Dundee-born William Lyon Mackenzie’s story told in new exhibition celebrating Toronto’s hidden stories
- Andrew Batchelor
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
A new exhibition in Toronto is shining a spotlight on Dundee-born William Lyon Mackenzie, one of the most influential figures in Canadian history.
Running at the Museum of Toronto until 30 December 2026, The T.O. You Don’t Know explores more than 50 hidden stories, historic sites and overlooked moments that have helped shape Canada’s largest city.
The exhibition encourages visitors to see Toronto differently, uncovering forgotten events, unique objects and fascinating local narratives that have often been overlooked.
Among the stories featured is the Toronto Rebellion of 1837, one of the most significant moments in Mackenzie’s life and a key chapter in Canada’s democratic development.
The rebellion centred around Montgomery’s Tavern, located near what is now Yonge Street and Eglinton Avenue.
Mackenzie and fellow reformers gathered there in an attempt to challenge the colonial government and demand political change. The uprising was ultimately unsuccessful and was swiftly suppressed by government forces.
Several participants were executed in the aftermath, while others were exiled to Australia. Montgomery’s Tavern itself was destroyed during the conflict.
Although the rebellion failed in its immediate aims, historians regard it as an important turning point in Canada’s journey towards responsible government and democratic reform.
For Dundee, the exhibition carries added significance.
Mackenzie was born in the city in 1795 before emigrating to Canada, where he would become one of the country’s most influential political figures. Mackenzie was key in establishing Toronto as a city in 1834 and for overseeing the city be renamed to Toronto from York.
The exhibition comes as Mackenzie House has also introduced a dedicated Dundee section through a collaboration between the museum and Dundee Culture.
The display highlights the strong historical links between Dundee and Toronto while helping visitors learn more about Mackenzie’s Scottish roots and the city where his story began.
The partnership has seen Dundee images, stories and historical content incorporated into displays at Mackenzie House, helping strengthen cultural links between the two cities more than 5,000 kilometres apart.
As visitors explore Toronto’s hidden histories through The T.O. You Don’t Know, they may be surprised to discover that one of the city’s most famous historical figures began life not in Canada, but in Dundee.
The exhibition runs at the Museum of Toronto until 30 December 2026, offering visitors the chance to uncover a side of Toronto’s history that is rarely told while also discovering the remarkable story of a Dundonian who helped shape not only a city, but a nation.
