Over 40 years ago, an idea emerged from the realization that many people were unaware of the rich historical gems in their own communities. History in Colour was created to make history engaging by letting readers participate directly through colouring. By turning real stories into interactive, hand-illustrated experiences, it blends education, creativity, and connection for readers of all ages.
For adults, colouring offers meaningful mental and emotional benefits, including stress relief, mindfulness, and improved focus. It provides a simple, low-pressure creative outlet that fits into everyday life. When paired with historically accurate illustrations and stories, it becomes a screen-free way to learn, unwind, and explore new topics.
For children, colouring supports essential physical and psychological development, preparing them for more structured learning in school and beyond. The combination of creativity and factual storytelling sparks imagination while helping them express their thoughts and emotions. Through these historically grounded images, children gain both educational value and a deeper connection to the world around them.
Hello! I’m Sally and I’m the creator of HISTORY in Colour and I’m so glad you stopped by. I bet you’re wondering why historical colouring books (or maybe not!!) but here’s how it all came to be.
Before I finished college, by sheer luck, I ended up on air at CKWW – the illustrious midnight weekend shift on an AM radio station. My listeners were early risers (probably friends of my Grandparents, because all seniors wake up early), Franco’s Pizza Delivery drivers who were stuck in cars with on AM radios, and shift workers. After graduating I also took on researching, writing and producing the talk show programming during the weekday mornings, occasionally filling in, and developing station promotions.
If you remember the early 80’s – there wasn’t much to brag about in Windsor. High unemployment, high interest rates and we were often referred to as the “armpit of Ontario”. But little did they know, our city contained a plethora of historical gems. So I created a promotion called City Trek – where loyal listeners loaded up on a school bus on a Saturday, and with a local ‘celebrity’ tour guide, we explored all the ways that we were special. From historical sights, to architectural gems, to industry firsts – for 8 weeks we toddled around the city in a yellow bus, learning our stories and raising our chins a little higher.
Those moments stuck with me. I grew up in Amherstburg, an epicenter of history. But who likes history when you’re a kid? And even as an adult, it can be a dry topic. The idea was born: historical and factual colouring books to provide hands on, interactive learning. But life got in the way and it was put on a back burner, as I went on my career in the media, non-profit management, healthcare management and even as an entrepreneur – owning two retail businesses and a homecare/hospice company.
Fast forward to 2025 and I returned ‘home’ to Windsor/Essex County after more than a decade in the US – and being retired. Now I had the time and patience to tackle HISTORY in Colour. And because I walk the riverfront several times a week, I started taking pictures of the sculptures…dozens of pictures of each and decided to start with them. So the first book was born: Windsor Sculpture Park. And the other stories started falling in place: Boblo Island, The Harrow Fair, Famous Works of Art…. My list of topics to tackle is ever-growing!!
I do have a background in graphic design – but back when it was referred to as sticky-pastey and I’ve always enjoyed the arts – although I’m more of a painter and multimedia artist than a fine artist. The subject has to be accurate historically and if it portrays person, it has to be respectful of them and factual. Do I use computer programs: yes, a variety of them to sketch, trace and then to clean up lines to make them consistent in their thickness, and suitable for colouring, rather than being a sketch.
A picture tells a thousand words – but there’s so much more to know, so I’ve incorporated QR codes that link the art to the stories. Some link to existing pages about the subject and some to audio recordings that tell the story.
So I hope you enjoy my creations, colour your history and learn something new.
Available Now!
Are you looking for a unique fundraising opportunity? We can design a colouring book that engages the audience and can be linked back to your webpage or social media. Educate supporters about your mission and at the same time, create a revenue stream.
Stand out with something authentic. Give your customers a branded keepsake that tells a real story—the kind of souvenir people actually keep, colour, and remember you for.
Give your guests a unique wedding favour that tells your love story. Baby pictures, how you met, the proposal...special moments captured in a one of a kind colouring book.
We’re bringing History in Colour to the heart of your community in 2026. Stop by any of these local events to browse our books, meet the team, and discover stories from the places you love. Whether you’re looking for a gift, exploring custom opportunities, or just curious—we’d love to see you there.
