Peterborough Museum & Archives Tourism Named Award Finalist For Tourism

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The Peterborough Museum & Archives (PMA) is a finalist in the “Tourism” category for the 2023 Business Excellence Awards, organized annually through the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce announced on Friday.

File Photo.

The Business Excellence Awards promote the advancement of responsible business leadership and prosperity within the community in categories such as: Entrepreneurial Spirit, Local Focus, and Green Initiatives.

The Tourism category recognizes organizations with a demonstrated commitment to excellence in attracting tourists to the Peterborough and Kawarthas area according to The City of Peterborough. Considerations include guest services, marketing and unique promotions, quality of facilities, signage, and staff and volunteer knowledge.

“There are many reasons why the Peterborough Museum & Archives is worthy of this distinction,” says Dustin McIlwain, PMC visitor experience coordinator. “Naturally, tourists to the area might want to learn more about the place they are visiting, and the PMA is a great place to acquire those stories. However, the PMA takes it a step further by offering interesting programming and events, engaging exhibitions and gallery spaces that are welcoming to all.”

The PMA’s current exhibition, “To Honour and Respect: Gifts from the Michi Saagiig Women to the Prince of Wales, 1860” has been a significant attraction from a tourism perspective according to McIlwain.

“Extensive work went into creating this important exhibition, including contributions from the six Mississauga Nations, the Royal Collection Trust in England, and the Department of Canadian Heritage to name a few,” he said. “Together, we’re reconnecting a piece of tangible cultural heritage to the descendants of those who created them. It has produced multiple opportunities for learning and relationship-building which will have a positive impact on our community long after the exhibition comes to end. For now, we will continue to welcome visitors from near and far to see these gifts.”

The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony scheduled for Oct. 18 at The Venue.

Admission to the Peterborough Museum & Archives is by donation.

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Lang Pioneer Village to Hold Corn Roast On Aug. 27.

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Join the harvest season as the Corn Roast at Lang Pioneer Village Museum is happening on Aug. 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Lang Pioneer Village.

The family-friendly day has historic demonstrations, live music, and plenty of fire-cooked corn. Tour with a free horse-drawn wagon ride and tour the historic village.

The village will teach visitors how corn was used back then with examples such as corn bread, popcorn, dried corn, corn soups, and corn relish in the Fitzpatrick House, and sample some Johnny cake with maple syrup in the Milburn House.

The village will have demonstrations including threshing, bagging, fanning mill and corn grinding.

Traditional music is being performed by Lotus and Luke from the Weaver Shop porch.

A corn-on-the-cob eating contest taking place on the Village Green. Corn crafts and corn hole by the Ayotte Cabin are some activities that will be run.

Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors (60+), $7 for youths (ages 5-14) and free for children under five. Family admission is also available for $40 and includes two adults and up to four youths (ages 5-14). Visitors may purchase admission in advance via the Museum’s online shop but advance purchase is not required.

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Indigenous Gifts to Prince of Wales Being On Display For Peterborough Museum & Archives Exbibit Beginning Friday

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Indigenous birch bark baskets are returning to ancestral lands of Michi Saagiig territory as a new temporary exhibit being featured at Peterborough Museum & Archives announced on Tuesday morning.

From left to right) Rachel Peat, Laurie Beavis, Laura Peers and Laurie Carr. The quilled wiigwaasii makakoons must remain in a crate for 48 hours prior to being displayed in order to properly climatize them. Photo by David Tuan bui.

The 13 birch bark baskets, also known as quilled wiigwaasii makakoons (weeg-wah-see mah-ka-coons) go on display to the public beginning Saturday to Nov. 19.

They were made by Michi Saagiig women and gifted to Prince of Wales on Sep. 7, 1860 when he stopped at Rice Lake village (Hiawatha First Nation) as part of a cross-Canada Royal tour.

The exhibition is called “To Honour and Respect: Gifts from the Michi Saagiig Women to the Prince of Wales, 1860,” and explores the cultural knowledge, love, respect and diplomacy that went into the makakoons.

