Best of Brantford

Did you know that our very own Brant Museum and Archives is older than the Royal Ontario Museum? Established in 1902, twelve years before the ROM, the Brant Museum and Archives is home to a number of local artifacts and documents donated by members of the community. This organization, along with the Brant Historical Society, aims to continue to collect, preserve, and share the history of Brantford, County of Brant, Six Nations of the Grand River, and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nations. Listen and explore this incredible organization and its story.Credits:Student Producer: Niya PancholiSupervising Producer: Avery Moore KlossExecutive Producer: Kara DaveyNarrated By: Nathan Etherington

In 2021, Brantford mourned the loss of Walter Gretzky, a beloved and influential community figure. As the father of Wayne Gretzky and the Lord Mayor of Brantford, Walter was an ambassador for the city and a central figure in promoting sport excellence and community. The story behind the piece “Take Your Shot” is one of loss, triumph, and community pride. Ana Olson of Glenhyrst Art Gallery narrates this incredible story and how, as a community, we continue to honour the legacy of Walter Gretzky.Student Producer: Serena Anagbe Supervising Producer: Avery Moore Kloss Executive Producer: Kara DaveyNarrated By: Ana Olson

Immerse yourself in the rich military history of Brantford, County of Brant, Six Nations of the Grand River, and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nations at the Canadian Military Heritage Museum (CMHM). Home to over 20,000 artifacts and documents, the CMHM celebrates the brave men and women from Brantford who helped to turn the tide in many historical global conflicts. Listen to Bob Ion’s personal and in-depth tour of the museum as he introduces the many interesting exhibits that the CMHM has to offer.Student Producer: Charlie MacDonaldSupervising Producer: Avery Moore KlossExecutive Producer: Kara DaveyNarrated by: Bob Ion

Listen to Brian Wood’s detailed narration of the incredible story of Brantford’s connection to the telephone. From the Bell family’s emigration to Canada from Scotland, to the birth of the conceptual idea for the telephone, and everything that led to the historic first long-distance telephone call on August 10, 1876. Delve into Brantford and Alexander Graham Bell’s rich history of scientific innovation that changed the face of communication forever.Credits:Student Producer: Farzan HussainSupervising Producer: Avery Moore KlossExecutive Producer: Kara DaveyNarrated By: Brian Wood

Brantford boasts a rich industrial history and culture. As a centre for the manufacturing of everything from agricultural equipment to parts for war planes during the Second World War, the industrial heritage of our city spans decades. Listen along as the President of the Canadian Industrial Heritage Centre, Christina Han, explores the role of industry in a city’s economic and cultural history as well as its identity as a whole.Credits:Student Producer: Alexi FroeseSupervising Producer: Avery Moore KlossExecutive Producer: Kara DaveyNarrated By: Christina Han

Originally built in 1922 as the home of Edmund Cockshutt and his family, the Glenhyrst Art Gallery opened its doors in 1957. Since then, the gallery has amassed a collection of over 600 pieces. Listen to Ana Olson’s expert tour that weaves a tapestry of the gallery’s rich history and catch an exclusive look into the exclusive gallery vault, home to the largest collection of legendary Robert Whale pieces in the world. If you’re an art lover, or simply a Brantford history enthusiast, then this episode is for you.Credits:Student Producer: Jessica JensenSupervising Producer: Avery Moore KlossExecutive Producer: Kara DaveyNarrated By: Ana Olson

Sculptor Robert Dey tells the story of how the famous bronze bust of Walter Gretzky went from a simple portfolio piece in Dey’s studio to a focal point honouring Brantford's beloved Lord Mayor.Credits:Student Producer: Jackson RiceSupervising Producer: Avery Moore KlossExecutive Producer: Kara DaveyNarrated by: Robert Dey

In this episode, you'll learn more about the history of the Good family and Myrtleville House. Listen to Esther Brower’s in-depth tour through the Good family’s home and discover the rich history and legacy of this historic homesteadCredits:Student Producer: Sienna BilanciaSupervising Producer: Avery Moore KlossExecutive Producer: Kara DaveyNarrated By: Esther Brower

Established at the site of a former residential school, the Woodland Cultural Centre serves to preserve, promote, and strengthen Indigenous languages, culture, art, and history; bringing the story of the Hodinohsho:ni people of the Eastern Woodlands to life through innovative exhibitions and programs.Follow along with Executive Director Heather George as she guides the listener through a tour of Woodland Cultural Centre, opening the door to Southern Ontario’s First Nations past, present, and future.CreditsStudent Producer: Fabianna PenagosSupervising Producer: Avery Moore KlossExecutive Producer: Kara DaveyNarrated By: Heather George

Located within the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre, the Brantford and Area Sports Hall of Recognition is a must-see for sports fans! For over 40 years, the Brantford and Area Sports Hall of Recognition has showcased the athletic achievements of local athletes and sport builders. Listen as Ela Stypa-Jones gives an exclusive tour of the Sports Hall and discusses how it contributes to Brantford’s athletic legacy.CreditsStudent Producer: Sigbjørn Lægdene StenvaagSupervising Producer: Avery Moore KlossExecutive Producer: Kara DaveyNarrated by: Ela Stypa-Jones

Located outside the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre, the heart of athletics in Brantford, “The Great One” has served as a site of inspiration to aspiring young athletes as well as a nod to the legacy of the Gretzky Family in Brantford. Listen to the story of the making of this extraordinary art piece and discover the influence of Wayne Gretzky and his family on Brantford’s athletic legacy.Credits:Student Producer: Celina ShamonSupervising Producer: Anna Moore KlossExecutive Producer: Kara Davey

Located in the scenic parkette beside the Brantford Public Library, the Landscape De Kanata is a tribute to the life, legacy, and artistic influence of Brantford’s own, Lawren Harris. With over 100 contributors, including Dave Hind, leader of the Aluminum Quilting Society, this piece is a fusion of artistic styles and mediums that convey the true artistic genius of Lawren Harris. Join Dave Hind as he tells the story of the making of the Landscape De Kanata as well as all of the artists involved.Credits:Student Producer: Fabiana PenagosSupervising Producer: Avery Moore KlossExecutive Producer: Kara Davey:Narrated By: Dave Hind

In honour of his commitment to his community, the North Ridge Golf Course was officially renamed the Walter Gretzky Municipal Golf Course in 2020. After his passing, a portrait was commissioned to further commemorate Walter Gretzky’s legacy and contributions to the community as well as the sport of hockey. Join Jeff Moore and John Utley as they tell the story of this incredible portrait and Walter Gretzky’s legacy.Credits:Student Producer: Mitchell HartmanSupervising Producer: Avery Moore KlossExecutive Producer: Kara DaveyNarrated By: Jeff Moore and John Utley

Over the course of the last century, the Sanderson Centre has established itself as the heart of Performing Arts in Brantford. From its initial establishment as a Vaudeville theatre and Silent Movie House, the Temple Theatre, in 1919, to its transition to the Capital Theatre, a movie theatre, in 1930, the history of the Sanderson Centre spans a century or art, music, and culture. Listen and learn along with Glenn Brown, the Theater Manager, as he expertly narrates the story and legacy of the Sanderson Centre and its importance to the community.Credits:Supervising Producer: Avery Moore KlossExecutive Producer: Kara DaveyNarrated by Glenn Brown