March is Irish Heritage Month in Canada, and in celebration, Trent Valley Archives (TVA) is hosting a book signing with Irish historical geographer and author Christy Roche.

Roche will be signing his latest book “From Whence They Came: The Peter Robinson Settlers.” The event takes place Saturday, March 14 from 1 until 3 p.m. at Trent Valley Archives, located at 567 Carnegie Ave.

Roche will be visiting Peterborough area to serve as the Grand Marshall of the 26th annual Peterborough St. Patrick’s Day parade that takes place in downtown Peterborough Sunday, March 15 beginning at 2 p.m.    

“Published in 2025 to correspond with the bicentennial of the Peter Robinson emigration, the book examines the history of the emigrations of 1823 and 1825 from the Irish perspective, focusing on the communities the emigrants came from rather than the communities they settled in. The book identifies the towns and villages that were home to one (or several) Peter Robinson emigrant families and dedicates a two-page spread to each one, providing a detailed list of the heads of households of each emigrant family living there and historical context about what that community was like just before the emigrants’ departure,” reads a release for the event.

This book also contains full-colour photographs of buildings in each location that would have existed there in the 1820s. 
Roche has a degree in historical geography from the University College Cork and is the author of newspaper and magazine historical articles, as well as the author and or editor of several other books. He has lectured on many aspects of his native Ireland both at home and abroad. He visited the Peterborough area last August to attend the Nine Ships Bicentennial Commemoration Week events.
The book signing is a drop-in event to meet and chat with the author and have your book signed. Hardcover and softcover copies of the book will be for available for purchase. Inventory is limited, so it is recommended you arrive early to secure a copy. Payment is by cash and e-transfer payments on site only.

Light refreshments will be provided.

Also, Roche will give a presentation, hosted by Nine Ships 1825, at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 317 Hunter St. W., Monday, March 16 at 1:30 p.m.

“Entitled ‘The Rich Heritage of the Blackwater Valley,’ the presentation will chronicle the different civilizations that have inhabited the Blackwater Valley over the past 5,000 years and the cultures, beliefs and traditions that have influenced succeeding generations and continue to influence the present population. Christy will also examine the political, administrative and population changes that have taken place in the area over the centuries,” further details the release. 
The Blackwater Valley was significant to the Peter Robinson Emigrations of 1823 and 1825 as several of the emigrants came from this area, that Christy also calls home.

The talk is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided and copies of Christy’s book “From Whence They Came” will also be available for sale for those unable to attend the March 14 book signing event.

Copies of the Nine Ships Bicentennial Souvenir book, commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Peter Robinson Irish Emigration are available through Trent Valley Archives. 

This book commemorates the 200th anniversary of the Peter Robinson Irish Emigration with information about the emigration and the events that were held throughout the Bicentennial year as well as a comprehensive alphabetical passenger list with every person who came to Upper Canada as part of the 1825 Robinson emigration. It is a useful tool for those getting acquainted with their Robinson emigration connections. The book costs $20 and can be purchased in person at the TVA archives building at 567 Carnegie Ave. or online by visiting

trentvalleyarchives.com/shop/nine-ships-1825-bicentennial-souvenir-3.

St. Patrick’s Day lunch

Activity Haven is hosting a St. Patrick’s Day lunch Tuesday, March 17 from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. The pub will be open and Irish dance teacher Anica will perform an Irish dance at 11:30 a.m. The menu will include Tator Kegs (jumbo Tatertots stuffed with bacon, cheese and chives), with ranch dip and city chicken. 

The cost is $13. Register in advance at the office. Call 705-876-1670 for more information.

© Peterborough Examiner