“Hiawatha First Nation and the Mississauga Nation communities are coming together to welcome these Ancestors home for a visit,” said Chief Laurie Carr of Hiawatha First Nation. “We know that the makakoons have the names of women makers attached and there are descendants of these women in our First Nations.

Since 1860, the makakoons have been part of the Royal Trust Collection and housed at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight. They are on loan for exhibition by His Majesty King Charles III. The “To Honour and Respect” curators and the Planning Committee have worked closely with the Royal Collection Trust to facilitate the unique loan.

“Royal Collection Trust is delighted to exhibit this group of gifts presented to the future King Edward VII during the landmark first royal meeting with the Michi Saagiig in 1860,” said Rachel Peat, Royal Collection Trust Curator of Decorative Arts. “Since then, these outstanding works of art have been displayed within the royal residences as a symbol of relations between Mississauga Nation communities and the Crown. Today, this project offers an important opportunity to reconnect with Michi Saagiig knowledge holders and affirm links with this community.”

During the visit of the makakoons, there will be associated programming including workshops on quillwork, provided by Hiawatha First Nation artist Sandra Moore, and on Michi Saagiig language, provided by Curve Lake member Jonathan Taylor.

“While the Ancestors are with us on Michi Saagiig Territory, the PMA will create space for everyone to visit, and we will share knowledge about this art through viewing, workshops and language classes,” said Carr. “We will sit with the Ancestors and acknowledge their spirits and what they have to teach us. Each of the makakoons will add to our cultural knowledge and strength as Michi Saagiig Peoples.”

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Government of Canada Invests $74 Million into Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site

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Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, announced approximately $74 million in funding for projects related to infrastructure improvements along the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site.

Current rendering of the Whites Portage Dam. Originally constructed in 1918, the dam regulates the lake’s water level and outflow into Gloucester Pool. photo courtesy of Parks Canada.

On Wednesday, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault announced that the funding will be distributed over three years for this project.

The Trent-Severn Waterway is Canada's largest, and one of the most visited national historic sites. The waterway welcomes more than 1 million visitors each year.

The network of protected areas administered by Parks Canada is a gateway to nature, history and 450 000 kilmometres2 of stories from coast to coast to coast.

Investing in these locations is said to help support the protection of natural heritage and rich history, increase climate resiliency and create jobs in local communities, while providing visitors with high-quality, safe and meaningful experiences across the country.

“The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring the sustainability of Parks Canada assets. These national heritage places provide cultural, environmental and economic vitality for Canadians,” said Guilbeault. “Parks Canada’s robust dam and lock improvements along the iconic Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site will ensure critical flood mitigation for regional communities and provide for safe navigational experiences for Canadians to connect with nature.”

Rendering of the new Whites Portage Dam design, which will replace the existing dam in the same location and orientation. photo courtesy of Parks Canada.

Through this federal investment – part of the $557 million in funding announced by the Government of Canada in late 2022 – Parks Canada will conserve the heritage value of these important cultural resources.

The investments in infrastructure along the Trent-Severn Waterway will enhance Parks Canada’s ability to mitigate flood risks, protect heritage in Canada and strengthen the appeal of this world-class waterway as a destination for visitors and tourists.

Once these infrastructure projects are complete, the lifespan and function of these structures will have been extended for decades, continuing to connect and protect local communities. The work supported through this investment includes:

  • repairs to the Kirkfield Lift Lock;

  • recapitalization of the walls, tunnels and valves at Lock 42 – Couchiching;

  • recapitalization of the Little Chute Dam “G” near Port Severn;

  • replacement of the Whites Portage Dam on Six Mile Lake;

  • recapitalization of the valve tunnels for Healey Falls Locks 16 and 17; and,

  • creation of an access road from White’s Falls Road to the Pretty Channel Dam.
    Parks Canada has a mandate to conserve and present national heritage places in Canada. More than just supporting visitors as cornerstones of Canada’s tourism industry, Parks Canada’s assets play critical functions, such as transportation, water management, public safety, and services to residents and businesses, while being a source of shared pride for Canadians. These upgrades will help ensure public safety, quality and reliability for visitors, incorporate green technologies and climate resilience, while connecting Canadians with nature and history.

