The Project and Inspiration

 In 1977, the Lindsay Public Library sought to capture local history through audio-recorded interviews with sixteen local seniors. Inspired by this project, the Kawartha Lakes Museum & Archives hoped to continue this work through empowering local seniors and encouraging them to share their knowledge by recording their memories of this community for future generations. A grant from the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program has not only made this project possible, but also provided opportunities for social participation and inclusion for area seniors.

Between June of 2019 and January of 2020, seventy-four seniors from across the City of Kawartha Lakes shared their precious memories with KLMA, exceeding project expectations. Participants were all born between 1919 and 1955, and have roots in communities across the municipality. They come from all walks of life, and while some of their stories share similarities, they all reflect the cultural, social, and professional diversity of Kawartha Lakes.

For the most part, the project met with enthusiasm and support from the community. Six seniors volunteered to sit on the project’s Advisory Committee. This committee met for the purpose of offering guidance and suggestions for every aspect of the project. Other members of the community volunteered to assist with the drafting of documents and providing refreshments for events. Local churches, retirement residences, and long-term care facilities offered meeting space; their members and residents volunteered to share memories. Other organizations were contacted with the same opportunity to participate, but did not respond.

KLMA project staff visited with seniors at their homes, in community spaces, at the Lindsay Central Exhibition, and at the museum in Lindsay. While many participants shared their recollections on a one-on-one basis, others enjoyed reminiscing with one another over refreshments in meeting rooms, church halls, and even a kitchen overlooking the countryside. There were plenty of laughter, smiles, warmth, and some tears as memories of the people, places, and events of half a century or more ago were shared.

Memories are a powerful means of connecting communities and generations. They, and the people who share them, are quite literally living history. Far from being dry, distant, and academic, history revealed by ordinary people is deeply personal.

Project produced by: Kawartha Lakes Museum & Archives

Project Coordinator: Ian McKechnie

Video Editor: Katerina Alexakis

Administration: Sara Walker-Howe

Student Volunteer: Cameron Howe

With thanks to the Advisory Committee:

• Mary Callaghan

• Roxanne Carter

• Zita Devan

• Robert Drury

• Michael Sloboda

• Barbara Truax

With Support from:

• Jim McKechnie

• Mike Perry

• Edna Smith

• Westerkirk Capital

Filmed on location in various sites across Kawartha Lakes.