Bicentennial 2025
200 Years of the Peter Robinson ImmigrationJoin us in remembering the journey and heritage of our community.
© 2024 Nine Ships 1825 Inc.
Welcome to the Peter Robinson Emigration Bicentennial Commemoration
The Peter Robinson Emigration of 1825 was a landmark initiative that brought nearly 2,000 Irish settlers to Canada, laying the foundation for what would become Nogojiwanong-Peterborough. This rare government experiment aimed to test the viability of British emigration policy by covering all expenses for settlers for 18 months. Each family’s journey and experiences have been meticulously documented, providing a rich archival resource.
As we mark the Bicentennial, we honour this chapter in Canadian history. The 1825 emigration not only shaped Nogojiwanong-Peterborough’s identity but also demonstrated the enduring spirit of community and collaboration. Join us in commemorating 200 years of heritage, resilience, and the diverse legacy that continues to define our region today.
Emigration to Canada poster recruiting emigrants for Robinson’s 1825 experiment to the Nogojiwanong-Peterborough area. (Peterborough Museum and Archives exhibit)
Thank You to Our Donors, Sponsors, and Partners!
Nine Ships 1825 Inc. extends heartfelt gratitude to our generous partners, sponsors and donors whose support has been instrumental in bringing our projects and events to life. Your contributions help preserve the rich history of the Peter Robinson Emigration and ensure the success of our bicentennial commemoration. Thank you for your dedication to honouring this legacy and supporting our shared vision.
Ship’s Wheel • Lead Donor
Gary & Joanne Reamey Family
Crow’s Nest Donor
Peterborough Foundation
Main Mast Donor
Robert & Julie Young
Main Mast Donor
Dr. John & Denise Lyne
Main Mast Donor
Carl & Kathryn Young
Main Mast Donor
Michael Battaglia Enterprises Inc.
Main Mast Donor
City of Peterborough
Ship’s Anchor Donor
Brendan & Janet Moher
Ship’s Anchor Donor
Mary & Al Smith
Ship’s Anchor Donor
Ship’s Anchor Donor
Elwood Jones
Ship’s Anchor Donor
Dennis & Karen Carter-Edwards
Roman Catholic Diocese of Peterborough
Paul Hickey, Dev Maharaja & Team
Mary LaRocque
Aaron Robitaille Design
Global Point Logistics
Historical Narratives & Bonus Content
Enjoy and explore a variety of new content as we dive deeper into archives and other narratives. Here will will post our book and resource reviews and other unique content that has been unearthed by the committee, decendants, and locals. Stay tuned as we will be updating this section biweekly.
British Emigration History Book Review by Elwood H. Jones
Helen I. Cowan, British Emigration to British North...
The Naming of Peterborough by Elwood H. Jones
Peterborough, named in 1825 to honour Peter Robinson, has a more intricate origin than commonly understood. Public lore often misrepresents the naming process, which, while a tribute to Robinson, was also influenced by Hon. Zacheus Burnham’s New Hampshire background…
Valley of the Trent Review by Elwood H. Jones
Edwin C. Guillet, ed., The Valley of the Trent, Ontario...
The Chronological Journey of the Peter Robinson Emigration
“The Cork River”
Illustration of The Cork River by G.K Richardson and W.H. Bartlett in Ireland: Its Scenery, Character, &c. by Mr. & Mrs. S. C. Hall
Early 1820's
The Context in Ireland
In the early 1820s, Ireland was experiencing severe economic and social difficulties. The majority of the population lived in rural areas and relied heavily on subsistence farming, with the potato being the staple crop. The land was primarily controlled by absentee landlords, and many Irish families faced extreme poverty, inadequate housing, and food insecurity. The rapid population growth exacerbated these challenges, creating dire living conditions and little hope for improvement.
Chart showing the Interior Navigation of the Districts of Newcastle and Upper Canada in The Backwoods of Canada by Charles Knight
1822
The Proposal and Planning
In response to the growing distress, Peter Robinson, a prominent Canadian politician with family ties to Ireland, meets Robert J. Wilmot Horton in 1822. Wilmot Horton asks Peter to superintend the 1st government-sponsored emigration scheme to Canada. The plan aimed to relocate impoverished Irish families to Canada, providing them with land and resources to start anew. The proposal was rooted in the idea of organized, government-sponsored emigration as a solution to both the Irish economic crisis and the need for skilled settlers in Canada.
