SimcoeCurator

04/09/2026

I visited 225 parks across Canada last year and received a World Record 🏆

There’s an article about it in my bio

📰 Link in bio

03/01/2026

Mandate Life-Saving Diabetes Emergency Training in Canadian Schools and First Aid Programs

02/10/2026

This is a court illustration from 1843.

It’s from the trial of Grace Marks and James McDermott, after a double murder that happened just outside Richmond Hill.

I’ll be talking about this case on February 17 at the Richmond Hill Historical Society.

The talk looks at the trial and institutional records themselves, and what they show about guilt, punishment, and how the story has been shaped since.

Tuesday, February 17
6:30 PM
Richmond Hill Central Library, Rooms A & B
Members free. Guests $5.

Photo courtesy of the Toronto Public Library, The Trials of James McDermott and Grace Marks, November 3–4, 1843.

12/23/2025

On this day in 1931, Wilson Bentley passed away.

I have known his work for a long time, (I think we first learned about him in grade 3) but these past few years his work has really stayed with me.... & If you know me you know I've been going on about trying to capture snowflakes myself, preserving them in glue on slides. Hopefully it happens this holiday break!

Anyways, the photos in this article are lovely.

Wilson Alwyn Bentley (February 9, 1865 – December 23, 1931), also known as Snowflake Bentley, was an American meteorologist and photographer, who was the first known person to take detailed photographs of snowflakes and record their features.[1] He perfected a process of catching flakes on black ...

11/28/2025

It was an honour to be nominated and to stand alongside so many inspiring people this week! I’m so happy I got to be part of it and to share the work I care about with such an uplifting group.

Thank you to everyone who helped make the night so special. ❤️

🖼️ Meet Your North Simcoe Art & Culture Awards Nominee! 🖼️

We’re proud to celebrate Jessica Allen, founder of Simcoe Curator, as a nominee for the Community Impact Through Arts & Culture Award. ✨

Jessica blends art, history, and storytelling to make North Simcoe’s heritage accessible, engaging, and deeply human. From Orillia Memory in Motion to Barrie in Every Season and Collingwood in Every Season, her projects turn local history into public art that connects communities, sparks curiosity, and inspires pride.

Her work goes beyond storytelling, she identifies forgotten sites, develops heritage mapping projects, designs commemorative banners, mentors others, and serves on cultural boards. Through her creativity and dedication, Jessica transforms heritage into shared experiences that celebrate our past while enriching our present. 🌟

11/11/2025

This 1920 photo, taken before World War II, before federal medals, military pensions, or enlistment campaigns, shows Indigenous hunters receiving medals from the Hudson’s Bay Company.

Though not military in nature, this moment of recognition reminds us that service takes many forms and that remembrance must include the full scope of Indigenous leadership, resilience, and contribution.

11/10/2025

11/10/2025

11/02/2025

11/02/2025

Sad news to report today. Alex Tilley, inventor of the famous Tilley Hat (and former Mount Albert resident), has died at the age of 87. Here is his obituary:

With love and gratitude for a life well lived, we share the passing of Alexander (Alex) Joseph Tilley on October 28, 2025, at the age of 87.

Alex will be forever remembered by his wife, Hilary Clark Cole, his daughters Karen Tilley (Jay) and Alison Tilley (Jared), his stepchildren Graham Cole (Sadie) and Melanie Cole (Michael), and his grandchildren Elia and Jack. He is also survived by his dear brother John Tilley, as well as his many wonderful cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, former staff and colleagues, all of whom enriched his life and will miss him deeply.
Born on January 8, 1938, Alex lived a life defined by curiosity, creativity and adventure. He was best known as the inventor of the iconic Tilley Hat, a symbol of practicality, craftsmanship, and the spirit of exploration that mirrored his own values. What began as a personal project to create the perfect sailing hat grew into a hugely successful Canadian brand recognized around the world — one that reflected Alex’s dedication to quality, innovation, and integrity.

Beyond his entrepreneurial accomplishments, Alex was an avid sailor, a passionate traveller, and a lover of life’s simple, genuine pleasures. He inspired those around him with his wit, warmth, and unwavering optimism. His acts of kindness and generosity touched countless lives — from friends and family to the many people who crossed his path through his work and adventures. He made a difference in the world, one person at a time.

A family celebration of life will be held in the summer of 2026, on the water, where he always wanted to be.

In lieu of flowers, please honour Alex’s memory by spending time outdoors, sharing stories, performing acts of kindness, and embracing the world with the same curiosity, joy, and innocence that he brought to every day of his life.