Media Archives

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Canadian journalist Janice Biehn highlights the impact of the project and the involvement of Anglican churches in Bloor West Village as hosts of memorials, emphasizing their role in preserving cultural heritage and contributing to historical records within the community’s media archives. (The Toronto Anglican Journal, January 2026)

Canadian journalist and historian Christopher Moore discusses his engagement with the project as he walks the length of Durie Street, uncovering the rich cultural heritage and stories of local soldiers. He highlights how online research tools, such as Veterans Affairs Canada's Virtual War Memorial and the Canadian Great War Project, have significantly enhanced the ability of local historians and communities to access historical records and learn more about those who served in the World Wars. (Canada's History Magazine, September 2025). The online copy of the article can be found at: https://www.canadashistory.ca/explore/military-war/remembrance-day-project

In this feature article in the Humber et Cetera, Shaina List, author and photographer, explores how They Walked These Streets… We Will Remember Them brings the stories of more than 1,300 local soldiers to life, highlighting the importance of cultural heritage and connecting individuals, families, and communities through place-based remembrance. The article illustrates how remembering those who served can also unveil the historical records of the living and foster new connections across generations, much like the valuable media archives that preserve our shared past. (Humber Et Cetera Online Newspaper, November, 2025)

Canadian journalist Harrison Lowman of The Hub online newspaper writes about how They Walked These Streets… personalizes cultural heritage by resurrecting the historical records of local people and bringing their stories back to the streets and communities where they once lived, as documented in media archives. (The Hub Online Newspaper, November 2025)

Toronto Star journalist Reagan McSwain explores how the project “These Streets, We Will Remember Them” not only brings the narratives of local soldiers like John Richard Griffin back into the community, but also enriches our cultural heritage. Preserving the memory of his service and sacrifice is offering his sister, Kathleen Lynett, the opportunity to see his story remembered in the area where he grew up. This initiative is a significant addition to historical records, highlighting the importance of media archives in capturing and honoring local legacies. (Toronto Star, November 10th, 2024 on web and November 11th, 2024 in print).

CBC journalist Jessica Wong explains how hands-on history lessons that utilize primary sources, personal stories, and connections to cultural heritage can make Remembrance Day more meaningful. These approaches not only enhance students’ engagement and empathy but also improve their critical-thinking skills through the exploration of historical records and media archives. Wong's article highlights educators, like Katy Whitfield, Project Coordinator, who are discovering innovative ways to make history lessons both interesting and relevant for students. (November 11, 2024)

Canadian journalist Andrea Reid and photographer Jeremy Cove feature the They Walked These Streets project in Neighbours of Bloor West Village Magazine. The article highlights how the project draws on local soldiers’ stories from historical records, incorporates memorial displays, and fosters community connections to deepen the cultural heritage of the area. This initiative aims to help Toronto residents—especially students—personally understand and remember the sacrifices of those who served in the World Wars, utilizing media archives to enrich their learning experience. (Neighbours of Bloor West Village, November, 2024)

Project Coordinator, Katy Whitfield, introduces the expansion of the community project, which includes 11 memorial installations across the neighbourhood, aimed at preserving cultural heritage and enhancing historical records within the local media archives. (Neighbours of Bloor West, November 2024.)

Hope Humphrey, a board member of the West Toronto Junction Historical Society, writes about the historical context of military loss in the West Toronto Junction. She highlights how post-Covid projects like They Walked These Streets are finding innovative ways to honor the fallen in the First and Second World Wars in Toronto's west end. These initiatives not only contribute to preserving cultural heritage but also utilize historical records and media archives to ensure that the sacrifices made are never forgotten. (The Leader and Recorder, Issue 3, 2021.)

Katy Whitfield, Project Coordinator and then Engagement Facilitator of the West Toronto Junction Historical Society, writes about the inaugural Community Museum event of the remembrance project hosted at Runnymede United Church. This event, titled "On Active Service: Learning Stories from the Battlefield and on the Homefront," coincided with the 100th anniversary of Runnymede United Church. The turnout for this celebration of cultural heritage was excellent! Michael Di Tomaso shared unique objects from his personal collection, while Katy Whitfield recounted local stories of those who served in the world wars and highlighted how the church contributed to the war effort. Additionally, HMCS York showcased displays that underscored Toronto's contribution to the Royal Canadian Navy, and Lauren Woolfrey assisted attendees in finding historical records of soldiers who lived on their streets. It truly was a remarkable community event of remembrance, fostering engagement with our shared history through media archives!