Special Notice
This site has recently been expanded to include historical information from the Cobourg History site. All information previously on this site is still here. Some Google searches may now end up here - use the site search box if you don't immediately find what you are looking for.
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For Genealogists
There is quite a bit of Information for genealogists on this site - it is best accessed using the search feature above. The best additional source of info for researchers is at the Cobourg Library where they have a local history room stocked with many historical books and documents. They do have some photos on-line but not much more - you need to visit.
Meetings
Based on the advice from the Town of Cobourg and the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit, face to face meetings at Victoria Hall have been cancelled until further notice. In order to stay connected and to keep you safe during the pandemic, monthly meetings are taking place by Virtual Zoom webinars. You can join by desktop or a laptop computer, tablet or smart phone!
Cobourg and District Historical Society Meetings are held every month except May, June, July, August and December. Meetings are held in the Citizen's Forum in Victoria Hall on the fourth Tuesday in the Month. Meetings start at 7:30pm but coffee and cookies are available starting at 7:00pm. Meetings are $5 for non-members and free for members of the society and students.
More on our About page.
Cobourg and District Historical Society
Mission
The Cobourg and District Historical Society promotes interest in the history of Cobourg and district and beyond, encourages the preservation of historical, archaeological and architectural heritage through meetings featuring speakers, the publication of presentations and organizing and participating in special events.
Meetings
Monthly meetings are held in the Citizens' Forum, Victoria Hall on the fourth Tuesday from September to May, excluding December. The doors open at 7:00pm and people enjoy this opportunity to socialize before the meeting convenes at 7:30 p.m. Meetings are free for members of the society and students.
Programmes include topics of local interest e.g. The American Summer Colony, Cobourg-Rochester ferries as well as subjects of more general interest e.g. The Barnardo Children or Preserving Your Family Archives. An annual dinner or bus trip is held alternately in May.
For more about the Cobourg and District Historical Society, go here.
Based on the advice from the Town of Cobourg and the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit, face to face meetings at Victoria Hall have been cancelled until further notice. In order to stay connected and to keep you safe during the pandemic, monthly meetings are taking place by Virtual Zoom webinars. You can join by desktop or a laptop computer, tablet or smart phone!
A Social History of Alderville
- Details
Dave Mowat is the quintessential historian — dedicated to the subject he is presenting, possessed of massive amounts of detailed 
knowledge and at the same time is a warm and engaging man, one committed to expanding the understanding of the indigenous people, their culture, their values and their place in the broad picture of Canada. He has an amazing amount of detail, specific facts related to the topic at hand, be it contemporary relations, the contribution of members of the Alderville community or the individuals who fought at Crysler’s Farm against the American attempt to capture Montréal in order to isolate British and colonial forces and so hand us over to the American nation. I am looking forward to his presentation!
Join us for Dave’s presentation on Tuesday, January 22, at Victoria Hall. Doors open at 7:00 PM for coffee and cookies. The meeting begins at 7:30 PM. Admission, including refreshments, is free for members and $5 for non-members. Annual membership is $25 for individuals and $30 for a family. All are welcome so bring a friend or two!
38 Hours to Montréal
- Details
We are pleased to welcome back to the Cobourg Historical Society meetings author and speaker Dan Buchanan. Dan's newest book is entitled, 38 Hours to Montréal. This book chronicles the adventure of William Weller, the Stagecoach King of Cobourg who was 
challenged to get the Governor General from Toronto to Montreal in less than 38 hours. Dan will be entertaining us with the story chronicled in his book, outlining the adventure as it starts at Beverley House in downtown Toronto and ends at the Exchange Coffee House in Montréal. Considering the state of roads in the 1840s and the stagecoach experience, the attempt to traverse this distance in just over a day is an amazing challenge. So come to the meeting and see how Cobourg's own William Weller accomplished this feat. Dan Buchanan will also have copies of his book for sale for those of you who want to know every detail.
Join us for Dan's presentation on Tuesday, November 27, at Victoria Hall. Doors open at 7:00 PM for coffee and cookies. The meeting begins at 7:30 PM. Admission, including refreshments, is free for members and $5 for non-members. Annual membership is $25 for individuals and $30 for a family. All are welcome so bring a friend or two!