Welcome to Trent Valley Archives

Scene from Crossing Over. Two men fighting

Trent Valley Archives Theatre
Returning May 2025

Crossing Over: Sequel Tide of Hope
A Fundraiser for The Trent Valley Archives

May 29 โ€“ 31, 2025
Commemorating the 200th anniversary of the arrival of the Peter Robinson settlers from Ireland to our district in 1825, โ€˜Crossing Overโ€™ is a fictionalized account of the voyage of the emigrant transport ship, John Barry.
(More information.)

*** Tickets Available Now! ***


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


We want YOU to join our board! Our board of directors is crucial to our success as an archive and a non-profit organization. Our board members provide guidance on the daily operations of the Trent Valley Archives, sit on committees that support our fundraising and outreach efforts, and help steer us in a meaningful direction as we continue to navigate a challenging social, political, and economic climate.We're currently looking for two to four people who are interested in serving on our board. Our board meets on Zoom on the third Thursday evening of every month, and our committees meet once a month (some committees meet less frequently). Ideally, we're looking for board members who are willing to become active participants in TVA's operations beyond the board level, whether that is through sitting on a committee, assisting us with special events, or helping with archival projects.Previous board experience is not required, but professional experience in your current or previous field of work is an asset. However, if you have an interest in the preservation of local history and think you would be a good fit, we still want to hear from you!Our new board members will be elected to a one-year term at our upcoming Annual General Meeting on April 24th, and will attend their first board meeting in May. If you want to apply to become a board member or have any questions about the level of experience or commitment required, please call our President, Madison More, at 705-298-2350 or email her at admin@trentvalleyarchives.com. You can also check out our full board member job description on Volunteer Peterborough, here: volunteerpeterborough.ca/opportunities/board-member-7/ ... See MoreSee Less
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Our Archivist, Elwood Jones, is headed to the Royal Canadian Legion in Lakefield this Thursday, March 27 to give a presentation to the Lakefield Historical Society about his bestselling book, Peterborough's Unique! In case you haven't read it yet, Peterborough's Unique: Stories from Canada's Average City features 50 stories that tell the history of our community across a range of time periods, occupations and circumstances. Each story illustrates what makes Peterborough, and the people who have called it home over the past 200 years, unique. For his Lakefield Historical Society presentation, Elwood has decided to focus on the stories in the book that have connections to Lakefield, specifically the story about Charles A. Boulton, Lakefield's first Reeve. The presentation begins at 7pm and is free for the public to attend. Copies of the book will be available to purchase at the presentation for $60. Supply is limited and this presentation may be the last time you'll be able to purchase the book for the foreseeable future, so if you want a copy you'll want to come out to the Lakefield Legion on Tuesday evening! ... See MoreSee Less
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2 weeks ago

Trent Valley Archives
Our production of Crossing Over is 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 on Sunday, April 13 for a presentation by historian Don Willcock outlining the historical highlights that shaped this year's production.The presentation will be accompanied by period music performed by local musician Michael Ketemer, who is also the musical director of Crossing Over. Light refreshments will be served and a cash bar will be available. 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. Tickets cost $30 ($15 for students with a valid student ID) and can be purchased on Eventbrite, here: www.eventbrite.ca/e/behind-the-curtain-historical-highlights-of-the-voyage-of-the-john-barry-tick... ... See MoreSee Less
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2 weeks ago

Trent Valley Archives
Trent Valley Archives Theatre had fun promoting Crossing Over at the 25th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade yesterday! You could hear the fantastic Irish music coming from our float all the way down George Street. A huge thank you to our community partner Kawartha Window Cleaning for pulling our float, TVAT Committee Member and Crossing Over cast and crew member Elaine Day for keeping us organized, musicians Joslynn Burford, Crocky Teasdale, Valentine Teasdale and Peter "Grey Owl" Austin for playing and singing with us, and TVA President Madison More and her mom, Lisa, for handing out Crossing Over flyers along the parade route. If you came out to the parade yesterday, we hope you had just as much fun as we did! ... See MoreSee Less
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2 weeks ago

Trent Valley Archives
๐Ÿ€ Happy St. Patrickโ€™s Day! ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ชLooking for somewhere to grab a pint and enjoy a great meal with your family and friends tonight? Check out these great stops in our region, many of which are offering a St. Paddy's Specials ๐Ÿ‘‡๐Ÿ’š Chemong Lodge๐Ÿ’š The Wild Blue Yonder Pub at Elmhirst's Resort๐Ÿ’š Canoe & Paddle๐Ÿ’š Jesse's Tap & Grill๐Ÿ’š Mainstreet Bar & Grill๐Ÿ’š Tasoโ€™s๐Ÿบ Grab a traditional English beer with a Canadian twist at Belmont Lake Brewery๐Ÿ›๏ธ Looking for a bit of history? Plan a future visit to Trent Valley Archives and Lang Pioneer Village Museum, where you can uncover stories of the Irish settlers who helped shape our region. Wherever you celebrate, donโ€™t forget to wear green, have fun, and explore local this St. Patrickโ€™s Day! ๐Ÿป๐ŸŒˆ #StPatricksDay2025 #explorecanada #LuckoftheIrish #thekawarthas #ptbocountySelwyn Township Township of Otonabee-South Monaghan Municipality of Trent Lakes North Kawartha Discover North Kawartha Buckhorn District Tourist Association @followers @topfans ... See MoreSee Less
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