Update from the Fort

Fort York has provided both essential and approved services over the past year. We have played our part in several film shoots, and staff have been coordinating shipping and curbside pickup of books, toys, and décor inspired by Fort York and the other Toronto History Museums. You can shop online by visiting toronto.ca/museums and clicking on “Shop.”

Among the film shoots have been Handmaid’s Tale, The Man From Toronto and Drake’s music video for “What’s Next.”

Last summer, we welcomed more than 50 children to Fort York for CampTO, the first time that Fort York had ever offered camp programming. Although in-person CampTO Spring Break was cancelled due to the stay-at-home order, Fort York is hopeful to be operating a summer 2021 CampTO program alongside a modified Fort York Guard season.

We have exciting online food programming lined up for Museum Month in May and encourage you to follow @TOHistoryMuseums on social media to learn more as the program is announced.

With the cancellation of large, in-person City-run events through July 2, 2021, we are disappointed to not be able to host the Indigenous Arts Festival for the second year in a row. However, we are excited to offer online programming celebrating Indigenous arts and culture in the month of June. An official program announcement will follow.

We hope that the Fort York community is staying safe and healthy, and that our site is able to play a small part in providing you with fresh air and exercise during the most recent stay-at-home orders. We look forward to welcoming you back in person when it is safe to do so.

David Juliusson, one of Fort York’s longest serving staff, retired in December 2020. A dedicated member of the Joint Health and Safety Committee, David served as a Museum Program Officer for 29 years and his tours were a perennial favourite of school groups. He’s seen here in the uniform of the 8th Regiment of Foot – which served at Fort York during the War of 1812 – inside the fort’s shop among its outstanding selection of no-battery-needed toys for small children.

Happy retirement, David!