Sacrifice”
    International Order of Allied Moth...
    “Mothers in Sacrifice”
    By Torontonian (Susan C.)  
  • Full Circle
    Jefferson Airplane and Grateful De...
    Full Circle
    By Torontonian (Jonathan R.)  
  • An Attachment that Makes Us Distinct
    Jesuits Estates Crisis Medal
    An Attachment that Makes Us Distinct
    By Torontonian (Elda A.)  
  • A Signature Story
    Lee Lung Sai Association Loan Agre...
    A Signature Story
    By Torontonian (Evelyn S.)  
  • The Rebel In Us
    Louis Riel Letter, 1885
    The Rebel In Us
    By Torontonian (Andrea C.)  
  • Salmon is Salmon
    Lunch Menu from the S.S. Noronic
    Salmon is Salmon
    By Torontonian (Rachael M. )  
  • "Lighting the Fire"
    Program for Concert by Mahalia Jac...
    "Lighting the Fire"
    By Torontonian (Bertha S.)  
  • Unsustainable Silence from the Mouth of a Mandolin
    Mandolin
    Unsustainable Silence from the Mouth of a Mandolin
    By Torontonian (Hernan A.)  
  • 'Modern-Day Red Diaper Baby'
    May Day Souvenir Cap
    'Modern-Day Red Diaper Baby'
    By Torontonian (Louisa W.)  
  • Sticking it out for Santa
    Metro Santa Claus Parade Button
    Sticking it out for Santa
    By Torontonian (Julia S.)  
  • Christmas at Eaton’s
    Paper Shopping Bag
    Christmas at Eaton’s
    By Torontonian (Justin P.)  
  • ‘Beaker by Beaker’
    Pasteurized Milk Bottle, Hospital ...
    ‘Beaker by Beaker’
    By Torontonian (Nathalie M.)  
  • Thirsting For The Suburbs
    Pepsi-Cola bottle
    Thirsting For The Suburbs
    By Torontonian (Wayne R.)  
  • One Optimist's Journey Through Forty Years of Communities
    Photograph of Midland Ave & A...
    One Optimist's Journey Through Forty Years of Communities
    By Torontonian (Mark S.)  
  • The Malleable City
    Photograph of Bank of Commerce and...
    The Malleable City
    By Torontonian (Immaculate G.)  
  • Open Door Banking
    Photograph of Bank of Montreal
    Open Door Banking
    By Torontonian (Charles C. )  
  • Catching Memories
    Photograph of Bathers and Cars In ...
    Catching Memories
    By Torontonian (June S.)  
  • Old Don Mills Road
    Photograph of Don Mills Road Oppos...
    Old Don Mills Road
    By Torontonian (Heather A.)  
  • The Canoe
    Dugout Canoe
    The Canoe
    By Torontonian (Larry F. )  
  • Ghetto Success
    Photograph of Jane Street and Finc...
    Ghetto Success
    By Torontonian (Amna B. )  
  • Erecting Power
    Photograph of Linemen of Hydro Pow...
    Erecting Power
    By Torontonian (Nation C.)  
  • Recycling Roots
    Photograph of Replica Mural Painti...
    Recycling Roots
    By Torontonian (Leon K.)  
  • Summer of ‘71
    Photograph of Royal York Hotel
    Summer of ‘71
    By Torontonian (Kujo C.)  
  • The Quiet Emergencies
    Photograph of West Toronto Junctio...
    The Quiet Emergencies
    By Torontonian (Lisa M.)  
  • Mapping The Layers of the City
    Plan of High Park Map
    Mapping The Layers of the City
    By Torontonian (Joe B.)  
  • The Artist in Me
    Portrait of Iris Burnside
    The Artist in Me
    By Torontonian (Shakura S.)  
  • Toronto: The City Without Borders!
    Prayer Rug
    Toronto: The City Without Borders!
    By Torontonian (Shakil A.)  
  • Wind Me Up
    Rebellion of 1837 Prisoner's Box
    Wind Me Up
    By Torontonian (Sitara R. )  
  • Good Friends, Good Food, and Nudity: can it get any better?
    Queen's Wharf Lighthouse Painting
    Good Friends, Good Food, and Nudity: can it get any better?
    By Torontonian (Thamilini N. )  
  • The Famous Horse and her Muse
    Rienhardt and Company Brewers Adve...
    The Famous Horse and her Muse
    By Torontonian (Stewart E.)  
  • Two Places At The One Time
    Rifle Company Military Uniform
    Two Places At The One Time
    By Torontonian (Robert K.)  
  • From Milk Tokens to the Toronto Maple Leafs
    S. Price and Sons Milk Token
    From Milk Tokens to the Toronto Maple Leafs
    By Torontonian (Judi C.)  
  • Teiaiagon Story
    Seneca Effigy Comb
    Teiaiagon Story
    By Torontonian (Bill W. )  
  • Tintin and Red Rackham’s Treasure
    Ship's Figurehead Depicting Nike
    Tintin and Red Rackham’s Treasure
    By Torontonian (Serge P.)  
  • 7/7/53
    Smith Family Movies - Spadina Gard...
    7/7/53
    By Torontonian (Habon A.)  
  • Dodgeball
    Syllabus of Physical Exercises For...
    Dodgeball
    By Torontonian (Nilesh P.)  
  • Thinking of Ned Hanlan in the Dark...
    The Champion Sculler's Return from...
    Thinking of Ned Hanlan in the Dark...
    By Torontonian (Linda F.)  
  • Family of Good – Hot Soup Day
    Thirty-Seven Welfare Organisations...
    Family of Good – Hot Soup Day
    By Torontonian (Modabbir S.)  
  • Looking Forward
    Toronto City Hall Opening Commemor...
    Looking Forward
    By Torontonian (Kyle R.)  
  • The Little Things
    Toronto General Hospital Training ...
    The Little Things
    By Torontonian (Sue G.)  
  • Attendance Interruptus
    Toronto Public School Board Attend...
    Attendance Interruptus
    By Torontonian (Susan W.)  
  • Streetcar Poster Says “Toronto, I’ve Arrived”
    TTC Poster Promoting Toronto Star ...
    Streetcar Poster Says “Toronto, I’ve Arrived”
    By Torontonian (Frank M. )  
  • Take The Boat To The Whine
    Typical Learners Flight Over Toron...
    Take The Boat To The Whine
    By Torontonian (Sandra B.)  
  • From Uncle Bobby to Xbox 360!
    Uncle Bobby Souvenir Pin Back Butt...
    From Uncle Bobby to Xbox 360!
    By Torontonian (Zachary C.)  
  • Memories of the Rocking Chair
    Victorian Child's Rocking Chair
    Memories of the Rocking Chair
    By Torontonian (Liban M.)  
  • Keeping Traditions Alive and Creating New Ones
    Victorian Silver Baby Rattle
    Keeping Traditions Alive and Creating New Ones
    By Torontonian (Evelyn G.)  
  • Independent Luxury
    Photograph of Weston Road and Lawr...
    Independent Luxury
    By Torontonian (Alica H.)  
  • Toronto: The Thrice-Promised Land
    William Jarvis' Queen's Rangers Un...
    Toronto: The Thrice-Promised Land
    By Torontonian (David C)  
  • A Parable of Watches
    Woltz Brothers Jewellers Advertisi...
    A Parable of Watches
    By Torontonian (Alissa P.)  
  • The Little Grey Woodpecker and the Indian Maid
    Woodpecker Effigy Pipe Bowl
    The Little Grey Woodpecker and the Indian Maid
    By Torontonian (Ronald W. )