The London Bicentennial History Symposium
Celebrate our founding, this anniversary
The Bicentennial 200th Anniversary History Symposium event celebrating the Founding of the London District as a Settlement in 1826.
This event is being organized by the London Heritage Council together with its partners History Symposium and City of London Culture Services. On October 17, 2026, the History Symposium will be hosted at the Middlesex County Old Courthouse where our City developed after John Graves Simcoe stopped at the Forks of the Thames to find a suitable location for the Capital of Upper Canada. This History Symposium will feature an Indigenous welcoming ceremony, keynote speakers, Western Public History Masters Student Poster Sessions, mini heritage fair, diverse and historical performances and tours with participating local museums with historical interpreters. On October 18, 2026, historic tours at various locations including, but not limited to the Old Courthouse, Eldon House and Labatt Memorial Park will take place.
This is a ticketed free public event with pre-registration for both the History Symposium and Historic Tours administered by the London Heritage Council. The History Symposium organization will also make this a hybrid live stream event and available afterwards on YouTube.
About The Event
The Schedule
8:00 – Registration Opens
9:00 – Opening Greeting from Mario Circelli, Master of Ceremonies
9:15 – Indigenous Opening Ceremony, Drumming Circle, and Opening Presentation by Tracey Whiteye
10:45 – Carl Cadogan: Exploring Faith, Heritage, Community, and Preservation
12:15 – Lunch
1:30 – Amber Lloydlangston: Two Centuries of London Women
3:00 – Jesse Abbott: Taverns: Drink, and Brewing Culture in the London Area and Early Upper Canada
About Our Partner
In 1994, the Upper Thames Military Re-enactment Society hosted the first annual Living History Conference in London, Ontario.
Over the past 30+ years, the Living History Conference has evolved into the War of 1812 Symposium and now the History Symposium. The goal of the History Symposium continues to be to provide high-quality speakers on a variety of historical topics, though we will always feel drawn to our War of 1812 roots.
The current organizing committee of the History Symposium (all of whom are volunteering here today) is made of a group of history enthusiasts whose goal is to share knowledge with as wide an audience as possible.
While still organizing in person conferences, this not for profit charity also manages online content including a YouTube channel whose catalogue is rapidly approaching 300 videos.
Two members of the History Symposium committee also participated in the organizing committee for the London Bicentennial Celebrations.
Hotels Available
| Property | Rate(s) | Details | Booking link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delta Hotels London Armouries 325 Dundas Street |
$219/night |
|
To book a room at this rate, click here before October 2, 2026 |
| Residence Inn by Marriott 383 Colborne Street |
$169/night |
|
To book a room at this rate, click here before October 2, 2026 |
| The Park Hotel 242 Park Mall Street |
$179-$209/night |
|
To book a room at this rate, click here before October 2, 2026 |
Book A Tour!
As part of this year’s History Symposium, the London Heritage Council is offering tours at a number of locations including Eldon House, Royal Canadian Regiment Museum, Labatt Park and the Old Courthouse. Tickets are free but limited, tickets are exclusive to Symposium attendees.
History Symposium Old Courthouse Tour: October 17th at 4:30pm
Royal Canadian Regiment Museum: Wolseley Barracks Tour: October 18th at 1pm
Additional tours from Museum London and the 1st Hussars Museum are available!
Attend Online!
For those who cannot attend in person, click the links below to register as an online viewer for each of the events!
The Schedule
Register for Online Viewing
8:00 – Registration Opens
9:00 – Opening Greeting from Mario Circelli, Master of Ceremonies
9:15 – Indigenous Opening Ceremony, Drumming Circle, and Opening Presentation by Tracey Whiteye
10:45 – Carl Cadogan: Exploring Faith, Heritage, Community, and Preservation
12:15 – Lunch
1:30 – Amber Lloydlangston: Two Centuries of London Women
3:00 – Jesse Abbott: Taverns: Drink, and Brewing Culture in the London Area and Early Upper Canada