The Peterborough Historical Society will start the New Year with a presentation by the Nine Ships 1825 Inc. Board that is coordinating the commemoration and promotion of the British sponsored migration of some 2,000 Irish to the Peterborough region in 1825 under the supervision of Peter Robinson.  The various heritage agencies throughout Peterborough and area are preparing a series of special events including bus tours, a boat tour, exhibits and displays of historic material related to the original families. In addition, there will be plays, musical presentations and other events to mark this milestone in the history of our community. The Board has been working closely with the Indigenous communities to insure a respectful and thoughtful reflection on the impact of this unprecedented migration scheme on both the Irish and Indigenous peoples. There will be a panel discussion of leading experts who will explore the broad themes of migration, cultural adaptation to a new physical and cultural environment, fashioning an identity in this new environment and the legacy that is sustained by later generations. It is expected there will be numerous visitors from Ireland, the U.S. and other locations where “Robinson” descendants located. Plans are also being finalized for a special commemorative event in Ireland in September 2025 to explore the first part of this story and circumstances that produced this migration experiment. The keynote events are scheduled for 1-10 August 2025 so mark your calendars. Full details on events, dates, etc., can be found on the Board’s website : www.nineships1825.com 

PHS Speaker Series to be held Tuesday January 21, 7:30 p.m. at the Peterborough Lions’ Centre on Burnham Street. Admission is free and so are the light refreshments.

The Belleville Festival of Faith (January 19-25, 2025) is an educational, multi-faith event that showcases the diversity of local traditions and beliefs. Each day of the festival week, a different faith community hosts an hour-long talk with Q&A. 

Visit the festival website for full schedule and details: bellevillefaithfest.com

Saturday, January 25, 11am – 12 noon

Christ Church Anglican Church, 39 Everett Street, Belleville ON

Presentation includes an overview of the faith, information on the congregation, and a Q&A session.

Questions? Email bellevillefaithfest@gmail.com

The Belleville Festival of Faith (Jan. 19-25, 2025) is an educational, multi-faith event that showcases the diversity of local traditions and beliefs. Each day of the festival week, a different faith community hosts an hour-long talk with Q&A. 

Visit the festival website for full schedule and details: bellevillefaithfest.com

Friday, January 24, 7-8pm

Sikh Gurdwara – Guru Nanak Darbar, 151 Cloverleaf Drive, Belleville ON

Presentation includes an overview of the faith, information on the congregation, and a Q&A session.

NOTE:  Head coverings will be provided to all visitors at the entrance.

Questions? Email bellevillefaithfest@gmail.com

The Belleville Festival of Faith (January 19-25, 2025) is an educational, multi-faith event that showcases the diversity of local traditions and beliefs. Each day of the festival week, a different faith community hosts an hour-long talk with Q&A. 

Visit the festival website for full schedule and details: bellevillefaithfest.com

Thursday, January 23, 7-8pm

BELLEVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY, 3rd Floor (meeting room)

Baha'i Faith (library presentation):

Presentation includes an overview of the faith, information on the local faith community, and a Q&A session.

Questions? Email bellevillefaithfest@gmail.com

The Belleville Festival of Faith (January 19-25, 2025) is an educational, multi-faith event that showcases the diversity of local traditions and beliefs. Each day of the festival week, a different faith community hosts an hour-long talk with Q&A. 

Visit the festival website for full schedule and details: bellevillefaithfest.com

Thursday, January 23, 6-7pm

BELLEVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY, 3rd Floor (meeting room)

Kanyen’kehá:ka Traditional Beliefs (library presentation):

Presentation includes an overview of traditional beliefs and customs and a Q&A session.

NOTE: “Mohawk” is the English word for Kanyen’kehá:ka 

Questions? Email bellevillefaithfest@gmail.com

The Belleville Festival of Faith (Jan. 19-25, 2025) is an educational, multi-faith event that showcases the diversity of local traditions and beliefs. Each day of the festival week, a different faith community hosts an hour-long talk with Q&A. 

Visit the festival website for full schedule and details: bellevillefaithfest.com

Wednesday, January 22, 7-8pm

Islamic Society of Belleville, 33 Moira Street West, Belleville ON

Presentation includes an overview of the faith, information on the congregation, and a Q&A session.

Questions? Email bellevillefaithfest@gmail.com

The Belleville Festival of Faith (January 19-25, 2025) is an educational, multi-faith event that showcases the diversity of local traditions and beliefs. Each day of the festival week, a different faith community hosts an hour-long talk with Q&A. 

Visit the festival website for full schedule and details: bellevillefaithfest.com

Tuesday, January 21, 7-8pm

BELLEVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY, 3rd Floor (meeting room)

Buddhism (library presentation):

Presentation includes an overview of the faith, information on the local faith community, and a Q&A session.

Questions? Email bellevillefaithfest@gmail.com

The Belleville Festival of Faith (January 19-25, 2025) is an educational, multi-faith event that showcases the diversity of local traditions and beliefs. Each day of the festival week, a different faith community hosts an hour-long talk with Q&A. 

Visit the festival website for full schedule and details: bellevillefaithfest.com

Tuesday, January 21, 6-7pm

BELLEVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY, 3rd Floor (meeting room)

Hinduism (library presentation):

Presentation includes an overview of the faith, information on the local faith community, and a Q&A session.

Questions? Email bellevillefaithfest@gmail.com