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!
Maple Syrup Production Then and Now
- Details
For decades Gareth Metcalfe has been passionate about the history and the making of making maple syrup. His 75 acres of maple bush is north of Trenton near Frankford. There are over 200 trees that he taps each year for the rich maple syrup that his family and friends eagerly await. Gareth will start his talk with an "Ode to Making Maple Syrup" followed by the history of making maple syrup with tips for making your own "liquid gold".
Gareth is a member of the Ontario Maple Syrup Producers Association and is also active in the Hastings Stewardship Council.
If you have ever wondered about how maple syrup is produced this is the meeting to learn from. Join us for Gareth's presentation on Tuesday, March 27, at Victoria Hall. Doors open at 7:00 pm for coffee and cookies, before 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!
Northumberland on the Nile
- Details
Ancient Egypt has long captivated the minds and hearts of enterprising and adventurous locals since before Confederation. Methodist Minister Lachlan Taylor, a Cobourg native, was one of a group of pioneering Canadians who made the journey to Egypt in the late 1850s, blazing a new trail of early travel and antiquity buying. He brought home Canada's most well-loved mummy, Antjau, which is now a highlight of the Royal Ontario Museum's Egyptian collection. Then, in the early 1900s, Port Hope resident Dr. Charles Currelly made exceptional archaeological discoveries in Middle and Upper Egypt including unearthing a New Kingdom pyramid! With the help of University of Toronto backers, he brought home a treasure trove of antiquities for the opening of his new Royal Ontario Museum in 1914. In this lively talk with a local Egyptologist, we'll explore the fascinating tales of Northumberland residents on the Nile.
Laura Ranieri is an Egyptologist, writer and the founder of Ancient Egypt Alive. Based in Port Hope she has written and presented extensively on ancient Egypt at museums and libraries across Canada and in the US. She has created and led tours to Egypt. Laura has excavated in Bulgaria at a classical Greek site and in Egypt at Amarna and South Asasif. She began her career as an actress and travel TV show host, and is passionate about story-telling and bringing the fascinating history of Ancient Egypt Alive to the general public. See www.ancientegyptalive.com for her website
Join us on Tuesday, September 26, in Victoria Hall's Citizens' Forum for a unique opportuneity to learn more about Egypt. Doors open at 7:00 pm and the meeting begins at 7:30 pm. Coffee and cookies will be available before the meeting. 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!