About Me
Welcome to “History to the People”. I am an historian and heritage planning professional based in southern Ontario. My interests include built heritage, urban heritage planning, adaptive re-use, heritage education, military history, and the role of women and ethnic communities in the shaping of Canadian history.
I have over 10 years experience with Canadian Heritage Advisory Committees/Commissions including the Nanaimo Community Heritage Commission and Heritage Guelph. I currently am Vice Chair of Heritage Guelph. I am also a Board member of the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario’s Guelph-Wellington Branch where I assist in maintaining the local website, organising lectures and fundraising. I hold a Master of Arts in History from the University of Northern British Columbia plus I have completed my first year towards a PhD in History from the University of Leeds in England. I also hold an advanced diploma in Journalism from BCIT (Burnaby, BC). In terms of professional development, I have attended several workshops, seminars and conferences on heritage conservation, urban planning, and heritage building restoration in North America and Europe. I have presented papers at conferences in Canada, the US and England plus I have gained experience in finance and fundraising in both the not-for-profit and heritage sectors. In addition, I am currently enrolled in the heritage conservation planning stream of the University of Victoria’s Cultural Resource Management program. My career goal is to become a heritage planner for a Canadian municipality.
History and heritage conservation are definitely my passions in life. I consider myself a story teller and an heritage educator and the best way to let peope know about this great country’s fabulous cultural, historical and built heritage, is to tell a great story that inspires everyone, no matter their location or educatonal background, to go in search of their own stories to tell. I do also enjoy other things in life like checking out the local music talent, crochet, travel, culinary pursuits and writing. Yet, most of all, I love going on road trips in search of history and heritage in order to tell a good story. So, if you see a red-head staring up in awe at a heritage building with notebook and camera ready in your community, please say hello for I also enjoy meeting new people everywhere I go!
Cheers!
Laura
Love your site, and look forward to learning more about Canada. Keep up the great work.
Hi Laura I have written a book about the 1857 train wreck on the Desjardins Bridge and would like to use a couple of your illustration of Dundurn Castle interiors–particularly the bedroom and parlour May I have your permission? Of course I would name you in the photo credit.
Hi Don,
Yes, you can use those photos provided I am fully credited and the source is mentioned as well. That sounds like a very interesting book! Let me know when it is released as I would like to read it. Who is the publisher?
Best wishes,
Laura
Hi, Laura
Love your site! I am a municipal heritage committee member who also used to work in the heritage conservation field 20 years ago and I am also a collector of heritage recipes. Did you know there is an organization called Culinary Historians of Ontario? Located in Toronto? All neat stuff based with historic roots, doing food demos in historic settings. I think you’d love it.
Deborah
Hi Deborah,
Thanks very much for your comment and I’m glad you like the site. Yes, I have heard of the Culinary Historians of Ontario, but I have to admit I haven’t done much research into what they do. Now I will have to check them out more closely! Thanks for the tip.
Cheers,
Laura