Local History Speaker Series honours Oxford County’s wartime heroes
Discover the powerful stories behind “Hometown Heroes” and “Uncle Billie Went to War: A True Story of a WW1 Tommy” at two special events this fall
Oxford County Library and Oxford County Archives present “Remembering our Heroes,” featuring two special events: “Hometown Heroes” and “Uncle Billie Went to War: A True Story of a WW1 Tommy.”
Hometown Heroes
Wednesday, November 4, 6:00 p.m.
Oxford County Library, Ingersoll branch
Join local historian Scott Gillies as he shares stories from his extensive research into Oxford County residents who served during wartime. Focusing on men and women from the Ingersoll area who served in the First and Second World Wars, his presentation also offers a preview of his upcoming book, Hometown Heroes. This event is offered in person and online. In-person attendance is drop-in; online attendance requires registration.
Uncle Billy Went to War: A True Story of a WW1 Tommy
Saturday, November 7, 2:00 p.m.
Oxford County Library, Tillsonburg branch
Discover the remarkable life of “Uncle Billie” through letters he sent to family in Ontario during the First World War. Dr. Jason Pankratz brings Billie’s previously untold story to life, tracing where he served, what he endured and his fate. This event is offered in person and online. In-person attendance is drop-in; online attendance requires registration.
To register for the live Zoom format for either event, call Oxford County Library’s Tillsonburg branch (519-842-5571) or Ingersoll branch (519-485-2505) for assistance, or register online via the Programs and Events calendar at www.ocl.net.
Comment
Matthew Griffis, Digital Literacy and Local History Technician, Oxford County Library
“The Oxford County Library is very excited to host both these presenters. Both have done considerable research on the lives and experiences of our veterans—particularly veterans with a local connection—and both are engaging public speakers. And since these lectures mark the first time our Local History Speaker Series has covered war and remembrance, we wanted to set the bar high.”
About the Speakers
Scott Gillies
A long-time resident of Oxford County, Scott Gillies studied History and English at Huron College in London before embarking on a 40-year career in public history. His work as a museum curator, historical interpreter, tour guide, local historian, author, and newspaper columnist has endeared him to audiences across the region. As the current Chair of the Oxford Historical Society and a sought-after speaker, Gillies brings his passion for the past to life through dynamic and engaging presentations described by others as “truly spellbinding.”
Dr. Jason Pankratz
Dr. Jason Pankratz is an educator and well-known historian of Tillsonburg and its surrounding communities. A gifted storyteller, Pankratz engages audiences with his knowledgeable and passionate delivery and enhances his presentations with historical artifacts and insightful asides. His publications include the books Tillsonburg at 200 (2025) and Six Graves In the Village: A True Story of WWII Canadian Service and Remembrance (2021).