A new book chronicling the events, discussions and evolving perspectives that emerged from the 2025 Peter Robinson Bicentennial Commemoration will be officially launched in Peterborough on Monday.
Bicentennial Reflections, produced by Nine Ships 1825, explores not only the many activities held during the bicentennial year, but also the broader conversations about heritage, identity and community history that developed as a result of the commemoration.
The public is invited to attend the launch event at 10 a.m. on July 6 at the Trent Valley Archives.
Editor Elwood Jones said one of the book’s defining features is the inclusion of reflections from community partners involved in the bicentennial project.
“A central part of the book are the voices of the Bicentennial Community Partners, reflecting how their knowledge about the history of their community increased during the bicentennial year,” Jones said in a statement. “These reflections—personal, thoughtful, and rooted in lived experience—form an essential part of the book.”
The publication examines the Peter Robinson emigration experiment of 1825, a British government initiative that brought 2,024 Irish settlers, organized into 307 families, from Ireland to Upper Canada. The program was designed to demonstrate that a fully funded, 18-month migration effort could successfully establish new communities in what would become the Peterborough region.
In addition to historical analysis, the book includes 80 photographs documenting commemorative events held in both Canada and Ireland, along with remarks delivered by dignitaries who participated in the celebrations.
Brendan Moher said the project represents a collective effort by volunteers, historians and supporters.
“This attractive Bicentennial Reflections book has truly been a team effort and will be a part of the legacy that Nine Ships 1825 is able to leave to the community and to future generations,” Moher said.
Nine Ships 1825 acknowledged the contributions of sponsors, including Paschal and Sylvia McCloskey, Gary and Joanne Reamey, and the Government of Canada, whose financial support helped make the publication possible.
Organizers say the book aims to preserve both the historical significance of the Peter Robinson migration and the renewed understanding of local heritage fostered during the bicentennial year.
