So much of Toronto's history is either buried under parking lots or confined to dusty history books hidden on the top shelves of libraries or just plain forgotten. Using his wealth of knowledge and experience well known historian and author Bruce Bell is determined to look under those parking lots to see what secrets are held in Toronto's much overlooked colonial and 19^th century past. And you don't have to live in Toronto to fully enjoy his unique tours. Visitors from all over the globe have been fascinated in how Bruce has connected their own country's history to Toronto's.

Bruce Bell has been the popular monthly history columnist for the Bulletin, Canada’s largest community newspaper since 1999. In 2002 he was named by the city of Toronto the Official Historian of St. Lawrence Hall and St Lawrence Market. In November of 2003 Bruce was asked by the Ontario Heritage Foundation to host the 200 anniversary celebrations of St. Lawrence Market. In May 2004 Bruce was appointed official historian of Toronto’s King Edward Hotel as part of the famed hotel’s centennial celebrations. In October 2004 Bruce was appointed Honourary Historian of the Hockey Hall of Fame Heritage Building. In June 2006 Bruce was appointed Curator in Residence for the spectacular Dominion Bank Building (built in 1914). In October 2006 Bruce was bestowed the title ‘Honourary Historian of the 51 Division Heritage Building’ by Toronto Police Services for his work as a historian in 51 Division. Bruce sits on the board of the Town of York Historical Society and is the author of two books Amazing Tales of St. Lawrence Neighbourhood and the just published TORONTO: A Pictorial Celebration. Bruce is also the official tour guide of St Lawrence Market where visitors from around the globe are constantly being impressed with his expert knowledge. In April 2007 as part of the Fairmont Hotel & Resorts 100 year bithday celebrations, Bruce was named Honourary Historian of the famed Fairmont Royal York Hotel.  Bruce’s History Project a plaque program marking historical sites with large bronze markers to date includes Toronto’s First Jail, The Great Fire of 1849, the hanging of the Rebellion of 1837 leaders Lount and Matthews and the birthplace of Canadian Statesman Robert Baldwin. Bruce’s mission is to tell Toronto’s history through his tours, writings and lectures including his sold out shows at Toronto’s famed Winter Garden Theatre, in an informative and entertaining way.

phone 647-393-8687

bruce.bell2@sympatico.ca