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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Peter Robinson Bicentennial Celebration Kick-Off & Historical Book Talk
In the spring of 1825, 32 determined Irish families set sail from their homeland, embarking on a long and challenging journey toward a new life in Asphodel-Norwood. As we mark the 200th anniversary of this historic migration, we invite the community to join us in honouring the legacy of the Peter Robinson settlers during the Bicentennial commemoration.
As part of this milestone celebration, the Mayor has officially proclaimed 2025 as the Peter Robinson Bicentennial Year. For details, please visit our Proclamations Page.
On March 18, 2025, the Peter Robinson Bicentennial Celebration Kick-Off begins with a flag-raising ceremony at 9:00 a.m. at the Norwood Town Hall, marking the start of a year-long commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the Peter Robinson settlers’ arrival.
The day’s events continue with an engaging Historical Talk on the evening on March 18th at 7:00 p.m. at the Norwood Town Hall featuring Jacqueline Doyle, a talented local fiddle player, and Mary English-Cooper, author of Leaving: The Peter Robinson Experiment.
In Leaving: The Peter Robinson Experiment, English-Cooper delves into the dramatic and often perilous journey of the 2,024 Irish emigrants who were part of Robinson’s 1825 resettlement project. Faced with extreme weather, sickness, and uncertainty, these families - displaced by economic hardship and rebellion - braved the Atlantic Ocean, the St. Lawrence River, and the Otonabee River in search of a new life in Canada. Among them were Patrick and Margaret Heffernan, the ancestors of English-Cooper, whose resilience is at the heart of this compelling story.
Following the talk, Ms. English-Cooper will be available for a book signing.
Praise for Leaving: The Peter Robinson Experiment
“I love this book!” – Canela Michelle Meyers
“I was so excited to find this book, as my husband's ancestors were Peter Robinson settlers. This book did not disappoint!” – T. Rafferty
Ms. English-Cooper, a descendant of Patrick and Margaret Heffernan, grew up in the farming community of Asphodel-Norwood. After graduating from Trent University, she moved to western Canada, where she attended UBC and built a career in education. Her writing spans non-fiction, literary non-fiction, and mystery.
For further bicentennial event celebrations, please see the attachment below.
- Bicentennial Event Celebrations · 2025 (Poster PDF 1.78 MB)