History stays alive through the stories of ordinary people.

As part of a new project, the Chinese Canadian Archive will collect and preserve documents, photographs and memorabilia that reflect the rich heritage of the Chinese Canadian community in Toronto. They’re hosting a special event on Tuesday November 29th at 7 p.m. in the Toronto Reference Library Atrium (789 Yonge St).

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Attending the event will be the nine people shown in this 1945 pre-school graduation photo (above – taken at the Chinese Canadian Institute when they were all five years old).

These kids (now 76 years old) will share their old memories, personal experiences and help tell the story of Chinese Canadian life in Toronto over the past century. In addition, author Judy Fong-Bates will discuss the relationship between the themes of her book, The Year of Finding Memory and TPL’s Chinese Canadian Archive.

Join us for this fascinating glimpse into living history.