Voice of Business: Nine Ships 200 Year Anniversary Plans Set Sail

The Peterborough Irish Club, joined by the Irish Consul General, announces a new website dedicated to the historical Irish nine ships.

This past week, your local Chamber of Commerce hosted members of the Peterborough Irish Club (PIC)and Irish Consul General Janice McGann. Members of the PIC gathered to present their new website documenting the Peter Robinson nine ships' immigration to Canada in 1825.

In attendance were guests who were descendants of the people of the nine ships from Ireland. The voyage of the nine Irish ships to Canada departed on May 6th, 1825, from County Cork, Ireland. The ships carried 2,024 individuals who traversed the Atlantic Ocean to reach Canada for a new life. The nine ships would leave a legacy in founding Peterborough and many other communities in the surrounding areas.

The newly created website documents a detailed history of the nine ships led by Peter Robinson from start to finish. The website features information on the journey of the nine ships into the City of Peterborough, a biography of Peter Robinson, the ships, and even the ship’s list of travelers—the content of this website is derived in partnership from the local historians of Trent Valley Archives.

The launch of the Nine Ships website is also particularly important for the 200th anniversary next year. This celebration will host many activities such as boat cruises, tours, plays, and art displays. Local First Nations have also been invited to participate. The commemoration will seek to honour the bravery and sacrifice of the immigrants from nine ships who immigrated from Ireland.

Several members of the PIC gave their own words on the importance of being a descendant of nine ships and the pride of their ancestors who embraced the challenge of a new life in Canada. Some members from the PIC and McGann acknowledged the complex histories intertwined with local First Nations. This involved the local Anishinaabe people adjusting to their new Irish Neighbors.

According to the Nine Ships website, the history of Peterborough credits the immigration of the Nine Ships to the founding of the city of Peterborough. After arriving in Cobourg, the Irish settlers transported their possessions to Peterborough. Upon arrival in downtown Peterborough, they were then given directions to their land administrated by Peter Robinson, whose office was at Water and Simcoe Streets. From there, each family was scattered around Peterborough County working to build farms and communities.

The 200th anniversary hopes to celebrate the legacy left by the Irish settlers of the nine ships. The commemoration event will take place next August and will hope to attract visitors and descendants of the nine ships from as far away as Australia and the United States. This event will serve as a great information gateway for future visitors wanting to know more about the historical impact of the Irish people from these nine ships.

Irish Consul General expressed her support for the upcoming calendar of events and the launch of the new website. McGann highlighted that “immigration is an act of bravery and resilience, where there is no chance of going back. Canada offered hope for a better life and opportunity. Today we are blessed to have an Irish Community that thrives and continues to keep our heritage alive.” The meeting concluded with a gift to McGann from the Peterborough Irish Club thanking her for her visit to Peterborough.

For all those interested, the website can be accessed at nineships1825.com.

Content provided by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.

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