Your Stories, Our Histories community exhibits

Illustration of silhouettes standing side-by-side.

As part of the City of Kingston's Your Stories, Our Histories program, community organizations are encouraged to tell their stories in their own words in a newly available exhibit space at City Hall. Community exhibits within the program will feature stories of the people, events or groups that have shaped Kingston.

YSOH exhibits will last approximately eight months to one year and will be installed each spring. The City of Kingston will provide exhibition space at no charge. There are five exhibition spaces available to display written stories and physical items. Take a closer look and explore the 2026 community exhibits.

Apply today!

Submit your application by using the application form below. If you need the application form in an alternate format, please call us at 613-546-0000. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis.

A general theme, story or message is required for the application, but exhibit text does not need to be finalized to apply. Applicants will work with City staff to develop and edit exhibition text.

About Your Stories, Our Stories

Your Stories, Our Histories (YSOH) started as a public engagement process in 2018 to address the legacy of Sir John A. Macdonald and foster community discussions about how and by whom Kingston's stories are told. The program is evolving to offer free exhibit space at City Hall for the community to tell their stories. YSOH community exhibits are connected to a priority in Kingston's Strategic Plan to drive inclusive economic growth by fostering culture, history, education, arts and recreation.

Illustration of silhouettes standing side-by-side.

As part of the City of Kingston's Your Stories, Our Histories program, community organizations are encouraged to tell their stories in their own words in a newly available exhibit space at City Hall. Community exhibits within the program will feature stories of the people, events or groups that have shaped Kingston.

YSOH exhibits will last approximately eight months to one year and will be installed each spring. The City of Kingston will provide exhibition space at no charge. There are five exhibition spaces available to display written stories and physical items. Take a closer look and explore the 2026 community exhibits.

Apply today!

Submit your application by using the application form below. If you need the application form in an alternate format, please call us at 613-546-0000. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis.

A general theme, story or message is required for the application, but exhibit text does not need to be finalized to apply. Applicants will work with City staff to develop and edit exhibition text.

About Your Stories, Our Stories

Your Stories, Our Histories (YSOH) started as a public engagement process in 2018 to address the legacy of Sir John A. Macdonald and foster community discussions about how and by whom Kingston's stories are told. The program is evolving to offer free exhibit space at City Hall for the community to tell their stories. YSOH community exhibits are connected to a priority in Kingston's Strategic Plan to drive inclusive economic growth by fostering culture, history, education, arts and recreation.

  • 2026 exhibit bios

    Joe's Music Mill: Music for Everyone

    This niche case explores the foundation and role of Joe Chithalen Memorial Musical Instrument Lending Library (Joe's Music Mill) in the Kingston community. Joe's Music Mill was inspired by Joe Chithalen, a beloved Kingston musician who had the idea that everyone should have the opportunity to play an instrument.

    A small exhibit containing written stories, photos and small items representing Joe's Music Mill.

    Where the Olympics Set Sail: Kingston 1976

    Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Olympics that took place in Montreal, this niche case highlights Kingston's moment on the sailing world stage. From the naming of Portsmouth Olympic Harbour, outlining the 1976 sailing classes, and the

    Joe's Music Mill: Music for Everyone

    This niche case explores the foundation and role of Joe Chithalen Memorial Musical Instrument Lending Library (Joe's Music Mill) in the Kingston community. Joe's Music Mill was inspired by Joe Chithalen, a beloved Kingston musician who had the idea that everyone should have the opportunity to play an instrument.

    A small exhibit containing written stories, photos and small items representing Joe's Music Mill.

    Where the Olympics Set Sail: Kingston 1976

    Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Olympics that took place in Montreal, this niche case highlights Kingston's moment on the sailing world stage. From the naming of Portsmouth Olympic Harbour, outlining the 1976 sailing classes, and the legacy of the Olympic Games, this case celebrates Kingston's vital role in Canada's first Summer Olympics.

    A small exhibit containing written stories, photos and small items representing the 1976 Olympic sailing events in Kingston.

    Limestone Beekeepers' Guild

    Forty years ago, a group of dedicated beekeepers established the Limestone Beekeeper's Guild, a thriving organization supporting and educating local beekeepers. This case features some local products created in Kingston, by Kingston bees and their beekeepers.

    A small exhibit containing written stories, photos and small items representing the Limestone Beekeepers' Guild.

    Beyond the Tiara: The Many Faces of Kingston Drag

    Bringing the sparkle, Kingston's Drag community has brought their artistry, craftsmanship and heart to Kingston for decades. This case highlights the drag community and features some objects from local Drag performers.

    A small exhibit containing written stories, photos and small items representing the history of Kingston's Drag community.

    "Where the heart feels at peace, there is home." Chinese Canadian Association of Kingston & District

    Celebrating the community of the Chinese Canadian Association of Kingston & District, this niche case outlines the role of Chinese Canadians in Kingston and the crucial place they hold in Kingston's growing cultural landscape.

    A small exhibit containing written stories, photos and small items representing the Chinese Canadian Association of Kingston and District.

  • 2SLGBTQIA+ niche case

    The City of Kingston Heritage Services Department is launching an initiative to celebrate and share stories of Kingston’s 2SLGBTQIA+ communities through an exhibition case located in City Hall.

    Over the next few years, we’ll be asking members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities to share their thoughts and memories about different topics. Selected responses will be displayed in City Hall and may be used in a variety of other contexts.

    For this year’s community exhibition case, we want to hear from you! Below is a question on which we would like input from you and other members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. Responses

    The City of Kingston Heritage Services Department is launching an initiative to celebrate and share stories of Kingston’s 2SLGBTQIA+ communities through an exhibition case located in City Hall.