In 1823, the Emigration Committee of the London Parliament recommends that the House of Commons vote to allocate £15,000 (roughly £2,237,583 or $3,979,239 CAD today) to finance emigration to the colonies, recognizing it as a strategic opportunity to ease the pressures in Ireland while bolstering the population in its North American colonies. Of this, Peter Robinson is granted £9,678 (roughly £1,445,031 or $2,569,880 CAD today) to underwrite his Upper Canada emigration scheme. Detailed planning began, including the selection of emigrants, arrangements for their journey, and provisions for their settlement in Canada.
Emigration to Canada – Memorandum Poster (Cropped)
Copy of LDS Film # 394002 by Carol Robocker-Andersen
1823
Publicity and Selection
With the funds in place, Peter Robinson makes his way to County Cork, Ireland arriving in Fermoy, County Cork on 20 May, 1823. From there he follows the instructions of Wilmot Horton to consult with prominent figures, seeking recommendations for suitable emigrants that fit the requirements of the scheme.
In early June 1823, Robinson, under authorization of Wilmot Horton intitiates publicity to recruit 500-600 candidates for emigration to Upper Canada. Several hundred copies of broadsheet advertising are printed and distributed/displayed in Fermoy, Mitchelstown, Doneraile, Charlesville, Newmarket, Kanturk, Mallow and nearby villages.
Selection & Recommendation Letters
Click to expand the letter and read a unique piece of history. For more letters please visit our history page using the button below.
Illustration in Ireland: Its Scenery, Character, &c. by Mr. & Mrs. S. C. Hall
1825
The Departure from Ireland
In the spring of 1825, the emigration scheme was set into motion. Peter Robinson arrived in County Cork to oversee the selection process. The criteria for selection included families who were willing to emigrate and had the physical capacity to work on the land. The chosen emigrants came from some of the most impoverished areas, particularly the counties of Cork, Limerick, and Tipperary.
On the morning of May 6, 1825, the first of nine ships, the Regulus, departed from Cobh (then known as Queenstown) in County Cork. Over the following weeks, a total of nine ships set sail from Ireland, carrying 2,024 individuals, including 234 families, across the Atlantic Ocean. The journey was perilous, with the emigrants facing cramped conditions, rough seas, and the constant threat of illness.
“Log-Village – Arrival of a Stage-coach.”
Illustration in The Backwoods of Canada by Charles Knight
Late 1825
Arrival in Canada
The first ships began arriving in Quebec City in late June 1825. The emigrants were processed and given temporary shelter before continuing their journey inland, mostly by steam boat. From Quebec City, they traveled by river and overland first to Kingston, where they stayed for almost a month, and then by water again onto the town of Cobourg eventually making their way to the designated settlement areas in what is now Peterborough County, Ontario.
Upon arrival, the emigrants faced the daunting task of building new lives in an unfamiliar and often harsh environment. They were provided with land grants, tools, and provisions to sustain them for the first 18 months. The land in the Nogojiwanong-Peterborough region, though fertile, required significant clearing and preparation before it could be farmed.
“Log-house.”
Illustration in The Backwoods of Canada by Charles Knight
1826-1827
Establishing New Communities
Throughout 1826 and 1827, the settlers worked tirelessly to establish their new communities. They built log cabins, cleared land for farming, and began planting crops to sustain themselves. The British government, under Robinson’s direction, continued to provide support, including additional supplies and assistance with land preparation.
Despite the challenges, the settlers gradually built thriving communities. The Nogojiwanong-Peterborough region became a focal point for Irish settlement in Canada. The emigrants’ hard work and resilience laid the foundations for the region’s development and growth.
Why This Anniversary Matters
The bicentennial of the Peter Robinson Emigration is a pivotal moment for our community, marking the arrival of the Irish settlers who profoundly shaped the landscape and identity of Nogojiwanong-Peterborough and surrounding areas. This commemoration is not just a remembrance of a historical event, but a recognition of resilience, heritage, and the enduring impact of these early settlers on our modern society. The arrival of nearly 2,000 Irish immigrants in 1825 laid the foundation for a vibrant, diverse community that has grown and evolved over two centuries. Their journey and settlement in a new land amidst great challenges reflect the courage and determination that continue to inspire present and future generations.
