New Exhibition 'Past Presents' Opens At Peterborough Museum And Archives

This winter the Peterborough Museum & Archives will present its newest exhibition: Past Presents. This exhibit will share the stories of various gifts that were given and received from those in our community.

“I’m hoping this exhibit brings back some nostalgic feelings for visitors,” said Kim Reid, Curator at the museum. “Past Presents is an exhibit that’s been curated in-house, using artifacts from our permanent collection that were donated by people who once lived in Peterborough. We want visitors who see these gifts on display to have moments to enjoy their own fond memories of some of their own past presents. This exhibition will surely put you in the gift-giving spirit this holiday season. As the old adage goes, it’s better to give than to receive.”

The exhibition features a variety of artifacts – each of which have their own unique story about the context in which they were given as a gift.

Objects range in age, dating from as early as the 1880s through the 1960s.

Included in the displays are a collection of dolls, quilts, small appliances, and children’s toys among other items. One of the strangest gifts is a lead plaque that was given to paperboys by the Winnipeg Free Press in 1913 at Christmas as a thank you.

Past Presents is the final temporary exhibition presented at the Peterborough Museum & Archives in 2021. The exhibition will open on Saturday and be on display until March 20, 2022. Admission is by donation.

At time of release, current COVID-related rules for visiting include self-screening for symptoms prior to entering the museum, wearing a mask while on-site, and maintaining physical distancing from others.

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