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!
Finding a Forgotten Father of Confederation: Rediscovering the Hon. James Cockburn
- Details
On Tuesday, January 28, Professor Robert Washburn and Cobourg Town Planner Rob Franklin will present new information on Cobourg lawyer and Father of Confederation James Cockburn.
Professor Washburn is an award-winning educator in the Journalism program at Loyalist College and is also a lecturer in the joint Trent-Loyalist Journalism program. A practicing journalist for nearly 40 years, he is known locally for his current affairs radio show every Friday at noon on Northumberland 89.7 FM. Prof. Washburn has worked as a reporter, columnist, and contributor to newspapers, magazines, and radio. His website https://consider-this.ca is an archive of his journalism and academic work. Washburn is the author of two one-person plays about Cockburn and contributed to a children’s book on Cockburn.
Rob Franklin is a graduate of Trent University, is a Registered Professional Planner and is currently Manager of Planning Services for the Town of Cobourg. Franklin is well known to Cobourgians for his stirring, in-costume, reenactments of important aspects of Cockburn’s life.
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. Guests are always welcome so bring a friend or two! See you on Tuesday, January 28.
History of Irish and European Bagpipes
- Details
On Tuesday September 24, we are pleased to present Steafan Hannigan who will be speaking on the history of Irish and European Bagpipes. 
Steafan is a renowned musician who has had an amazing career. He composed the music for a 24-episode, animated series which aired worldwide in 2015, worked with a diverse range of musicians such as Bjork, Depeche Mode, Loreena McKennitt and AfroCelts. He has appeared on MTV, BBC and CBC. Along with his wife Saskia Tomkins, he was hired to work on developing the hit theatre show, Come From Away.
Steafan was born and raised in Belfast, Northern Ireland and came to Canada 12 years ago with his wife and three children. He is also technical Director for Fourth Line Theatre. He has been involved and appeared in such television shows as Friends, the Canadian show Coppers, and been a session musician on Black Harbour, Relic Hunter and Earth Final Conflict.
Doors open at 7:00 PM for coffee and cookies. The meeting begins at 7:30 PM. Guests are always welcome. Admission, including refreshments, is free for members and $5 for non-members. All are welcome so bring a friend or two! See you on Tuesday, September 24