This commemoration offers the opportunity to honour the legacy of the Peter Robinson settlers, recognizing their contributions to the cultural and social fabric of our community. It allows us to reconnect with our roots, reflect on our shared history, and appreciate the rich traditions that have been passed down through generations. This anniversary is a chance to acknowledge the diversity and resilience that define us, ensuring that the stories and achievements of the Peter Robinson emigrants continue to resonate and inspire for years to come.
Reenactment of the Peter Robinson boat landing at the Del Crary Park (Little Lake), Nogojiwanong-Peterborough in 1975 during the commemoration.
Recognize the Past, Inspire the Future
Nine Ships 1825 Inc. acknowledges that our area is located on the treaty and traditional territory of the Mississauga Anishnaabeg. We are grateful to the First Peoples for their commitment and teaching about our earth and our relations.
The history of the Robinson emigrants is intertwined with that of the Indigenous peoples of the region, particularly the Misswezahging – Mississauga First Nations. Indigenous support was crucial to the settlers’ adaptation and survival, though this history also involves displacement and colonization. The Bicentenary of the Robinson emigration invites reflection on these complex histories, honouring the resilience of early settlers and advancing reconciliation efforts within our community.
We hope the bicentennial can be an important occasion to reflect on the relationships between the early settlers and the Indigenous communities. The Peter Robinson Emigration has been considered notable for the mutual respect and cooperation that developed between the Irish settlers and the First Nations, as documented by contemporary writers and community narratives. By revisiting this period, we have the opportunity to advance understanding and reconciliation, recognizing the shared histories and contributions that have shaped our community.
2025 Events
Join us in commemorating 200 years of rich heritage and vibrant community spirit with our exciting lineup of bicentennial events. Explore our events calendar to find key dates and brief descriptions of activities designed to honour our shared history. This comprehensive calendar will feature a variety of commemorative events taking place throughout the region.
Click the button below to view the full calendar and plan your participation in this historic observance.
Register your Interest!
To ensure you’re part of the exciting events marking the Peter Robinson Bicentennial in August, we invite you to register your interest today. With a full slate of activities, including guided tours, panel discussions, and cultural receptions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. As details continue to be finalized, stay informed and be the first to receive updates by signing up via the link below. Don’t miss your chance to participate in these special commemorations!
Click the button below to be taken to the registration form.
Bicentennial Week Events
August 1-10: Nine Ships 1825 Irish Immigration Bicentennial
The August events for the Peter Robinson Bicentennial celebrations include a wide array of activities, from heritage fairs and Irish music to guided historic tours of settler sites, panel discussions, and receptions. Highlights include an Irish Flag Raising at Peterborough City Hall, a Grand Irish Gathering with live music at the Canadian Canoe Museum, and multiple bus tours exploring the regions where the settlers established their communities. A Farewell Ceilidh will close the week’s events at Lang Pioneer Village as well as a Mass in the beautiful St. Peters-Chains Cathedral, the first Catholic Church of the settlers.
Please note that some dates, times, and ticket information are subject to change, with updates to be provided as details are confirmed.
Click the button below to download the PDF spreadsheet of events. This will be updated as we begin to confirm times and dates so stay tuned. Once fully confirmed we will be adding them to our interactive calendar. Stay tuned!
PDF updated as of January 16, 2025.
Peter Robinson 1825 Irish Emigration – Commemoration Schedule of Events
August 1-10 • 2025
Click the + to expand on the event for more information. For more details and events happening all year please see our full calendar.
Friday
August 1
10:00 AM • TVA Historical Walking Tour
Location: Start and end at City Hall 500 George St. N.Peterborough
Time: 10AM to 12PM
Details: Walking tour of historically significant sites in downtown Peterborough, presented by Trent Valley Archivist Elwood Jones.
2:00 PM • Flag Raising and Opening Ceremonies
Location: City Hall 500 George St. N. • Peterborough
Time: 2PM to 2:30PM
Details: The Irish flag will be proudly raised to mark to beginning of a commemorative week from August 1st to 10th, dedicated to the legacy of the Peter Robinson settlers.
