Media Release – November 16, 2025

Nine Ships 1825 Hosts “Volunteer Appreciation Event”

Nine Ships 1825 hosted a “Volunteer Appreciation Event” on Friday, November 7^th at the Peterborough County Agricultural Heritage Building at Lang Pioneer Village. Everyone who volunteered at their Bicentennial Commemoration Week events this past August 1-10 was invited. It was a wonderful evening featuring lively music, a hearty meal, heartfelt speeches, and warm conversations among friends (new and old!)

“Our hearts are full knowing that so many of our volunteers could come and celebrate our successful Bicentennial Commemoration Week with us. We could not have had the successful Bicentennial Commemoration Week we did without the tireless dedication of our volunteers at the heart of Nine Ships 1825.” states Chair Brendan Moher.

From welcoming visitors from across North America to the Opening Ceremonies, to showing descendants the communities their ancestors came from on the Community Roots tours, to helping people make connections with heritage organizations at the Heritage Fair, volunteers did it all with smiles on their faces and a deep respect for the 2,024 Irish emigrants who came to Canada in pursuit of a better life in 1825. Many of them are, themselves, descendants of one (or more!) of the families who sailed on those nine ships 200 years ago.

Nine Ships 1825 would also like to recognize everyone who volunteered with other organizations in our community throughout the Bicentennial year to ensure that this year was one to remember. Whether from Douro, Ennismore, Downeyville, Young’s Point, Asphodel-Norwood, Keene, or one of the many historical organizations in Peterborough County, we know the Peter Robinson emigrants (and Peter Robinson himself) would be proud of the contributions these volunteers made to preserving the legacy of this important emigration.

Go raibh maith agat (Thank you in Irish)!

For more information on the Peter Robinson Irish Emigration Bicentennial visit www.nineships1825.com.                

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Contact: Bicentennial Administrator