If you took a stroll around Meaford last summer, you may have noticed lawn signs for the Tidbits Meaford History Project. This initiative, led by Viz Saraby and Mikael Sandblom, has been bringing Meaford’s rich history to life through interactive experiences and storytelling. Originally funded by an Ignite Grant from George Brown College, the first phase of the project resulted in the creation of thematic walking tours, including the ‘Trains & Industry Walk’ and the ‘Downtown & Disasters Walk’, guiding users through notable historical events and locations. These stories were also compiled into an online archive at www.tidbits.site, preserving and sharing tidbits of Meaford’s past. The first phase’s success is a testament to the collaborative efforts of Meaford’s long-term residents who generously shared their knowledge and stories, as well as the invaluable support of the Municipality of Meaford and the Meaford Museum.
Saraby and Sandblom, both with backgrounds in architecture and design, were captivated by Meaford’s historic buildings, which sparked their curiosity to explore the town’s history through the voices of residents and the Museum’s archives. Their research has led to a deeper understanding of Meaford’s past. Now, thanks to a second grant of $25,000, the project will be expanding further. This funding will allow the team to complete their work and enhance accessibility to Meaford’s history. First, there will be the installation of permanent plaques for the 19 historical sites already researched, along with new signage for over 20 additional locations throughout the town. Each plaque will include a QR code, linking visitors to in-depth historical narratives, allowing them to uncover hidden stories at their own pace. Alongside the plaques, the team will be developing a Tidbits Meaford History book, and several physical 3D-printed models of significant Meaford buildings, both past and present, to be donated to the Meaford Museum. These plaques, website, book, and models will give visitors a chance to engage with the town’s history.
The project will also involve interior design and gaming students from George Brown College, who will assist with creating a digital archive in partnership with the Meaford Museum, ensuring that historical materials and stories are preserved for future generations while remaining easily accessible. For those who love technology, the students will be embracing augmented reality (AR) to offer an immersive historical experience. AR models of Meaford will allow users to explore the town’s past through their smartphones or other digital devices, blending the past and present in a dynamic way.
By providing historical experiences in multiple formats—models, a book, digital website, augmented reality, and walkable tours—Tidbits Meaford History aims to reach all audiences and make local history more accessible than ever before. This initiative not only preserves Meaford’s heritage but also deepens the community’s connection to its past, ensuring that the town’s stories will continue to be shared for generations to come.
