Trent Valley Archives Theatre Returning in 2026
June 4, 5, and 6 — A Fundraiser for The Trent Valley Archives at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre, Peterborough
Learn about last year’s play: Crossing Over: Sequel Tide of Hope
The Kid from Simcoe Street
In our adaptation of this moving World War II era memoir, James Clarke recalls growing up in the poor and alcohol-ridden neighbourhood of downtown Peterborough.
As a boy, his father had been a foot soldier, but after coming home from the battlefields he turned to manic drinking and belligerence, shattering his wife’s dreams, and casting a dark shadow over James’ boyhood.
This story, told with emotion that is unflinching in its honesty, lets us see just how remarkable it is that James Clarke became not only a man esteemed and honoured as a judge of the Superior Court of Ontario, but as a respected poet, too.
Purchase your copy from Exile Editions
Have you seen the updated Heritage Gazette?
We are pleased to continue and expand on the pioneering work of archivist Elwood Jones and Steve Gavard as we explore the near and distant past in this full colour publication.
View the current and past issues
Happy Halloween 🎃 We're getting into the festive spirit today, unlike this dog photographed in 1963 who looks very unenthusiastic about his costume! ![]()
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Whether you're venturing out into the rainy night tonight looking for treats or staying in to cheer on the Jays, we hope you have a safe and happy evening!
Remembrance Day is just around the corner, and so is the return of our Military History Tour in Little Lake Cemetery. On Sunday, November 9 at 3pm, join knowledgeable tour guide and military historian Don Willcock to commemorate Remembrance Day and learn more about the Peterborough citizens who bravely fought in conflicts for our freedom. ![]()
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Although most Peterborough citizens who enlisted fought in the First or Second World Wars, and they are given the recognition they deserve on the tour, the tour also includes people who served in many different conflicts. As you walk through the cemetery and pay your respects at each soldier's final resting place, you'll learn about people like Captain Andrew Simon Fraser who served with the Duke of Wellington at Waterloo; Colonel John Wesley Miller who enlisted in the American Civil War and was captured at the Battle of Gettysburg; and Achilles Turner, son of J.J. Turner, who served in the Boer War and was awarded the South African Medal by Queen Victoria. ![]()
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Tickets to the tour cost $20 each and can be purchased on Eventbrite, here: www.eventbrite.ca/e/honouring-our-military-history-tickets-1347248790399?aff=oddtdtcreator Please note that this is a walking tour in Little Lake Cemetery that covers a large portion of the Cemetery grounds. It stays on the main roadways whenever possible, but covers some uneven and hilly ground and may not be accessible to everyone. Wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather, as the tour will run rain or shine. ![]()
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The tour covers difficult and sensitive material and may not be appropriate for everyone. If you have any questions about accessibility or the content of this tour. please email us at admin@trentvalleyarchives.com or call us at 705-745-4404.![]()
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Highland Park Funeral Centre & Little Lake and Highland Park Cemeteries
Although not fighting directly at the front lines, The Tin Hats were a Canadian Military Entertainment Unit that made a significant contribution to the Second World War, entertaining their fellow military personnel and lifting their spirits during hard times. Although their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren look back on their military service with pride, their story has been largely overlooked among the extensive history of Canada's involvement in the Second World War.![]()
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Fortunately, Ruth Stanley, author of "A Different Type of Bombshell: The Tin Hats Journey Through World War II" and "Ballads, Bombshells and Brotherhood: The Men Behind the Tin Hats Concert Party," has stepped forward to ensure that this remarkable group of entertainers has a lasting legacy. In both books, and in a forthcoming third book, she shares the experiences of her father and the other members of the Tin Hats as they travelled far and wide to entertain Canadian regiments, braving bombshells along the way.![]()
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Join us on Zoom on Thursday, November 6 at 7pm to hear Ruth tell the story of the Tin Hats and how she was able to uncover their unique brand of service, including what inspired her to write about this little-known aspect of Canadian military history, her research process, and the impact her work has had on other descendants of the Tin Hats.![]()
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This is a free, members-only event and you must be a member to view the presentation. If you are already a Trent Valley Archives member, you will have received an email last Sunday, October 26 with a link to register for the presentation (please register by the end of the day on Tuesday, November 4). ![]()
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If you are not yet a Trent Valley Archives member, there's still time to become one and view what promises to be an interesting presentation! A single membership costs $60 a year and a family membership costs $75 a year. To learn more about our membership tiers and benefits or to purchase a membership, please visit the membership page on our website, here: trentvalleyarchives.com/membership/
We still have eight tickets left to our Eerie Ashburnham West Ghost Walk tomorrow night! This is our only Ghost Walk with available space this season so if you're wanting to go on one of our Ghost Walks, we recommend you check this one out.
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Tomorrow (October 18), we'll be participating in the Kawartha Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society's Mini Genealogical and Historical Fair in celebration of their 50th Anniversary! The fair will be taking place at the main branch of the Peterborough Public Library from 2pm-5pm in the Friends of the Library Community Room in the Library's lower level. ![]()
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We will have volunteers at our table at the fair to speak to you about who we are and what we do, as well as copies of some of our newest books for sale (including the Nine Ships Bicentennial Souvenir book, Yesteryear at Young's Point, Peterborough: Spirit of Place and From Whence They Came by the Irish Historical Geographer Christy Roche). ![]()
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In addition to the fair, the Kawatha OGS will be giving a few presentations, drawing door prizes and serving cake and refreshments. You won't want to miss this special celebration!