“From First Nations to fur traders to lumber barons and steamship traffic, the Waterway has linked communities across Ontario for over a hundred years. Investments in the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site’s infrastructure are essential for public safety, preserving natural and cultural heritage, ensuring environmental protection and conservation, and providing benefits for visitors, local communities and the nation’s tourism industry,” said Guilbeault.

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Hometown PTBO: The Capital PTBO Owner Mark Million Showcasing Peterborough's Deep and Hidden Sports History

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This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday talks to The Capital PTBO owner Mark Million about hidden sports history within Peterborough such as The Penalty Pub, PCCHL Nationals, Joe Louis and more.

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Lang Pioneer Village to Host 25th Annual Transportation Day Car & Motorcycle Show

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Lang Pioneer Village is hosting its 25th annual Transportation Day Car & Motorcycle Show taking place at Lang Pioneer Village Museum on July 10 from 10 a.m to 4 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Lang Pioneer Village.

The event showcases antique and classic cars and vintage motorcycles from car enthusiasts across the province.

The Antique Bicycle Collectors of Ontario is showcasing their display of antique and rare bicycles in and around the Peterborough County Agricultural Heritage Building (PCAHB). Additionally, the 50s to 80s music is being played with DJ Del and Jenny Jams.

The event also features the Transportation Barn, South Lkae Schoolhouse and Keene Hotel.

Registrants for car display are from 8 a.m. - noon with a $10 registration (with village admission included). The first 200 vehicles to enter will receive a complimentary dash plaque as a souvenir of their participation. Over 25 trophies will be awarded including the coveted People’s Choice and Lang’s Choice.

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Piece Of Peterborough History On Display At Auto Connect Sales

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Auto Connect Sales invites the public to visit and view their newly installed photo of Westclox staff in 1947. This piece of Peterborough history was donated by Al Carmichael, who’s wife Rena (nee Warner) can be found in the photo.

Westclox opened in Peterborough in 1920 and made timepieces that were shipped around the world.

Rena worked there before switching careers and working at General Electric, another iconic Peterborough fixture.

Carmichael, who turned 94 on June 1, came to Peterborough from Nova Scotia in 1949.

He began working for ESSO and met his wife on a blind date set up by a friend.

The two were married a few years after the photo was taken, and remained together for 58 years until Rena’s passing.

Carmichael says the photo was found rolled up in the drawer of an old dresser.

Carmichael remained friends with Auto Connect salesperson Alexis Raffan after purchasing a car years ago and the two decided the photo would be best if displayed for everyone to see.

Auto connect owners Cheryl and Martin invite anyone to come in and admire this important piece of Peterborough history.

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Lakefield WWII Veteran Arnold Graham Reflects on Remembrance Day

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Arnold Graham, now a month shy of 96-years-old, enlisted with the 2nd (Reserve) Battalion, Prince of Wales Rangers (Peterborough Regiment) on Dec. 2, 1942, just ten days before his 17th birthday.

Left, Arnold Graham 1943, Royal Canadian Airforce (Photo courtesy of Lakefield War Vets) Right, Arnold at the Buckhorn Community Centre, 95 years old. Photo by Angela O’Grady

Graham, the youngest of twelve children born to Claire and Isaiah Graham, was the last of his six brothers to enlist in the army.

“I joined up when I was 17 years old,” he said. “My mother said she didn’t want me to go, but I said I want to go because I had six brothers fighting all over Europe and I want to help them get home a little sooner.”

Graham was released from the Reserve Service May 8, 1943 in order to enlist with the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Because he was not yet 18 his mother was required to provide a letter authorizing his entrance into the RCAF which she provided.

He got his wings in Quebec, then headed to England where he became part of an air crew flying Lancaster four engine bombers.

Graham joined the 433 Squadron of the RCAF, the “Porcupines”, Bomber Command, and became a Flight Sergeant Air Gunner.

The 433 Porcupine Bomber Squadron’s 1st Op was on Jan 2, 1944 (mining) and the last Op was on Apr 25, 1945 (bombing). They flew 2,316 total sorties with a 90.07% success rate.

