Markham Marks 225th Anniversary with Commemorative Forest & Civic Holiday

MARKHAM, ON – October 1, 2019 – On Saturday, September 28, the City of Markham hosted its historic 225th anniversary at the Markham Museum, as part of its iconic Applefest. Markham 225 drew thousands of visitors throughout the day from across York Region, the Greater Toronto Area and Southern Ontario, showcasing and celebrating Markham’s rich history and vibrant diversity.

Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti announced that as part of Markham 225, the City will plant 225 Bur Oak Trees at Milne Dam Conservation Park on October 26, 2019. The Bur Oak Tree is the official tree of the City of Markham. The Markham 225 forest will significantly add to the City’s urban canopy, while improving air quality and preserving the environment.

The Mayor also announced that in honour of this historic birthday celebration, the Civic Holiday in August will now be known as William Berczy Day in Markham, after one of Markham’s founding pioneers and designated national historic person.

“We are a community of pioneers. The same intrepid spirit that led William Berczy and his settlers to the land 225 years ago, defines us,” says Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “Modern day pioneers, who hail from around the world and journey here in search of a better life, define us. Our past, present and future are linked by the stories that brought us here, the stories we share as one, united, diverse and inclusive community.”

Markham’s 225 celebrations began with a special dedication of the Museum’s Collections Building to the late John Lunau. The John Lunau Centre will honour the legacy of Markham’s first official historian, the Markham Museum’s first curator and the founding President of the Berczy Settler’s Association and the Markham Historical Society.

“John’s commitment to preserving and sharing Markham’s history was extraordinary,” says Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. John was planning Markham’s bicentennial celebration before he passed away, and here we are, a quarter of a century later, and we are proud to carry on his legacy as we celebrate Markham’s 225th Anniversary and the Founding of Markham by the Berczy settlers.”

The memorable event also featured an impressive lineup of local, Canadian and cultural performances on the Markham 225 Main Stage, including Juno and Gemini Award-winning, platinum selling recording artist and Canada’s Queen of R&B Soul Jully Black. Back by popular demand was Markham’s own Julia Gartha, Star Search Markham Winner in 2017 and Season 2 contestant on CTV’s hit series The Launch.

The once-in-a-lifetime celebration was capped off with Grand Finale Fireworks that lit up the sky in celebration of Markham’s 225th.

Photos

Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti and Members of Council were joined by members of the community and the Lunau family to dedicate the Markham’s Museum’s Collections Building to the late John Lunau – the Museum’s first curator and the founding President of the Berczy Settler’s Association and the Markham Historical Society.

Juno and Gemini Award-winning, platinum selling recording artist and Canada’s Queen of R&B Soul, Jully Black, rocked the crowd while sharing messages of unity, love and diversity with visitors young and old.

Markham’s own Julia Gartha, winner of Star Search Markham and Season 2 contestant on CTV’s hit series The Launch, serenades the crowd with her powerful vocals.

This year marked 35 years of Applefest at the Markham Museum, celebrating the harvest of the apple!

A spectacular showcase of fireworks were the perfect end to Markham’s historic 225th celebration event.

View all event photos from Markham 225.

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Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti's Office: Lama Nicolas, Senior Communications Advisor at lnicolas@markham.ca or 416.671.2890. 

All other media inquiries/interview requests for the City of Markham:  Maxine Roy, Advisor, Communications and Media Relations at mroy@markham.ca or 647.200.8718.

About Markham: Markham, an award-winning municipality with over 355,000 residents and the largest of nine communities in York Region, is home to over 400 corporate head offices and more than 1,500 high tech and life science companies. Markham is a leader in attracting foreign direct investment with more than 210 foreign companies located in the City. Founded in the 1790s, today Markham is Canada’s most diverse community and enjoys a rich heritage, outstanding community planning and services, and a vibrant local economy. Markham has received the Excellence Canada Gold Award for Organizational Quality & Healthy Workplace, and multiple heritage and environmental awards.

About Markham Museum: Markham Museum connects the history of Markham to today’s new ‘settlers’ by examining our environment and the tools we use to adapt to our changing world. The 25-acre Museum site offers: exhibits, school programs, public programs and events, private event venues and research facilities. In 2011 the Museum opened a new collection and exhibition hall. Meeting LEED Gold standards, the new building includes a large temporary exhibition hall and a smaller permanent installation called "What is Markham? Discover our Evolving Community" in the south gallery. This exhibit explores the layers of settlement and the resulting changes that Markham has experienced. The Museum is receiving national attention for its unique way of connecting with its community.