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Copyright © Port Hope and District Historical Society

About Us

In the year of 1964, the Historical Society was formed by volunteer prophets, who saw the need to preserve our history before it was lost.  It was a difficult struggle, sometimes barely understood by onlookers. 

It was called the East Durham Historical Society.  East Durham was an ancient area which consisted of the town of Port Hope (now Ward 1), the township of Hope Township (now Ward 2), part of Cavan Township (now part of Peterborough County) and part of Clarke Township (now part of Clarington).

In spite of a modest beginning, much has been accomplished over the years:  collecting artifacts, recording artifacts, pure history and folk memories, arranging for the erection of historic plaques, publishing books and operating a museum.

Along the way, there were devoted volunteers to serve and strong leadership to manage and point the way, and we are truly grateful for their legacy.

Presently we are a group of likeminded people who consider it an honour to reminisce about the past, preserve what we can, learn lessons and embark upon the future, being ever mindful of what struggles our forebears endured to bring us to the present.

Today, we cover the Municipality of Port Hope which includes the town and the township of Hope.

For more information:

Port Hope and District Historical Society Presidents

*Mr Michael Wladyka
1964-1965
*Mrs Gwen Wilkinson
1966-1967
*Mrs Edna Barrowclough
1968-1970
*Dr O B Dickinson
1971-1972
*Miss Anna Retallick
1973-1974
*Mrs Kay VanCamp
1975-1976
*Mr Max Wilson
1977-1978
*Mr Clare Kappler
1979-1980
*Mrs Kay VanCamp
1981
*Mr Frank Melvanin
1982-1983
*Mr Norman Strong
1984-1985
Mr Ron Good
1986-1987
*Mr Jackson Peacock
1988-1990
*Mrs Marjorie Kenton
1990-1992
*Mr Milford White
1992-1994
Dr Richard Gardiner
1994-1996
*Mr Sanford Haskill
1996-1997
Mr Brian Hart
1997-1999
Mr John van de Wall
1999-2001
Mr Roger Wilson
2002
Mr Tim Strong
2002
Mr Mark Peacock
2003 - 2005
Mrs. Joan Smith
2005 - 2008
Mr. Ron Getz
2008 - 2009
Mrs. Joan Parrott
2010 - 2017
Mr. Tim Austin
2017 - 2023
* deceased