History of the GHS

The first President of the Guelph Historical Society was Hugh Douglass, school teacher and noted historian. He was followed by Verne McIlwraith, an historical writer for the Guelph Mercury. When McIlwraith became a leader in the city's 1967 centennial events, he was succeeded by Eileen Hammill, an advocate of the city's built heritage. Hammill initiated the annual John Galt Gardens tree-planting program. Greta Shutt, author of the book "High Schools of Guelph", was President to 1973. Membership at that time remained at about 30. Nevertheless, the Society achieved many lasting projects during this period, including the establishment of the Guelph Civic Museum, the John McCrae Birthplace Society, and the John Galt Gardens on Speedvale Avenue.

Ruth Pollard became President in 1973 and instituted a plan to increase membership. The issuing of a monthly newsletter doubled the membership in two years. At that time, members of the Society began to work on a history book of the city. "The History of Guelph 1827-1927" by Leo Johnson was published in 1977, Guelph's Sesqui-Centennial, and brought membership to over 300. During this period, a program of scholarships in the high schools and one at the University were introduced. In addition, an Essay Contest to foster local history was instituted. After 20 years of service to the Society, Ruth Pollard was followed as President in 1993 by Gretchen Aird.

Ross Irwin became President in January 1995 and established a committee to write a new Society constitution and a new history of the city entitled "Guelph: Perspectives on a Century of Change". David Mowat became President in 1999 and smoothed the administration and marketed the new book. Various projects were undertaken under the leadership of presidents Gary Walton (2001-2003), Andrew Thomson (2003-2005), Elysia DeLaurentis (2005-2007), and Debra Nash-Chambers (2007-2009). Ann Guthrie is president from 2009 to 2011.

Ross Irwin has written an article entitled "Guelph Historical Society - 40 Years". This article, which provides a history of the first four decades of the Society, may be found in Historic Guelph volume 39 (2000), pp. 15-31.