Your Stories

Explore our local history and discover the stories, traditions, and events that have shaped our communities!

Step into another time and discover the moments and memories of places and the people who used to, or still do, call this place home.

Mapping our stories enables us to preserve stories from our past, to share memories passed down through our families, and to tell others about the traditions and activities that are unique to Kawartha Lakes.

Stories are an expression of our intangible culture - the beliefs, traditions and customs that shape our behaviours, and influence the way that we see the world.

View Kawartha Lakes Stories Map

A brown antique map with black text of Victoria County;

Why record stories on a map?

Help us celebrate our local heritage by sharing your personal stories and experiences. These memories- often absent from textbooks- offer unique insights into our community’s culture and diversity. Whether you grew up or are new here, spent summers in the area, helped on family farms, or have deep generational ties, your perspective and story matters.

Kawartha Lakes invites all residents to contribute to our shared history. Submit your story and be part of preserving the intangible heritage of our community.

Share Your Story

Explore some significant stories of Kawartha Lakes

A Community Shaped

Read on to learn more about the 25th anniversary of the City of Kawartha Lakes

A Reunion of Worsleys

Read on to learn more about the 90th reunion anniversary of the Worsley family!

A Global Friendship

Read on to learn more about the Twinning of Kawartha Lakes and Nayoro, Japan!

Memorial stone made of brick with a date stone in the center that reads 'G.M. Church 1878;'

Remembering the Graham Methodist Church

Read on to learn more about this now gone, but not forgotten, church.

A young woman and her father standing infront of their barn with a blue sky;

200 Years at Sullivan's Landing

Read on to learn more about the Sullivan Family and their journey from Ireland to Downeyville.

A black and white photograph of an older women smiling;

Annie's Story

Read on to learn more about this remarkable woman.

A black and white portrait of a young women looking off to the right, slight smile, wearing glasses, hair in a curled bun;

Discover the article that inspired the 2024 Exhibit, Call Me Maud.

Read on to learn more about Canadian Literary Icon, Lucy Maud Montgomery!

The Community of Fleetwood

Read on to learn more about this once thriving village.

A grey headstone with a background of fallen autumn leaves is engraved for William John Merry;

Rossland Weekly Miner, "Died Like A Hero."

Read on to learn more about how William 'John' Merry who ran into a mine to save his friend!

A black and white photograph of the Mackenzie family, Lady Mackenzie is seated in the centre surrounded by her 6 children, her husband, she is holding a baby;

Business Women, Advocate and Mother, Lady Margaret Mackenzie

Read on to learn about this early entrepreneur.

Three generations of the Torrey family, grandparents on the right, son and wife in the centre, and their children in front, stand proundly on the farm that has been in their family for 5 generations;

The Torrey Family, 160 Years of Farming

Read on to learn about the 5 generations of Torrey's who have proudly lived, loved and farmed Concession 5, Lot 15 in Eldon Township, now Kawartha Lakes.

A black and white photograph of a large church organ with the minister in the centre;

100 Anniversary of the Fenelon Falls United Church Organ, 1924-2024

Read on to learn about this prized community item that has 903 pipes!

In front of a field of yellow flowers is a green road sign with white text that reads, 'Port Hoover;'

The Community of Port Hoover

Read on to learn about the community that sold 100, 000 bushels of wheat a year!

A black and white photograph of dark trees covering the majority of a building, however there are two windows that are shown;

The Port Hoover Methodist Church

Read on to learn about the church that was built in Port Hoover and put into the water and floated across to Scugog Island!

A black and white photograph of a brick house with a gable in the centre and two women, one man and a baby stand to the right of the frame;

The Hilton Family of Hilton's Point Road

Read on to learn about this remarkable family and their deep local roots.

A black and white portraits of an army soldier wearing a coloured jacket and tie;

Sergeant Major Glen Crowe (1917-1966)

Read on to learn about the man who the Bobcaygeon Legion, Branch 239 commemorated and remembered as a true son of the village.

The Jenkins Family of Little Britain and Oakwood

Read on to learn about this family and their English Roots in Little Britain.

A sepia toned photograph of two men, with a women in the centre, they are standing infront of a wooden yard fence;

The McQuarries of Concession 3, Eldon Township

Read on to learn more about the McQuarries and their descendants.

Do you have a moment or memory about Kawartha Lakes that is not in a history book?

Storytelling plays a vital role in preserving voices and experiences that are often left out of history books. These untold stories—passed down through families, communities, or cultures—offer personal insights, emotional depth, and diverse perspectives that official records may overlook. By sharing them, we honor forgotten lives, challenge dominant narratives, and build a more complete and inclusive understanding of the past.

Let us help you celebrate and share your stories through Moments and Memories!

A sepia toned portrait of a mother on the left, father on the right and they are surrounded by their 5 children;

Kawartha Lakes invites all residents to contribute to our shared history. Submit your story and be part of preserving the intangible heritage of our community.

Subscribe to the Arts, Culture and Heritage Quarterly Newsletter