Unearthing Toronto’s Oldest Marketplace: Exhibit Now Open!

The City of Toronto’s Market Gallery has opened a new exhibition:”Unearthing Toronto’s Oldest Marketplace: The Archaeology of the North St. Lawrence Market.” The display showcases the history and ongoing archaeology of North America’s longest continually running food market.

King St. and Jarvis St. was designated the “Market Block” by Governor Hunter in 1803, with the first permanent farmers’ market building being built shortly after. The site has gone through five different incarnations since then, but it has always remained a spot for Torontonians to pick up fresh produce, meat and fish.

ASI is currently partnering with Golder Associates in excavating the North Market, so we were happy to contribute to this new exhibit. Eva MacDonald, our Manager of Historical Archaeology, was invited to provide input on content and design of the exhibit. You can also see her featured in a film clip that is part of the exhibit. Stop by the exhibit to check out some local archaeology and relive Toronto’s food history!

The exhibition runs from November 19, 2016 to March 18, 2017.