3:00 PM • Opening of Bicentenary Heritage Fair
Location: Knights of Columbus Hall • 317 Hunter St. W. • Peterborough
Time: 3PM to 5PM
Details: Official opening of the Peter Robinson Bicentenial Heritage Fair and Hospitality Room. Local commnity and history displays, books, & souvenirs.
Saturday
August 2
10:00 AM • Bus Tour: Peterborough & Keene
Location: Pickup and drop off location in Peterborough TBA.
Time: 10AM to 4PM
Details: Visit Peterborough Museum and Archives, Hope Mill, Lang Pioneer Village Museum, Keene.
Registration Required.
6:00 PM • Grand Irish Gathering 2025
Location: Canadian Canoe Museum • 2077 Ashburnham Dr • Peterborough
Time: 6PM to 10PM
Details: Peterborough Canadian Irish Club presents the Grand Irish Gathering 2025.
- 6:00 - 11:00PM Tour the Canadian Canoe Museum
- 7:00PM Reception with harpist, appetizers, and cash bar.
- 8:00 - 9:00PM Welcome, Introductions, Speeches Janice McCue – Wshkiigmong Women’s Hand Drum Group
- 9:00 - 11:00PM Hunt the Hare (modern Celtic band)
Tickets available for purchase. See www.nineship1825.com or email
8:00 PM • Peterborough Musicfest
Location: Del Crary Park • 100 George St. N. Peterborough
Time: 8PM
Details: Free outdoor concert held beside Little Lake by the City of Peterborough. For more details please see: https://www.ptbomusicfest.ca/
Sunday
August 3
9:00 AM • Bus Tour Young's Point & Downeyville
Location: Start and end at City Hall • 500 George St. N. • Peterborough
Time: 9AM to 5PM
Details: Attend "Young's Point: 200 Years on the Water" and "Downeyville Homecoming Day & Jamboree"
Registration Required.
All Day • Young's Point: 200 Years on the Water
Location: Young's Point
Time: 9AM
Details: Visit the community of Young’s Point where Stoney and Clear Lakes flow into Katchewanooka. Welcoming descendants of Francis Young, past and present residents of Young’s Point and area, neighboring First Nations, cottagers and tourists to celebrate our heritage and community.
- Commemorative Mass and self-guided cemetery tour at Our Lady of Good Counsel on the shores of Lake Katchewanooka.
- Ceremonial water voyage from the landing spot of Francis Young to Lock 27, symbolizing the importance of water to the family and the future community.
- Opening ceremonies at Lock 27 – Highlight various aspects of our history.
- Celebrate Irish Heritage with musicians & dancers.
- Recognize the support and friendship of First Nation Community from the earliest arrival of Francis Young.
- Historical documents, photographs, books & stories of the history.
- Self-guided walking tour of historical sites and local businesses to learn, shop, eat, drink and reunite with friends and family.
All Day • Downeyville Homecoming and Jamboree
Location: Downeyville
Time: 9AM
Details: Downeyville Homecoming Day and Jamboree. Visit the settlement area where the largest group of Peter Robinson Settlers made their home. Events All Day.
- 9am – Pioneer Cemetery Mass
- 1pm – Jamboree: Music, Stepdance, Songs, Fun, History: Family Trees, Books, Calendars and more.
- Baseball games.
6:00 PM • Irish Ceilidh
Location: Peterborough County Agricultural Heritage Building – Lang Pioneer Village Museum14 Lang Road • Keene
Time: 6PM to 10PM
Details: To come.
Monday
August 4
Peter Robinson Day
1:00 PM • Historical Talk
Location: Peter Robinson Room – Princess Gardens Retirement Residence • 100 Charlotte St • Peterborough
Time: 1PM
Details: Historical talk accompanied by music and songs about the Peter Robinson Emigration by local musician Glen Caradus.
2:00 PM • TVA Historical Walking Tour
Location: Start and end at City Hall • 500 George St. N. • Peterborough
Time: 2PM to 4PM
Details: Walking tour of historically significant sites in downtown Peterborough, presented by Trent Valley Archivist Elwood Jones.
