May 29, 30, & 31 at 7:30 PM Saturday, May 31 at 2 PM
Commemorating the 200th anniversary of the arrival of the Peter Robinson settlers from Ireland to our district in 1825, ‘Crossing Over’ is a fictionalized account of the voyage of the emigrant transport ship, John Barry.
Get your ticket, step back in time, and set sail with the Hagertys, Nagles, Owens, Regans, Ryans, Slatterys, Sullivans, and Youngs on their perilous, six-week journey across the Atlantic. This story of tremendous courage in the face of the unknown is narrated by John Keleher, an experienced seaman and Peter Robinson settler.
Prepare yourself for the ride of your life: storms, seasickness, scarlet fever, family feuds, petty larceny, plots and counterplots, rotting potatoes, mutiny, and the lash.
(More information.)
Tickets are $30 or $40 for cabaret table seating.
Tickets can be purchased from the Market Hall Performing Arts Centre box office, Monday to Friday, noon to 5 PM, by phoning (705)-749-1146 or by emailing boxoffice@markethall.com.
Join Us for Our Annual General Meeting
Thursday, May 22 at 7pm Highland Park Cemetery Visitor Centre
Presentation by guest speaker Dennis Carter-Edwards.
Dennis Carter-Edwards is a local historian and the author of the recent Peterborough Historical Society Occasional Paper “From Tap to Toilet: The Introduction of Water Works and Sewers to Peterborough” about the development of Peterborough’s water and sewage systems. Though taken for granted today, the supply of safe water and the treatment of human and industrial waste had a major impact on the quality of life for Peterborough citizens and the progressive development of our community.
Although essential, these improvements were frequently the subject of endless debate at city council where community leaders argued about whether or not these services should be public or private. In the end, Peterborough acquired a sewage and water system that put it at the forefront of municipal development, but not without some contention. Using new images and documentary sources, Dennis will tell the full story of how these systems arrived in (and completely transformed) our community. Register for this free event
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
Our Tragic Tales walking tour is back for another year! Join knowledgeable tour guide Mona Wilkes in Little Lake Cemetery next Friday, June 20 at 7pm to listen to some of Peterborough's most tragic tales from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As Peterborough expanded and the pace of everyday life quickened, many people fell victim to workplace accidents, poor decision-making, and even their own hubris. As you walk, you'll hear the stories of some of them, including strongman Daniel MacDonald whose competitive spirit cost him a hefty price; Anne Kerr, whose honest mistake had a sinister outcome; and John Connors, whose regular workday at the gravel pit would quickly turn into a nightmare for himself and his family.Tickets cost $20 each and can be purchased on Eventbrite, here: www.eventbrite.ca/e/tragic-tales-tickets-1336956445719?aff=oddtdtcreator If you can't make this tour date, or would prefer to attend it in the afternoon, we'll be running it again on Sunday, July 20 at 2pm. [Image Caption: Cropped photograph of onlookers at a C.P.R. train wreck in 1908. F50.] ... See MoreSee Less
Have you had a chance to pick up your copy of our Bicentennial Souvenir book yet? This beautiful book, commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Peter Robinson Irish Emigration, is full of everything you need to know about the emigration and the events planned to commemorate the Bicentennial in 2025. It includes: ☘️ A list of every single person who came to Upper Canada as part of the Peter Robinson Irish Emigration in 1825, in alphabetical order by last name. The list includes the ship the emigrant sailed on, the Irish county they hailed from, their age, their profession, the township and lot they ultimately settled in, and the family members who travelled with them. The most comprehensive passenger list to date, we think it is worth purchasing the book for it alone!☘️ Background information on the government assisted emigration scheme, with illustrations. ☘️ Where to look for more information about the emigration, including a selected reading list. ☘️ The full schedule of events for our official Bicentennial commemoration week of August 1-10. ☘️ And advertisements from community groups about the events they have planned to commemorate the Bicentennial throughout the year. Copies of the book cost $20 each and include a complimentary cotton tote bag with our Nine Ships logo that you can use to tote your book around to all the Bicentennial events this summer! They can be purchased on our website, nineships1825.com, or in-person at the Trent Valley Archives (567 Carnegie Avenue) and the Peterborough County office (470 Water Street). ... See MoreSee Less
Our Behind the Curtain: Historical Highlights of the Voyage of the John Barry event featuring a historical presentation by historian Don Willcock and traditional music by Crossing Over musical director Michael Ketemer is tonight at 7:30pm! Tickets cost $25 each and can be purchased in advance or at the door this evening. Check out our event listing below for more information about the event and the link to purchase tickets. ... See MoreSee Less
Our production of Crossing Over was a somewhat fictionalized account of the voyage of the John Barry, dramatizing the people and events that were involved in the emigrant transport ship's perilous journey to Canada. But what really happened on the voyage, and who were some of the key historical figures involved in this small part of the Peter Robinson Irish Emigration? Join us at the Right to Heal Hall at 441 Rubidge Street for a presentation by historian Don Willcock outlining the historical highlights that shaped this year's production.The presentation will be accompanied by 19th century music performed by local musician Michael Ketemer, who was also the musical director and on-stage musician of Crossing Over. Tickets cost $25, and can be purchased on Eventbrite here: www.eventbrite.ca/e/behind-the-curtain-historical-highlights-of-the-voyage-of-the-john-barry-tick... A cash bar will also be available if you would like to purchase snacks and/or drinks.NOTE: This is a fundraiser for both Trent Valley Archives Theatre and Right to Heal, and a portion of the proceeds generated from this event will go to support both organizations. ... See MoreSee Less
Did you see our production of Crossing Over last week? Do you want to learn more about some of the John Barry's key historical players, including the stalwart Surgeon William Burnie and the ever-present seaman John Keleher? Did you enjoy Michael Ketemer's musical accompaniment and want to hear him play some more traditional Irish music? If so, you won't want to miss our "Behind the Curtain: Historical Highlights of the Voyage of the John Barry" event. Happening next Wednesday, June 11 at the Right to Heal Hall (441 Rubidge St. in Peterborough) at 7:30pm, this joint fundraiser for the Trent Valley Archives and Right to Heal Ptbo will feature a presentation by historian Don Willcock outlining the historical highlights of the voyage of the infamous emigrant transport ship, and will be accompanied by 19th century music performed by musician Michael Ketemer. Both Don and Michael were involved in this year's production: Don as a consultant to the playwrights and Michael as the musical director and on-stage musician. Although our play was a somewhat fictionalized account of the voyage, it was still heavily influenced by Burnie's real ship's log of the crossing and the music that kept the Irish emigrants' spirits lifted on board, and Don and Michael will immerse you in these influences at this event. Tickets cost $25 each and can be purchased on Eventbrite, here: www.eventbrite.ca/e/behind-the-curtain-historical-highlights-of-the-voyage-of-the-john-barry-tick... A cash bar will also be available if you would like to purchase snacks and/or drinks. ... See MoreSee Less
