Visiting: Our Facilities
Museum
The Peterborough Historical Society dedicated Peterborough’s first museum, the Victoria Museum, at Inverlea House on June 22, 1897.
For Canada's 100th birthday, the Peterborough Centennial Committee chose a to build a new Museum in Ashburnham Memorial Park as the City's official Centennial project.
On October 28, 1967, the Peterborough Centennial Museum opened incorporating much of the original Victoria Museum’s collections. In the mid 1970s, the Archives were added.
The original Museum building is a project of Eberhard Zeidler, a major influence in the Canadian architectural community.
Zeidler Partnership is recognized for design excellence with over 100 national and international awards. Eberhard Zeidler is an Officer of the Order of Canada, the Order of Ontario and recipient of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada Gold Medal.
In 2008, the Museum's name was officially changed to the Peterborough Museum & Archives. Three Modular Buildings are brought on site to facilitate growing programing needs, including the Museum Management & Curatorship Program of Fleming College.
Currently, three Museum galleries offer exhibitions on the history and development of the Peterborough area. One gallery houses special and touring exhibitions.
The Museum offers barrier-free access, a gift shop, picnic facilities, parking and a scenic location.
Archives
Added to the Museum in 1970, the Archives collects, preserves, and makes accessible archival material relating to Peterborough and area such as the private papers of individuals and families; records of companies, clubs and other organizations; and the public records of the City of Peterborough.
The archives offers research opportunities for the public. Due to space restrictions, public visits to the Archives require an appointment.
The Mary Rogers Room houses the Archives Public Reference Library.
Heritage Pavilion
The Heritage Pavilion is a reconstruction of the 1840 Methodist Meeting House in Peterborough. The 150-year old hand-hewn white pine roof trusses, posts and beams, were reassembled in Ashburnham Memorial Park next to the Peterborough Museum & Archives.
It now serves as an outdoor facility for Museum events such as children's camps, outdoor theatre and special events. It is also available for weddings, picnics and community events.
The Fine Annex
Added in 2005, the Fine Space is a modular classroom that houses the Museum's public education and programing needs. It seats 50, has both a kitchen and washroom and is entirely barrier-free.
Rent our Facilities
The Heritage Pavilion and the Fine Annex are both available for rental. Learn more
Facility Renewal
Learn more about theFacility Renewal Plans
Updated April 1/09