    Over the next few years, we’ll be asking members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities to share their thoughts and memories about different topics. Selected responses will be displayed in City Hall and may be used in a variety of other contexts.

    For this year’s community exhibition case, we want to hear from you! Below is a question on which we would like input from you and other members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. Responses will be collected and installed in a rotating display case at City Hall.

    To start the conversation, our first question is: What do you wish people knew about being 2SLGBTQIA+ in Kingston?

    You can submit a response to this question through the Celebrating Kingston's 2SLGBTQIA+ Communities Microsoft Form - you do not need to be registered with Get Involved Kingston. Your answer can be any length, from one word to a short story. The case will be on display for one year and responses will be rotated in the case so we can share as many as we can. Please note that you have the option to remain anonymous. Thank you for your interest and participation.

    Notice of Collection

    Personal information, as defined by the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA), entered on this form is collected and will be used in accordance with MFIPPA, and all other privacy legislation. Unless otherwise authorized by you on this form, your personal information will only be shared with City staff involved in this project to contact you if necessary. Questions about the collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information should be directed to the City Curator, by email: mriley1@cityofkingston.ca; or by phone: 613-546-4291 extension 1326.

  • 2024 exhibit bios

    Taking Pride in Our Communities

    2SLGBTQIA+ communities and identities are a vital part of Kingston’s heritage. This exhibit focused on the often-overlooked histories of Kingston’s 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. Despite their historical exclusion and erasure, these groups and spaces have shown remarkable resilience.

    Building on the efforts of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and community groups, Taking Pride in Our Communities celebrated moments of struggle, advocacy, connection and hope. It featured sources from the Kingston Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, 2-Spirit+ Archival Collection which included clippings from local newspapers and newsletters, informational booklets and pamphlets, images of protests and gatherings, and symbolic items like the

    Taking Pride in Our Communities

    2SLGBTQIA+ communities and identities are a vital part of Kingston’s heritage. This exhibit focused on the often-overlooked histories of Kingston’s 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. Despite their historical exclusion and erasure, these groups and spaces have shown remarkable resilience.

    Building on the efforts of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and community groups, Taking Pride in Our Communities celebrated moments of struggle, advocacy, connection and hope. It featured sources from the Kingston Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, 2-Spirit+ Archival Collection which included clippings from local newspapers and newsletters, informational booklets and pamphlets, images of protests and gatherings, and symbolic items like the 2-Spirit intersex-inclusive Pride flag and swag from past Pride celebrations.

    Taking Pride in Our Communities niche case exhibit. Includes clippings from local newspapers and newsletters, informational booklets and pamphlets, images of protests and gatherings, and symbolic items like the 2-Spirit intersex-inclusive Pride flag and swag from past Pride celebrations.

    Photo by Tim Forbes.

    Rooted in History and Still Blooming

    Gardening Kingston has been beautifying Kingston’s greenspaces since 1899. Originally called the Kingston Horticultural Society, the organization has been active in the Kingston community by fostering gardening, civic improvement and beautification efforts.

    Today, Gardening Kingston maintains two public gardens and hosts monthly meetings, special activities, flower and cultural shows and an annual plant sale.

    This exhibit explored Gardening Kingston’s history, combining a timeline of key milestones spanning over a century with media coverage, photographs and commemorative items. Garden displays and a doll dressed in clothing from the group’s inception added a visual storytelling element, bringing Gardening Kingston’s rich heritage to life.

    Gardening Kingston niche case exhibit. Includes a timeline of key milestones spanning over a century with media coverage, photographs and commemorative items.

    Photo by Tim Forbes.

    Pakistan: A Land of Rich Culture and Heritage

    For more than half a century, the Pakistan Canada Association of Kingston (PCA) has dedicated itself to promoting Pakistani culture and fostering a sense of unity, understanding and appreciation for Pakistani heritage in Kingston.

    With a strong focus on cultural tradition, PCA strives to strengthen the bond between the Pakistani and the broader Kingston communities by participating in community events and celebrating Pakistan’s unique culture and traditions.

    This exhibit displayed traditional Pakistani handicrafts, reflecting the diverse culture, history and artistic heritage of artisans skilled in embroidery, pottery, rug weaving, woodworking, metalwork and jewelry, using methods and techniques passed down through generations.

    Pakistan Canada Association of Kingston niche case exhibit. Includes traditional Pakistani handicrafts, reflecting the diverse culture, history and artistic heritage of artisans skilled in embroidery, pottery, rug weaving, woodworking, metalwork and jewelry.

    Photo by Tim Forbes.

    Emancipation Day

    Emancipation has been officially recognized and celebrated on Aug. 1 by the City of Kingston since 2022. Working in collaboration with the City of Kingston Emancipation Day Working Group, this case featured the history of Emancipation in Canada and how celebrations often foster and encourage education and self determination to continue promoting freedom and equality for a brighter future.

    The exhibition displayed the Pan-African flag, which has been a symbol for Emancipation Day; a copy of the book Emancipation Day: Celebrating Freedom in Canada, written by Natasha L. Henry-Dixon; a copy of the Act to Prevent the Further Introduction of Slaves and to Limit the Term for Contracts for Servitude 9 July 1793; and pictures from the 2024 Emancipation Day celebrations.

    Emancipation Day niche case exhibit. Includes the Pan-African flag, which has been a symbol for Emancipation Day; a copy of the book Emancipation Day: Celebrating Freedom in Canada, written by Natasha L. Henry-Dixon; a copy of the Act to Prevent the Further Introduction of Slaves and to Limit the Term for Contracts for Servitude 9 July 1793; and pictures from the 2024 Emancipation Day celebrations.

    Photo by Tim Forbes.

Page last updated: 04 Aug 2026, 11:58 AM