During one particular mission with the 433 Porcupine Squadron on March 31, 1945 on Op 208 – Hamburg, a 500-bomber raid, set out with Mustang fighter escorts for the first time. F/Sgt Graham, manning the Mid/Upper Gun, was credited with shooting down an Me 262 Schwalbe (Swallow); the first German jet aircraft which had attacked 16 times in 9 minutes. He was the first Canadian Gunner to do so and also recorded the only kill for their Lancaster.

Pictured at the Remembrance Service at the Buckhorn Community Centre are Robert Ough, Arnold Graham and John Bannon, WWII Veteran. Photo by Angela O’Grady.

When Graham reflects on his time in the air force, he recalls his mother.

“My mother was a widow,” he said. “She walked to the post office every day, never missed a day, to get a letter from one of her boys. When she met me when I came home and got off the train in Peterborough she looked at me and said ‘Oh my baby’s home’. I was her baby.”

He also recalls the men he served with in the Air Force.

“I had 13 brothers that I fought with during the war. My own six brothers, and seven in the Air Force. Everytime I go to the Cenotaph on Remembrance Day I start to cry.”

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PTBO Celebrates the 101st Anniversary for the Trent-Severn Waterway of Parks Canada In Video Series

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Historian Dennis Carter-Edwards takes you through the history of the Peterborough Lift Lock with the start of an amazing series with PTBOCanada with never-before-seen photos!

This summer series explores the history of Trent-Severn Waterway of Parks Canada on its 101st anniversary!

Part 1: Lift Lock Origins

Carter-Edwards takes us through the story of how canal construction began in Peterborough including Cobourg entrepreneur James Grey Bethune and his mishaps with the Commission.

Part 2: Thomas Stafford Rubidge

Canal engineer Thomas Stafford Rubidge conducts surveys to feasibly further canal works and maybe getting in a fistfight with his assistant.

Part 3: Richard Birdsell Rogers, Henry Holgate and the Lift Lock Construction

Carter-Edwards takes us through the story of how canal construction began in Peterborough including Cobourg entrepreneur James Grey Bethune and his mishaps with the Commission.

Part 4: The Liberal Party and the Peterborough Lift Lock in 1896

See how the Liberal Party thought of the canal system and the Lift Locks after winning the federal election in 1896.

Part 5: Extending the Canal System Amidst the 1911 Election

Despite that the Liberal and Conservative Parties were in favour of an extended navigation system from Lake Simcoe to Georgian Bay, see how politics and the canal system would intersect through the 1911 election.

Part 6: Maintenance, Improvements and Tourism of the Trent Severn Waterway

Following the 1920s, the government had the challenge of maintaining and upkeeping the Lift Locks while using it as a tool to promote tourism.

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Hunter Street Bridge Documentary Set to Premiere For Peterborough

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As the Hunter Street bridge celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, a documentary marking the milestone called “Building the Ashburnham Bridge” will air on YourTV on Aug. 2.

Steve Russell, project manager of the documentary was the eldest of four children in his family. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Steve Russell, project manager of the documentary was the eldest of four children in his family. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The documentary was created by archivist Elwood Jones and former engineer Steve Russell. It tells the story of the planning and construction of the bridge — also known as the Ashburnham Bridge — between 1919 and 1921.

The project began in 2019 after a grant was given to the Trent Severn Waterway from the Trillium Foundation to take all the old pictures of Quaker Oats and the bridge construction according to Russell.

Russell’s grandfather, John E. Russell from the Russell-Townsend Company built the bridge during interesting economic and political times of Peterborough’s history.

That inspired Steve to do the documentary after learning that fact and discovered his grandfather in archived photos.

“Once I identified him (grandfather), that really accelerated my interest for the documentary,” said Steve.

Longtime retired broadcast journalist Graham Hart narrated the half-hour documentary where he met with Steve weekly to work on the project.

“Building the Ashburnham Bridge” airs at 7:00 p.m. on YourTV on Aug. 2.

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