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.
Why Local History Matters
- Details
With artifacts, photos and personal stories, Roseanne Quinn will explain that communities have stories to tell from the collective histories of families. It is incumbent upon the current generation to record these details and to retain memorabilia. Often people do not realize that what they perceive as just old photos are actually community history and, as such, invaluable. What makes history come alive are the human stories, the challenges, tragedies and the celebrations that occurred on farms, and in villages, cities and wilderness areas. We owe it to our descendants to convey this information and to retain the artifacts of lives well lived.
Roseanne’s family emigrated from Ireland in the 1840’s and has mostly lived in the Castleton area since. Ms. Quinn has a long personal story to add to the community history of Northumberland.
Learn why Roseanne feels that a sense of time and place is important in the history of her family and the built heritage they owned, inhabited and helped to preserve. Join us for Roseanne’s presentation on Tuesday, April 24, 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!
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!