Gavin Morton will be the subject of this talk about the origins of the Georgina Pioneer Village. Gavin Morton worked with Nena Marsden and others in the early 1970’s to bring some historic structures – destined for demolition – to the Civic Centre in order to preserve them. The talk will explain why the Pioneer Village was born partly due to the death of his mother, Clara Pringle Morton. Gavin was a descendent of United Empire Loyalists and among the first people to settle in North Gwillimbury.
The talk will also include examples of how preserving heritage benefits a community and how we can do even better in Georgina. Included as well may be anecdotes about Allan’s own experiences as an archaeologist, including the most recent excavation of an extinct “underground railway” village of escaped slaves called ‘Fraserville’ near Windsor, Ontario.