City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
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News Release
November 18, 2016
Market Gallery exhibit highlights history and archeology of North St. Lawrence Market
The City of Toronto's Market Gallery is showcasing the history and ongoing archeology of North America's longest continually running food market in a new exhibit called "Unearthing Toronto's Oldest Marketplace: The Archaeology of the North St. Lawrence Market," running from November 19 to March 18.
"Through this exhibit, audiences will be able to explore the market’s past and see what’s in store for the future," said Councillor Michael Thompson (Ward 37 Scarborough Centre), Chair of the Economic Development Committee.
The now-demolished North St. Lawrence Market is about to be rebuilt. As the associated archeological dig continues through the fall and winter, new information will be added to the exhibit to show visitors how the historical understanding of the market can change as new findings come to light.
The exhibit uses archeological finds from the site in conjunction with video, historical maps, art works, photographs and artifacts to help tell the story of one of Toronto's most enduring public spaces. Guests will also have a chance to see renderings of the new North St. Lawrence Market building, with construction scheduled to begin next year.
"The iconic St. Lawrence Market has been integral to the city as it has evolved over the last two centuries. This Market Gallery's exhibition will give us a better appreciation of how the city has changed over that time," said Deputy Mayor Pam McConnell (Ward 28 Toronto Centre-Rosedale).
There is evidence of a food market having existed at the northwest corner of Front and Jarvis Streets since 1803. Since the market's establishment, there have been six different market buildings at the location and it is believed archeological remains of many of them may still be found below ground. Preliminary archeological work has revealed numerous 19th-century archeological features and specimens, some dating back to the 1830s.
The Market Gallery, one of 10 historic sites operated by the City of Toronto, presents exhibitions dedicated to Toronto’s art, culture and history and offers educational programs for school groups and adults. The gallery is located on the second floor of the South St. Lawrence Market, 95 Front St. E. Gallery hours are Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The gallery is closed Sunday, Monday and holidays. More information is available at
http://www.toronto.ca/marketgallery.
This news release is also available on the City's website:
http://bit.ly/2g3X2bt
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