The Sarnia Historical Society Board meets monthly. If you are interested in attending a meeting, please contact us.
Originally born in Felixstowe, England, his family immigrated to Sarnia when he was eight.
Ron proclaims to be “Sarnia’s biggest fan” and provides tours to any and all who visit.
When asked about his interest in history he replied “My Grandfather, Geoff Shepherd was a dear friend of mine. After the passing of my Grandmother, he moved in with us and became like a third parent. I was fascinated with all of the experiences in his life time. As I grew older he would share stories, play music and make European dishes. He spoke of a time in history so foreign to me. We would drink scotch at our local and there was always a new story. I wish I could have recorded it all. After his passing I have been obsessed with history and listening to those who share theirs.”
Emily has always wished she could go back in time to appreciate, first-hand, various decades throughout Sarnia’s history – to experience how day-to-day life was conducted, to see old buildings in their glory, to lounge on the beach in front of the Lake Huron Hotel, and to ride the street railway across the growing city.
As an avid reader and history enthusiast, Emily values the opportunity to be a member of the Sarnia Historical Society and looks forward to continuing to live vicariously through research of Sarnia’s rich history.
His great uncle was George LaForge, a direct descendant of Joseph Laforge, one of the first three settlers at The Rapids, as Sarnia was first know. LaForge operated an orchard on the land currently occupied by the post office and library.
A History minor during his time at the University of Windsor, Phil is today a novelist, historian and freelance writer with two sons. He is currently writing his second novel about the Sullivans of Guelph.
With her specialized knowledge in the field of aging, Natalie has a passion for working with older adults and takes great pleasure in the friendships she builds with the residents at her workplace.
Through the years, one of the greatest joys of her job has been listening to the residents’ stories of Sarnia, the changes that have taken place, and the treasured days of their past. Having learned a great deal of Sarnia’s history from the residents’ perspective, Natalie looks forward to learning even more with the Sarnia Historical Society.
Meghan’s love of history (and reading) started very early in life in great part due to her father reading her Pierre Berton books as bedtime stories and taking weekend trips around the Niagara peninsula exploring historic sites and museums. As an adult, she loves traveling and experiencing the cultures of historic locations. Meghan became a member of the society in large part because she is enjoys discovering ‘new’ histories and is eager to learn about the past that has formed the city she has decided to call home.