Block by Block
About the exhibit
This exhibition is a collaboration between Toronto Ward Museum and Toronto Public Library to celebrate a program that has been documenting stories of civic life and placemaking in four Toronto neighbourhoods since 2018. All of them have historically served as landing spots for newcomers. And all are now changing rapidly — with rising rents and new developments.
Block by Block’s citywide team of young, diverse leaders have worked to document both past and present in these neighbourhoods. They have conducted over 100 in-depth oral history interviews with newcomer, immigrant, racialized and Indigenous community members. Stories of displacement, migration, arrival and survival. They’ve learned about informal community networks, grassroots organizations and places that matter. And they reflected on the sights, sounds, smells and relationships that make these neighbourhoods feel like home.
This exhibition turns the conversation over to you. How are these stories like our own? How can they guide future city-building? What do we value in your neighbourhood?
Programs & tours
Block by Block Exhibition Launch: Searching Beyond the Archive
September 12, 7 to 8 pm
Beeton Hall, Toronto Reference Library
Join us to celebrate the launch of the city-wide Block by Block exhibition. The in-person event will feature storytellers, community leaders and performers.
Guided tours
Drop in for an in-person, staff-led tour on one of the following Thursdays. Meet outside the TD Gallery.
September 8, 2 pm
September 22, 2 pm
October 6, 2 pm
October 20, 2 pm
November 3, 2 pm
November 17, 2 pm
Reading list
Books you can borrow from the library, handpicked for the Block by Block exhibit.
Colouring pages
Download three colouring pages (PDF 2 MB) featuring neighbourhood illustrations from the exhibition.
What is Block by Block?
Block by Block is a participatory, multimedia program led by Toronto Ward Museum in partnership with nine other organizations, including Toronto Public Library.