3:00 PM • Guided Bus Tour: Peterborough
Location: Pickup and drop off location in Peterborough TBA.
Time: 3PM
Details: Visit Trent University, Trent Valley Archives, Kawartha Ancestry Research Association, Hutchison House, etc.
Registration Required.
Tuesday
August 5
8:30 AM • Guided Bus Tour: Ennismore & Young's Point
Location: Pickup and drop off location in Peterborough TBA.
Time: 8:30AM to 4PM
Details: Bus tour to Ennismore (morning) & Young's Point (afternoon) with a local guide for an hour or so at each location.
- Lunch @ Lock 27 Restaurant (Young's Point).
Registration Required.
7:00 PM • Panel Discussion on the Irish Diaspora
Location: Bagnani Hall • Trent University • 311 Dublin St.Peterborough
Time: 7PM to 9PM
Details: Presented by Nine Ships 1825 Inc. and Trail College. Panel discussion by three subject matter experts on the Irish diaspora.
- Dr. Michael Eamon – Catherine Parr Trail College (Moderator)
- Jack Hoggarth – Trent University
- Dr. Laura Peers – Trent University
- Dr. Mark McGowan – University of Toronto
Wednesday
August 6
8:30 AM • Guided Bus Tour: Downeyvile
Location: Pickup and drop off location in Peterborough TBA.
Time: 8:30AM to 1PM
Details: Visit the community of Downeyville with local guide. Visit local landmarks and Peter Robinson Settlers display at Downeyville Hall.
Registration Required.
3:30 PM • PCIC Historic Guided Boat Tour: Otonabee River
Location: Departure and drop-off at Liftlock Boat Cruise • 92 George St. N. Peterborough (next to Holiday Inn)
Time: 3:30PM to 5:30PM
Details: Boat tour with commentary by historian Don Willcock. Imagine the journey settlers took as they paddled scows (shallow flat bottomed boats) up the Otonabee River to Scotts Mills (Peterborough).
- Live Irish music.
- Cash bar and snacks.
Registration underway c/o www.nineship1825.com. For tickets and info contact https://ptbocanirishclub.com or email.
Registration Required.
8:00 PM • Peterborough Musicfest
Location: Del Crary Park • 100 George St. N. • Peterborough
Time: 8PM
Details: Free outdoor concert held beside Little Lake by the City of Peterborough. Irish musical entertainment details TBA.
Thursday
August 7
9:00 AM • Guided Bus Tour: Keene, Westwood, Norwood & Douro
Location: Pickup and drop off location in Peterborough TBA.
Time: 9AM to 4PM
Details: Visit Otonabee South-Monaghan (Keene), Westwood, Asphodel-Norwood, and Douro. Explore homeland of settlers.
Visit churches, pioneer cemeteries, and local landmarks with local guides from each community.
Lunch details TBA
Registration Required.
Friday
August 8
9:00 AM • Guided Bus Tour: Kingston
Location: Pickup and drop off location in Peterborough TBA.
Time: 9AM to 7PM
Details: Day trip from Peterborough to Kingston. Visit local attractions and Fort Henry and Point Frederick where Peter Robinson settlers stayed in an encampment for one month.
Lunch and dinner stops en route.
Registration Required.
Sponsored by Marlin Travel.
9:00 AM • Guided Bus Tour: Peterborough
Location: Pickup and drop off location in Peterborough TBA.
Time: 9AM
Details: Visit Peterborough Lift Locks, Trent University, Trent Valley Archives, Kawartha Ancestry Research Association, Hutchison House, etc.
Registration Required.
Sponsored by Marlin Travel.
9:00 AM • TVA Historical Walking Tour
Location: Start and end at City Hall 500 George St. N. • Peterborough
Time: 9AM
Details: Walking tour of historically significant sites in downtown Peterborough, presented by Trent Valley Archivist Elwood Jones.
Saturday
August 9
TBA • Farewell Ceilidh & Thank You Reception
Location: Lang Pioneer Village • 104 Lang Road, Keene, Ontario
Details: To come.
8:00 PM • Peterborough Musicfest
Location: Del Crary Park • 100 George St. N. • Peterborough
Time: 8PM
Details: Free outdoor concert beside Little Lake by the City of Peterborough. Irish musical entertainment details TBA.
