“The Ontario Cottage: Perfect of Its Kind – An Illustrated Presentation”
by Lynne DiStefano and Dan Schneider
Capitol Theatre, Furby House Books and the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario, Port Hope Branch Present — A Book Launch and Lecture Fundraiser benefiting Port Hope Friends of the Library on November 1st!
Date: November 1, 2025
Time: 12:00 pm
Location: Capitol Theatre General Admission, Port Hope
$5-$50. This event is a Pay-What-You-Can event with all proceeds supporting the Port Hope Friends of the Library organization.
In their new book The Ontario Cottage: Perfect of Its Kind, authors Lynne DiStefano and Dan Schneider relate the story of the Ontario Cottage, one of the most recognizable historic houseforms in the province. In their presentation Lynne and Dan share their fascination with this charming if relatively humble abode. Drawing on the book and its many photographs and other illustrations, they will examine the design lineage of the cottage, its proportions and distinctive parts, as well as the reasons for its enduring appeal. The presentation showcases a number of Port Hope cottages. A tribute to a centuries-old houseform that graces landscapes across the province, “The Ontario Cottage” examines the timeless appeal of this humble abode.
- 45 minute presentation starts at noon, with questions to follow. Book sales and the bar open at 11:30, book signing to follow the lecture. Books are $34.95 (paperback).
- Every ticket includes presentation, nibbles and desserts, with a cash bar on site.
- All proceeds support the Port Hope Friends of the Library organization.
- General Admission – Sculthorpe Theatre
About the Authors
Lynne DiStefano, PhD (UPenn) is a specialist in cultural heritage and architectural conservation. Co-founder and past Director of the University of Hong Kong’s Architectural Conservation Programmes, she is a Faculty Associate at the Willowbank School of Restoration Arts. Previously, Lynne was a Chief Curator at Museum London. She is the Co-author (with Nancy Z. Tausky) of Victorian Architecture in London and Southwestern Ontario: Symbols of Aspiration.
Dan Schneider is a heritage enthusiast, policy wonk, writer and professional heritage consultant. Currently president of the Stratford-Perth County branch of Architectural Conservancy Ontario, Dan was custodian for many decades of a c. 1856 limestone Ontario Cottage near St. Marys. His award-winning and widely consulted heritage policy blog OHA+M is housed on the website of the Heritage Resource Centre of the University of Waterloo.
Special thanks to Furby House Books, to the Capitol Theatre, and to the authors themselves for this co-production.