Markham Museum and Local School Board Honored with History Award for Standing in the Doorway Exhibit

MARKHAM, ON – November 25, 2024 – Standing in the Doorway: Lived Histories and Experiences of the Chinese Community, has been awarded the prestigious Governor General’s History Award for Excellence in Community Programming. This collaborative project, developed by Markham Museum, and the York Region District School Board Museum and Archives, with the Tribute to Early Chinese Immigrants Foundation Canada and the University of Toronto, commemorates York Region’s Chinese community and celebrates their contributions to the community through arts, culture and sport.

The award, which recognizes projects that inspire public engagement with history, was presented by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, at a national ceremony on November 21, 2024 on behalf of Canada’s History Society.

“Standing in the Doorway reminds us that Canada’s history includes both pain and triumph,” said Melony Ward, President and CEO of Canada’s National History Society. “This remarkable project deepens our understanding of what it means to be Canadian.”

Initially created to mark the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Exclusion Act, the project celebrates the richness of York Region’s Chinese community, capturing contributions from 500 partners. Through oral histories, family archives, and loaned artifacts, the project team developed a multimedia experience with a website, a travelling exhibition, and a school program.

In addition to the Governor General’s History Award, Standing in the Doorway received several other accolades:

• Ontario Museums Association: Award of Excellence in Programs
• Canadian Museums Association: Outstanding Achievement in Audience Outreach Award
• Archives Association of Ontario: Institutional Award

“This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our community and project partners,” said Janet Reid, Curator of the Markham Museum, and Rebekah Mitchell, Curator of the York Region District School Board Museum & Archives. “We extend heartfelt thanks to our advisors, participants, and the Chinese community in York Region for actively sharing their stories.”

To see where you may visit the exhibition during its tour of York Region, Click Here. To learn more about the exhibit, the Chinese Exclusion Act, and the importance of this historical narrative, listen to the Tune In YRDSB podcast episode featuring key project contributors. You can also watch a video highlighting the exhibit.

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