Sunday
August 10
10:30 AM • Mass of Celebration & Farewell
Location: Cathedral of St. Peter-in-Chains • 411 Reid St • Peterborough
Time: 10:30AM
Details: Mass of Celebration and Farewell celebrated by Bishop Daniel Miehm at the location of the first church built by Peter Robinson settlers and where many descendants were baptized, married, and buried.
Sponsored by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Peterborough
Multi-Day & All Week Events
Otonabee South-Monaghan Historical Society
Open to Visitors
Location: 3252 County Road 2 • Keene
Operating Hours: To be confirmed for 2025.
Details: Visit Otonabee-South Monaghan Historical Society. Peter Robinson Settlers records.
Hutchison House Museum
Open to Visitors
Location: 270 Brock St • Peterborough
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10AM to 4PM (TBC)
Details: An exhibit created by the Museum Management and Curatorship Students at Fleming College. More special events to be announced.
Kawartha Ancestral Research Association (KARA)
Open to Visitors
Location: 730 The Kingsway #3 • Peterborough
Operating Hours: 10AM to 4PM
Details: Family connections, cemetery transcripts, headstone photos, newspaper clippings, family histories, parish registers, photo display, slide shows, land records, property maps, census records, historical books for sale.
Trent Valley Archives
Open to Visitors
Location: 567 Carnegie Ave • Peterborough
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10AM to 4PM
Details: Research and geneology. More special events to be announced.
Nine Ships 1825 • Bicentennial Heritage Fair
Location: Knights of Columbus Hall • 317 Hunter St. W. • Peterborough
Operating Hours:
Saturday August 2 through Friday August 8: 10AM to 4PM
Details: Knights of Columbus Hall, Diocese of Peterborough and Cathedral of St. Peter-in-Chains.
Peterborough Museum & Archives (PMA)
Open to Visitors
Location: 300 Hunter St E • Peterborough
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday 9AM to 5PM
- Saturday and Sunday 12PM to 5PM
Details: Genealogical research facility.
Lang Pioneer Village Museum
Open to Visitors
Location: 104 Lang Rd • Keene
Operating Hours: Wednesday to Sunday 10AM to 4PM (Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
Details: 19th century living monument to the faith, endurance, and ingenuity of settlers and First Nations people. Includes thirty historic buildings built between 1825 and 1910. Check out their website for more details and their special events: www.langpioneervillage.ca
Kawartha Settlers Village (Bobcaygeon)
Open to Visitors
Location: 85 Dunn St • Bobcaygeon
Operating Hours: Open normal operating hours 10AM to 4PM and by appointment
Details: Tells story of early settler life in the Kawartha Lakes. Collection of 20+ historic homes and buildings. Discovery Trail and Environmental Park. Collection of artifacts.
Westwood Historical Society Museum.
Location: Westwood. 1818 3rd Concession of Asphodel-Norwood
Operating Hours: TBC.
Details: Presented by Asphodel-Norwood Cultural and Heritage. The Heritage Centre will be open to visitors. Visit Westwood Historical Society Museum.
Latest News and Release Posts
Media Release Video July 30, 2024
Click on the video player to watch Global News coverage on Nine Ships 1825 Inc’s website and official launch July 30, 2024.
Thank you to Global News for their coverage.
Downeyville Times • Newsletter Vol 1: Issue 2
Downeyville Times • Newsletter Vol 1: Issue 2 ©2025...
Downeyville Events Poster
For more details you can reach out to the Peter Robinson...
Asphodel-Norwood • Westwood Events Poster
For more details you can reach out to the Peter Robinson...
©2024 Nine Ships 1825 Inc.
Support the Bicentennial
Support our Bicentennial commemoration events by volunteering, sponsoring, or donating. Volunteers are essential in making our events run smoothly, offering their time and skills to help with various tasks. Sponsorships provide businesses and individuals with the chance to showcase their commitment to our community while gaining valuable exposure. Donations, whether large or small, directly contribute to the success of our festivities, ensuring we can deliver a memorable experience for everyone. Your involvement, in any form, plays a crucial role in honouring our heritage and fostering a sense of unity.
We are grateful for the support and encouragement that we have received from local governments, local heritage groups, businesses, and individuals.