Expand your knowledge and awareness of topics ranging from the history of Halton Hills, Black artists, bird-friendly communities, personal safety, and more, by joining us for the Halton Hills Lecture Series this winter and spring.

To kick off our community’s celebration of the 50^th anniversary of Halton Hills in January, Mark Rowe, Archivist with the Esquesing Historical Society, will conduct a special presentation on the history of Halton Hills, entitled Halton Hills - The Sum of its Parts. The lecture begins with a brief history of this land and its European settlement, then culminates in an overview of the constituent parts of Halton Hills during their first 50 years. For this special lecture, held Wednesday, January 10, there will be a public reception beginning at 6:00 pm featuring remarks from the Mayor, entertainment and light refreshments before the lecture begins at 7:30 pm.

February’s lecture features A Story of Black History Told Through Art with Francesca Durham of the Halton Black History Awareness Society. Join us virtually on Tuesday, February 6 to learn more about the sixth annual Emancipation Art Exhibit, hosted by the Helson Gallery in 2023, which explored and celebrated freedom though the perspectives of Black artists. Francesca will relate how the exhibit served as a profound expression of the multifaceted Black experience, and the struggles, triumphs, and aspirations of a diverse community that has been both marginalized and celebrated. This lecture is virtual; please register on the online calendar at calendar.hhpl.ca.

Equip yourself with essential knowledge and practical strategies to enhance personal safety and promote a sense of awareness in various environments at our Tuesday, March 5 lecture, Personal Awareness and Safety Tips. This engaging and informative session led by safety expert and former police officer Nichelle Laus will provide valuable insights into how to make informed decisions and take proactive measures to protect yourself and others from becoming a victim.

Also in March, Brendon Samuels, a PhD candidate in the Department of Biology at Western University, will discuss Bird-Friendly Communities – Conservation in Local Practice. Joining us Monday, March 18, Brendon will discuss the various initiatives for the betterment of healthy bird populations that are ongoing in municipalities participating in the Bird Friendly Cities program by Nature Canada. He will share his experiences and provide suggestions of practical ideas that can help people to understand and coexist with birds, reduce key threats, and link bird conservation with climate action.

To wrap up the series on Tuesday, April 16, take a Journey North with John Dunn, wilderness traveller and photographer and a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. John's richly illustrated talk will discuss the paddling, hiking, and skiing journeys he has made through Canada from south to north. His adventures come to life with stories, images, and video from 400 days of wilderness expeditions, spanning 8,000 km from the British Columbia Coast to the northernmost tip of Canada.

All in person lectures are held at the John Elliott Theatre beginning at 7:30 pm. Free tickets are available through the John Elliott Theatre Box Office. For more information, please visit the Halton Hills Lecture Series webpage.