GUEST COLUMN: Retired teacher uses hands-on storytelling to keep history alive

'His talent for telling the stories of Fort Willow lies in his ability to weave real-life narratives with hands-on experiences,' says NVCA official Joe Cinnanni with his archeological display of Historic Fort Willow, located just outside of Barrie. 1 / 1 Joe Cinnanni with his archeological display of Historic Fort Willow, located just outside of Barrie. Advertisement Joe Cinnani is a familiar face around the Fort Willow and Tiffin conservation areas, both just west of Barrie. You will often see his archaeological display board, showcasing pottery fragments, tools and other artifacts that offer a glimpse into how people lived in the area in the past. As a retired history teacher, he is passionate about sharing his knowledge and stories, helping visitors of all ages connect with our region's rich history. His talent for telling the stories of Fort Willow lies in his ability to weave real-life narratives with hands-on experiences. He doesn't focus on artifacts alone; he uses them to help visitors connect with the past. As they hold these objects in their hands, they can imagine what people used, ate and experienced, and gain a deeper sense of the lives of those who came before them. 'People struggled mightily when they came to Ontario ... I want to give (visitors) a sense of what life was like before the founding of Canada. The struggles, the hardship that many people went through prior to what we have today," Cinnani said. His fascination with history began when he was a boy, when his father took him to the Fort York National Historic Site in Toronto. He was immediately captivated by the past and became a frequent visitor to Fort York and the Royal Ontario Museum, eager to learn more about the people and events that shaped Canada. That childhood fascination eventually grew into a 36-year career teaching history and helping students connect with the past. He explains that during the War of 1812, the British forces lost control of the lower Great Lakes, cutting off the northern forts from their usual water-based supply routes. To keep the forts supplied, they had to rely on an inland route, carrying 30 tonnes of food, ammunition, and supplies along a 600 km journey through rugged wilderness. The journey was no easy feat. Supplies were hauled from York (present-day Toronto) by foot and oxen through the Holland River to Lake Simcoe before crossing the Nine-Mile Portage to the Willow Depot (present-day Fort Willow). There, 29 batteaux were built from nearby trees and supplies were sent down Willow Creek and the Nottawasaga River, creating a vital inland supply route to the Upper Great Lakes. He often explained to his students that 'there were no trains and no roads, so it was very tough for them, but they persevered.' "My hope has always been when I teach my students that when you go to something like Fort Willow or any other historical site, or you give them an artifact, that gives them a sense of pride or a sense of belonging or even a shared connection," said Cinnani. When he retired in 2011, Cinnani joined the Fort Willow Improvement Group. He helped cut the grass, stain buildings, paint signposts and other maintenance work. During 'Fort Willow Days', he would bring out his presentation and case of artifacts, sharing the history and significance of the area with visitors. By his early 70s, the physical demands of maintaining the site had become more challenging, so he stepped back from those duties. But Cinnani's commitment to Fort Willow hasn't changed. Today, he still returns to provide interactive tours, clean the signs, and blow dirt off the benches in the pavilion so people can sit and enjoy the quiet scenery. On Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, Fort Willow will be a part of Doors Open Simcoe County. Cinnani will be there with his display and will guide visitors to step back in time as he brings the story of Fort Willow to life through artifacts, photographs, archaeology, and storytelling. Visitors will hear the remarkable story of the British soldiers and shipwrights who carried supplies through the wilderness during the War of 1812, discover how Fort Willow served as a vital link in that route, and learn what archaeologists have uncovered beneath the site's surface. At this free event, Cinnani will share pottery fragments, tools, and other artifacts recovered from excavations. Visitors can learn what animal bones and household items can tell us about daily life more than 200 years ago, and discover where key structures such as the cookhouse and brick kiln once stood. His dedication to the care of Fort Willow Conservation Area is greatly appreciated by the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority, who owns and manages this special place. Visit nvca.on.ca for more information. Maria Leung is senior communications specialist at the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority.