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Meetings
Monthly meetings are held in Cobourg's Victoria Hall.
Cobourg and District Historical Society Meetings are held every month except May, June, July, August and December. Meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday in the Month. Meetings start at 7:30 pm but coffee and cookies are available starting at 7:00 pm. Meetings are $5 for non-members and free for members of the society and students.
More on our About page.
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.
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.
Monthly meetings are held in Cobourg’s Victoria Hall.
HMCS Cobourg
Our distinguished speaker, Roger Litwiller, is a Canadian author, historian and lecturer. He has written two books, White Ensign Flying and Warships of the Bay of Quinte as well as numerous articles for magazines and newspapers. HMCS Cobourg was a modified Flower-class corvette that served with the Royal Canadian Navy during the Second World War. She fought primarily in the Battle of the Atlantic as a convoy escort and was named for Cobourg, Ontario.
Roger served in the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve, working with cadets and his civilian career was as a Paramedic for 37 years. Following his retirement from Paramedicine, the Canadian Coast Guard employed Roger under contract as their historian. Roger’s research has contributed to documentaries and several Canadian and International museums, providing information for exhibits and repatriating recovered historical artifacts. When Roger is on a lecture tour, he is often introduced as, “the storyteller, who can save your life.”
Officers and Skeena Cadets have been invited to attend. We look forward to welcoming them!
Join us on Tuesday, April 18 for an informative presentation. Doors open at 7:00 pm. Note that this is the third Tuesday rather than the usual fourth Tuesday of the month. All are welcome. Bring a friend or two! Members free - Guests $5.00.
More than a Footnote: Canadian Women You Should Know About
Our presenter on March 28, Karin Wells, is best known as a CBC radio documentary maker and author. Her work has been heard on radio networks around the world and has been recognized by the United Nations and is a three-time recipient of the Canadian Association of Journalist documentary award. Wells worked - briefly - as a line worker in a pea factory, a school teacher and as an actress. She has a graduate degree in law and in 2011 was inducted into the University of Ottawa's Common Law Honour Society.
Wells will highlight women from the Cobourg area including Canada's first astrophysicist and a doctor who discovered a treatment for Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Celebrating Women's History Month, speaker Wells' new book is aptly titled for this month's celebration.
Karin will include new details of Mina Benson Hubbard whose story she presented last year as the first chapter and will share new source material with us. This is our opportunity to celebrate women who have made a difference.
Join us on Tuesday, March 28 for an informative presentation. Doors open at 7:00 pm. All are welcome. Bring a friend or two! Members free - Guests $5.00. Karin's latest book will be available for purchase if you would like an autographed copy.
Sir Winston Churchill — His Life and Accomplishments
A study of Churchill’s ninety years of life show him to be a true Renaissance Man. He had a huge breadth of existence not only as a WWII leader but as an author, painter, bricklayer, pilot, horseman and all with a notable wit! Learn the myths and truisms from the Chairman of the International Churchill Society-Canada, Randy Barber.
Randy resided in Markham with his wife Solveig for over 40 years. Between 1994 and 2000 he served as Ward Councillor for the Town of Markham and is a newly elected Cobourg Councillor. He has held federal government appointments as an Administration Law Judge for the National Parole Board, CPP Disability and EI appeals. He now consults to the legal cannabis industry relative to compliance and regulation. Randy is a collector of rare books, antiques, military artifacts, Winston Churchill memorabilia, and hand carved decorative decoys. He speaks on Trench Art, Sir Winston Churchill and the History of Barbering at every opportunity.
Join us on Wednesday, February 22, in Victoria Hall. 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. Note the change from the usual meeting date. See you on February 22!
The History of the Ontario Car Ferry
Our speaker, Peter Delanty, is a former Cobourg Mayor, Principal, and recipient of the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award. His past and continuing commitment to many organizations and causes, include his position as Treasurer in 1980 at the then newly minted Cobourg and District Historical Society.
The ferries and their passenger significantly influenced Cobourg’s residents and the local economy for almost 50 years. The company and the actual ferries were unique in Great Lake sailing. Peter’s presentation will include vintage photographs of the ferries, details of the Captains of these unique ships and the ultimate fate of the ferries. He will explain both why the ferries existed and, perhaps more importantly, why Cobourg was one terminus for their runs.
Join us on Tuesday, January 24, in Victoria Hall. 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 January 24, 2023!
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