While Peterborough is filled with historic and diverse locations, it’s not every day you have the chance to go inside some of the buildings and spaces that contribute to the city’s rich heritage and culture.
But that’s exactly what you will have the chance to do on Saturday, September 13 when the City of Peterborough’s Heritage Preservation Office invites you to “Discover a Story Behind Every Door” through Doors Open Peterborough.
Originating in France in 1984 and held in Peterborough annually since 2002, Doors Open is a free, city-wide celebration that invites visitors and residents to visit buildings and sites — from Victorian mansions to modern architectural gems — that are not typically open to the public.
Doors Open Peterborough is held in partnership with the Ontario Heritage Trust and funded by the Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee (PACAC).
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., visitors can drop in to any or all of the 12 participating buildings and sites to join a guided tour or to explore on their own. From hearth-cooking demonstrations at Hutchison House to 10-minute play performances at the Peterborough Theatre Guild, Doors Open Peterborough features a range of educational and family-friendly fun.
As part of this year’s program, visitors will have access to the William Dixon House (661 Park St. N.) for the first time since 2010. Built in 1837 by one of Smith Township’s founding families, the house is one of the oldest remaining early Georgian stone dwellings in Peterborough and is currently a psychologist’s office.
Another new location is the New Canadians Centre (221 Romaine St.), a non-profit organization supporting immigrants, refugees, and other newcomers to the Peterborough area that recently purchased its long-time home, the historic St. James United Church building that was built between 1908 and 1917. The church congregation continues to be a tenant in the building, along with St. James Players and the Kawartha Youth Orchestra.
Another not-to-be-missed new location on the program this year is Lock 19 – Scotts Mills (804 Morphet Ave.). Constructed from 1837 to 1843, this lock is the only one on the Trent-Severn Waterway to retain its original masonry.
Throughout the day, you can also join local historian Gord Young for a lively walking tour of Auburn, a once-thriving hamlet on the Otonabee River that was settled in 1823. Meet at the Auburn Bible Chapel to begin the tour, which will take you to explore homes of various architectural styles and learn about the Auburn Woollen Mill and the railway that shaped the neighbourhood. Walking tours will be held every hour from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
All 12 building and sites participating in this year’s Doors Open Peterborough are listed below.
- Activity Haven Recreation Centre/Queen Alexandra Community Centre (180 Barnardo Ave.)
- All Saints’ Anglican Church (235 Rubidge St.)
- Hutchison House (270 Brock St.)
- Trent-Severn Waterway Lock 19 – Scotts Mills (804 Morphet Ave.)
- New Canadians Centre Peterborough (221 Romaine St.)
- Peterborough & County Military Museum (220 Murray St.)
- Peterborough Theatre Guild (364 Rogers St.)
- Peterborough Museum & Archives (300 Hunter St. E.)
- Quaker Park Tennis Club (442 Driscoll Terr.)
- Sadleir House (751 George St. N.)
- William Dixon House (661 Park St. N.)
- Auburn Heritage Walking Tour (911 Armour Rd.)
To view the locations of all participating sites, explore the interactive Doors Open Peterborough Story Map.
Be sure to pay extra close attention at each stop you make, because locations on Doors Open Peterborough will provide the bonus answers to this year’s Heritage Hunt.
Organized by PACAC annually since 1983, the hunt invites residents to test their knowledge about Peterborough’s architectural heritage for the chance to win local prizes. This year’s hunt, which will take place in the Old West End, will be held from Friday, September 5 to Friday, October 3.
To participate in Heritage Hunt, access the online form at www.peterborough.ca/HeritageHunt beginning September 5 or pick up a booklet at City Hall (500 George St. N.), Peterborough Museum & Archives (300 Hunter St. E.), the main branch of the Peterborough Public Library (345 Alymer St. N.), Miskin Law Community Complex (271 Lansdowne St. W.), Art Gallery of Peterborough ( 250 Crescent St.), or Hutchison House (270 Brock St.). Completed booklets can be dropped off at or mailed to City Hall.
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