How well do you know Burlington’s heritage?

The City of Burlington’s Heritage Month Committee is gearing up for Heritage Month.

The City of Burlington’s Heritage Month Committee is gearing up for Heritage Month.

Beginning Feb. 1, residents are invited to learn more about the events and issues that have shaped Burlington and Canada as a whole by attending the informative sessions planned throughout the month.

“As we become a 21st-century city, it’s important we continue to share and re-tell the stories of our past,” said Mayor Marianne Meed Ward. “There are great lessons to be learned. I think people will be amazed at how rich Burlington’s history is if they aren’t already aware. It is all valuable and deserves our attention.”

Topics and events will include Black history, First Nations, Freeman Station, Burlington architecture, discussions, meetings, preservations, stories and more.

The Feb. 1 kick-off event will feature highlights of the 175-year history of Knox Presbyterian Church.

The land for Knox Presbyterian Church was donated by Martha and Andrew Gage in 1845 in what was then known as Wellington Square and a small, wooden-frame church was erected at the corner of Elizabeth and James streets.

The original church, known today as the Bell Tower Room, still stands, surviving as one of the oldest buildings in Burlington.

“Heritage Month offers us the opportunity to learn about Burlington’s diverse cultural and built heritage,” added Howard Bohan, Chair, Heritage Burlington. “Thanks to all civic and volunteer groups who contributed to this year’s events; with a special thanks to Martha Hemphill of the United Empire Loyalists Association for her leadership.”

The full calendar listings are at burlington.ca/burlheritage, bpl.on.ca, and burlington.ca/calendar.