I don't work for the local Chamber of Commerce, but I was browsing through an annual event for London and lots of other Ontario Canada cities, called "Open Doors" during which regular folks can visit a whole list of famous or interesting sites in the city with no entry or parking fees etc. It's an effort to get people 'hooked' on these wonderful institutions and homes and hope they return on their own in the future.... or at least brag about them to their friends. ;-)
As many of you know, London Ontario happens to house the home of Frederick Banting and this year, Banting House is one of the Open Doors sites. I'll copy/paste the blurb below and if you want to check out the site itself, the url is:
http://www.doorsopenlondon.ca/home/plan-your-weekend/participating-sites
Banting House National Historic Site of Canada
442 Adelaide Street North,
Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Category: Returning Site Museums
Description
Built in 1900, this Queen Anne Style home has seen many transformations. Purpose built for Dr. John A. Wright and his medical practice, it was first converted to a private residence in 1913 when it was sold to noted local shoe merchant Roland Hill. It returned to its original function as a private home and medical office when it was purchased by Dr. Frederick Banting in 1920. When Banting sold the property in 1923, it became a private residence with rooms for rent and a small business. Purchased by the Canadian Diabetes Association 1981 for offices, public demands for a museum resulted in the construction of the modern addition in 1989 where the offices were relocated and the original building reconfigured to house a museum. Adjacent to the building is Sir Frederick G. Banting Square, anchored by the life-size statue of Banting and the Flame of Hope kindled by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. Redesigned with assistance from Fanshawe College and Landscape Ontario (London Chapter) the property was expanded to include both a ceremonial space and a serene garden space where visitors to the Museum can relax and reflect. The property was designated a national historic site of Canada in 1997.
DO London Experience (Doors Open)
Banting House National Historic Site of Canada preserves and presents the messages of national historic significance of Banting House and Sir Frederick Banting, the co-discoverer of insulin. Recognized as the site of the defining moment in the discovery of insulin, Banting House commemorates the most important medical discovery of the 20th century. Exhibits introduce Canadians to one of our most celebrated heroes. Come join us as we celebrate the 90th anniversary of Banting's idea that led to the discovery of insulin and experience the life and career of the man you thought you knew, Major Sir Frederick Grant Banting:an artist, international celebrity, Londoner, scientist, war hero and Canada's fourth greatest Canadian.
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If you happen to live somewhere not too far away from London and have part of this weekend open for a wee trip, perhaps you would like to see where insulin all began 90 years ago. Check out that Open Doors site for more information about hours, directions, access etc.
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