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 Jackson Park tour is THIS SUNDAY, September 8 at 2pm! Step through the main gates of the park with local historian Karen Carter-Edwards and into the natural beauty and rich cultural history of one of Peterborough's most valuable resources. Tickets cost $20 each and can be purchased on Eventbrite, here: www.eventbrite.ca/e/jackson-park-tour-tickets-897413226117?aff=oddtdtcreatorNOTE: This is a walking tour in Jackson Park that covers some uneven and hilly ground and may not be accessible to everyone. Wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather, as the tour will run rain or shine. If you have any questions about accessibility or the content of this tour, please email us at admin@trentvalleyarchives.com or call us at 705-745-4404. ... See MoreSee Less
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We still have tickets available to our Jackson Park tour on Sunday, September 8 at 2pm! If you're a naturalist and enjoy learning about and surrounding yourself in nature, this is the tour for you. Led by local historian Karen Carter-Edwards, the tour will provide an overview of the property's long history as a public park and uncover some of park's most popular hangout spots over the years, including the Gambler's Den and Devil's Gap. Tickets cost $20 each and can be purchased on Eventbrite, here: www.eventbrite.ca/e/jackson-park-tour-tickets-897413226117?aff=oddtdtcreator NOTE: This is a walking tour in Jackson Park that covers some uneven and hilly ground and may not be accessible to everyone. Wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather, as the tour will run rain or shine. If you have any questions about accessibility or the content of this tour, please email us at admin@trentvalleyarchives.com or call us at 705-745-4404. ... See MoreSee Less
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2 weeks ago

Trent Valley Archives
If you're a Peterborough local, you've likely experienced the natural beauty of Jackson Park at least once in your life. But have you ever taken the time to really immerse yourself in its landscapes and rich cultural history? If you've been wanting to learn more about one of Peterborough's most endearing natural resources, you'll want to join local historian Karen Carter-Edwards on our Jackson Park tour happening on Sunday, September 8th at 2pm. As you walk thorough the park, you'll learn about its over 100-year history as a public resource and the many roles it fulfilled for Peterborough residents over that time. Tickets cost $20 each and can be purchased on Eventbrite, here: www.eventbrite.ca/e/jackson-park-tour-tickets-897413226117?aff=oddtdtcreator NOTE: This is a walking tour in Jackson Park that covers some uneven and hilly ground and may not be accessible to everyone. Wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather, as the tour will run rain or shine. If you have any questions about accessibility or the content of this tour, please email us at admin@trentvalleyarchives.com or call us at 705-745-4404. ... See MoreSee Less
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4 weeks ago

Trent Valley Archives
Jackson Park is one of Peterborough's cherished natural resources and a place that many of us have visited time and time again. But did you know that it became a public park in the 1890s and has a rich cultural history spanning over 100 years? If not, you'll want to join us on our Jackson Park tour on Sunday, September 8 at 2pm. Led by local historian Karen Carter-Edwards, you'll learn about the park's previous lives as an industrial site, an amusement park and a camp for needy children as you stroll through its beautiful natural landscapes. Tickets cost $20 and can be purchased through Eventbrite, here: www.eventbrite.ca/e/jackson-park-tour-tickets-897413226117?aff=oddtdtcreator NOTE: This is a walking tour in Jackson Park that covers some uneven and hilly ground and may not be accessible to everyone. Wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather, as the tour will run rain or shine. If you have any questions about accessibility or the content of this tour, please email us at admin@trentvalleyarchives.com or call us at 705-745-4404. ... See MoreSee Less
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4 weeks ago

Trent Valley Archives
Our August issue of the Heritage Gazette of the Trent Valley has arrived! We've devoted the pages of this issue to a preview of next August's celebration, here and in Ireland, of the bicentennial of the arrival in Canada of the Peter Robinson Settlers. There are articles about the success of our play, Tide of Hope; plans underway by both the Ballyhoura Development committee in Ireland and Nine Ships Inc. in Peterborough to commemorate the anniversary; and a background article by our archivist, Elwood Jones, that describes what life was like for the Peter Robinson Settlers in Ireland before they embarked on their transatlantic voyage. If you're subscribed to our mailing list, check your inbox for an email from us with links to download the issue. If you're not already subscribed to our mailing list, you can do so here: trentvalleyarchives.com/newsletter-signup/. Once you've read the issue, we'd love to hear what you think! Leave a comment down below with your thoughts on this issue and any suggestions you have for our next issue. Are you researching a topic that might be of interest to our readers? We're always looking for story submissions for future issues. Email them to us at admin@trentvalleyarchives.com and we will forward them to our editor. ... See MoreSee Less
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