Learn about Ontario architecture with new book by Shannon Kyles

The St. Marys Museum (177 Church St. S.), in partnership with Betty’s Bookshelf, is hosting an event with author and architecture expert Shannon Kyles on Wednesday, June 10 at 7:00 p.m.  

The Story of Ontario Architecture: What We Built and Why We Built It outlines the reasoning behind design decisions and includes photographs that help identify different styles and periods. The book builds on Kyles’ website OntarioArchitecture.com, which launched in 1999. The Greensville author previously taught mechanical engineering and architecture at McMaster University and Mohawk College. 

"St. Marys is a storybook town, built by craftspeople and seemingly untouched by the modern drive to mediocrity. While unique, it has most of the architectural trends of Ontario towns in the 19th and 20th centuries,” says author Shannon Kyles. “This presentation will overview the reasons why builders and designers chose the styles that they did, and how they affect the town and its residences." 

Registration is not required for this event. The featured book will be available for purchase for $60 plus tax, supplied by Betty’s Bookshelf. 

The event will coincide with a new summer exhibit titled Building St. Marys, highlighting different architectural gems around town and the tools used to construct them. The exhibit will open at the Summer Open House on June 6. Summer hours at the Museum are 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday and 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.  

For more information, call the St. Marys Museum at 519-284-3556 or email museum@town.stmarys.on.ca. 

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Contact 

Emily Taylor | St. Marys Museum Curator & Archivist 

519-284-3556 | etaylor@town.stmarys.on.ca