A presentation about the Nine Ships 1825 – Peter Robinson Irish Emigration Bicentennial will occur at the Lakefield Historical Society meeting on Thursday, April 11th, at 7 p.m. at the Millbrook Legion, 9 King Street East, Millbrook, Ontario. The public is welcome to attend.
The Peter Robinson Emigration of 1825 was a landmark initiative that brought over 2,000 Irish men, women, and children to Canada to "the place at the end of the rapids," which the local First Nations at that time called Nogojiwanong. This laid the foundation for what would later be called Peterborough. This unique government experiment tested the viability of British emigration policy by covering all expenses for settlers for 18 months. Each family's journey and experiences were meticulously documented, providing a rich archival resource.
To mark the Bicentennial, the not-for-profit organization called Nine Ships 1825 Inc. has been formed to honour this chapter in Canadian history. Named after the nine ships that carried the Irish emigrants across the Atlantic in 1825, these ships were named the Fortitude, John Barry, Resolution, Regulus, Albion, Star, Elizabeth, Amity, and Brunswick. They embarked from Cobh, County Cork, and set sail towards what was then Lower and Upper Canada.
"The name "Nine Ships 1825" is a tribute to these emigrants' courage and resilience. It reflects their arduous journey and the significant impact their settlement had on the development of our local communities. We honour the legacy of those who braved the unknown to build a new life in Canada, and we commemorate the foundational role these settlers played in shaping the identity and history of what is now called Peterborough and the surrounding areas." states Board Chair Brendan Moher.
Cultural resource manager and historian Dennis Carter-Edwards will speak to the significance of this emigration, outline the journey and highlight the resources available to learn more. Past President of the Peterborough Canadian Irish Club, Maureen Crowley, and former Mayor of the Township of Selwyn, Mary Smith, will speak about previous commemorations of this emigration, describe how Nine Ships 1825 was formed, and what events all the community partners and heritage/historical groups are planning to have during 2025, including special Bicentennial events during August 1st to 10th, 2025.
"The new website www.nineships1825.com is designed to share information about the Bicentennial project, and everyone is encouraged to visit the site to learn about the history of this emigration, its significance to the Peterborough area, and about the many events planned for 2025," states Chair Brendan Moher.
The history of the Robinson Irish emigrants is intertwined with that of the region's Indigenous peoples, particularly the Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg (Mississauga) First Nations on whose territory the Robinson emigrants came to call home. The Bicentenary of the Robinson emigration invites reflection on these complex histories, honouring the resilience of the early settlers while advancing truth and reconciliation efforts within our community.
For more information, please contact Nine Ships 1825 Inc. Director on the Board and Secretary, Maureen Crowley, by email at nineships1825@gmail.com or by phone at 705 939-6135.
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