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
Monthly meetings are held in Cobourg's Victoria Hall.
Cobourg and District Historical Society Meetings are held every month except May, June, July, August and December. Meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday in the Month. Meetings start at 7:30 pm but coffee and cookies are available starting at 7:00 pm. 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.
Monthly meetings are held in Cobourg’s Victoria Hall.
Armistice 18: A Historical Fiction Novel
- Details
Our upcoming speaker on Tuesday February 26 is our own Gerry Brown. A retired history teacher who loves to write, Gerry suggests that historical fiction has an important role to play in our understanding of people in other times and other places, and uses examples from his recent book, Memories of a Grey Wooden Box, about daily life in Cobourg during and following WW1.
His prime contention is that much of our historical study focuses on major world events somewhat in isolation from its influence on ordinary people leading their lives, be it here in town or in other cities, other countries. How were those who stayed home influenced by the horrific battles in Europe? How did they cope with hardships, loss of workforce, deaths in the family and in their circle of friends? How has our town changed since then? Through the eyes of his main character, Arthur, we see it all: the battles, the mud, the barbed wire, the boys he knew who didn't make it home and the ones who did who were never the same. You will recognize real names and real places so you know for sure that it's Cobourg, but this great story could be a slice of life in the wartime era for any small town in Canada. Gerry's writing makes you feel like you were really present in Cobourg during WW1.
Join us on Tuesday, February 26, at Victoria Hall to hear more about this story from Gerry Brown. 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!
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!