Welcome to Trent Valley Archives

New Book — Peterborough’s Unique

The book contains a series of fifty stories (some of which have been previously published in the Peterborough Examiner) that range widely across time periods, occupations, and circumstances. Each story defines the uniqueness and special qualities of the people who lived and worked in Peterborough. From the early settlement of the Cumberland settlers of 1818, to the arts of the 19th century in the tale of Pauline Johnson at the Bradburn Opera, to sports through John Corkery’s Lacrosse and the commercial ventures of Robert Fair, one will be intrigued by the scope of this book. Available Now!

About the Author: Dr. Jones is a native of Saskatchewan, with a PhD from Queen’s University. He taught at Trent for 38 years and was one of the founders of the Trent Valley Archives where he continues to contribute. He was the editor of the Heritage Gazette of the Trent Valley, one of Ontario’s best history magazines, and is the author of several books about Peterborough’s history, including “An Historian’s Notebook” and “The Peterborough Journal.”


Have you seen the updated Heritage Gazette?

We are pleased to continue and expand on the pioneering work of archivist Elwood Jones and Steve Gavard as we explore the near and distant past in this full colour publication.
View the current and past issues


Trent Valley Archives Theatre – Tide of Hope

two cast members with Trent Valley Archives Theatre logo

º • º • Event Ended • º • º

“I really enjoyed the play. Learning about the Irish history through theatre gave me a better understanding of what life was like for the Irish in 1825. Congratulations to you and your team on a very successful play.”

— Maureen, Otonabee-South Monaghan Twp

“We so enjoyed the play! It was a great illustration of the plight of Irish immigrants – all told with a bit of cheeky humour. Loved the past-present thing going on!”

— Joanne, Fenlon Falls

º • º • Returning May 2025! • º • º

More Information


Our Peterborough Perpetrators true crime tour is almost sold out! Our July 12, July 19 and August 16 tour dates are completely sold out, but we still have some tickets available on our August 23 tour date. If you've been wanting to hop on this popular tour of Downtown Peterborough and learn more about the crimes that had an impact on the Peterborough community in the 19th and 20th centuries, you'll want to get your tickets now. They cost $20 each and can be purchased on Eventbrite, here: www.eventbrite.ca/e/peterborough-perpetrators-tickets-888021043847?aff=oddtdtcreatorWe're also encouraging anyone who has a voucher for two tickets to this tour and hasn't redeemed it yet to do so now before the tour completely sells out. To redeem a voucher, email us at admin@trentvalleyarchives.com or call us at 705-298-2350. Owning a voucher does not guarantee you a spot on the tour, so please reach out to us! ... See MoreSee Less
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If you're a Trent Valley Archives member who is hoping to attend our Annual General Meeting this Thursday July 11 at 7pm, this is your friendly reminder to register! Registration closes at 11:30pm this evening so that we have time to send you the Zoom link and the documents you'll need for the meeting. Check your inbox for a link to register. If you're having trouble finding the link or registering for the meeting, don't hesitate to email us at admin@trentvalleyarchives.com or call us at 705-298-2350. ... See MoreSee Less
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2 weeks ago

Trent Valley Archives
Do you have your tickets to our Tragic Tales tour in Little Lake Cemetery yet? Tomorrow night's tour is sold out, but we still have a few tickets left for our Sunday afternoon tour at 2pm. They cost $20 each and can be purchased on Eventbrite, here: www.eventbrite.ca/e/tragic-tales-tickets-888030682677?aff=oddtdtcreator. Come join our knowledgeable guide for what is guaranteed to be an engaging and educational walk through the cemetery! ... See MoreSee Less
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2 weeks ago

Trent Valley Archives
Are you a TVA member? If so, keep reading! We are pleased to announce that we are finally ready to have our annual general meeting. The meeting has been scheduled for next Thursday, July 11 at 7pm and will take place virtually on Zoom. Since we already hosted our guest speaker back in April, this meeting is just business and shouldn't take more than an hour.Check your inbox for the link to register for the meeting. Registration is open now until Tuesday, July 9th at 11:30PM. The minutes of the last AGM, the agenda for the upcoming AGM and the financial statements from the previous year (along with the link to attend the meeting) will be sent to everyone who has registered on Wednesday, July 10.If you're having trouble registering for the meeting or are not sure if your membership is up-to-date, please email us at admin@trentvalleyarchives.com or call us at 705-298-2350. ... See MoreSee Less
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