Attraction Guide: Banting House National Historic Site, London, Canada

Banting House National Historic Site Guide

Where Insulin Began: Discover the Legacy of Sir Frederick Banting Guide

Step into history at Banting House National Historic Site, the former home of Sir Frederick Banting, the Nobel Prize-winning co-discoverer of insulin. This modest house in London, Ontario, is a powerful testament to one of the most significant medical breakthroughs of the 20th century, offering visitors a glimpse into the life and work of a true Canadian hero. Explore the rooms where Banting conceived his groundbreaking ideas and learn about the challenges and triumphs of his research. Banting lived in this house at 442 Adelaide Street North in 1920-1921 while working as a physician and lecturer at the University of Western Ontario. It was here that he had the pivotal idea that led to the isolation of insulin, forever changing the lives of millions living with diabetes. The house was designated a National Historic Site in 1923, a testament to the profound impact of Banting's discovery. The "Flame of Hope" burns eternally outside the house, symbolizing the hope that a cure for diabetes will one day be found. Visitors can take guided tours of the house, exploring exhibits that detail Banting's life, his research, and the impact of insulin on the world. See artifacts from Banting's life, including his medical instruments and personal belongings. Participate in educational programs and events that delve deeper into the history of diabetes research. While Banting House doesn't have a specific culinary tradition associated with it, consider exploring local London restaurants for a taste of Southwestern Ontario cuisine after your visit.