Book shares stories of burial site
Worker discovered 2,000-year-old First Nations remains under downtown Peterborough lot
The Peterborough chapter of the Ontario Archaeological Society presents “The Ancestors Speak: Stories from the Brock Street Site” on Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. in room 102, The Gathering Space, at Gzowski College, Trent University.
On three different occasions during the last 60 years, the parking lot on Brock Street in Peterborough has generated widespread attention from both the archeological community and the public in general.
The first instance occurred in December 1960 when a 2,000-year old human skeleton was inadvertently uncovered by a city employee while digging a hole for a parking meter. Thirty years later the site attracted national attention when, in a precedentsetting decision, Peterborough city staff and representatives from the Curve Lake First Nation worked together to repatriate the remains and artifacts found in 1960. A third event took place in May 2003 when new archeological discoveries and surprises were revealed during a stabilization project in the parking lot.
The fascinating stories behind these three events have now been collected in the Peterborough chapter’s new book, “The Ancestors Speak.” The book is divided into three sections. The first consists of Pat and Gordon Dibb’s report on the 2003 excavations. The second includes a variety of original documents (newspaper articles, letters and speeches) from each of the three events.
The third includes new essays by Pat and Gordon Dibb, Doug Williams, Anne Taylor, Julie Kapyrka, Ken Doherty, Kim Reid, Susan Neale, Elwood Jones, Kate Dougherty, Rita Granda, Dirk Verhulst and James Conolly.
The January meeting of the Peterborough chapter of The Ontario Archaeological Society has become a time for storytelling. This year there will be opportunities to hear some of the fascinating stories by contributors to the book and others.
Members of the public are invited to this event. There is no charge and light refreshments will be served. Copies of the book will be available for $20. For further information contact the chapter secretary Dirk Verhulst at dverhulst@cogeco.ca.
Health Fair
There are still a few vendor spots left for Mind Your Health, a health fair focusing on mental health. The event takes place on Friday, Feb. 8 at Activity Haven, 180 Barnardo Ave.
Guest speaker will be Dr. Ingram. There will also be yoga demos, healthy snacks available, and more for an educational, entertaining, and informative day.
The fair is open to everyone. There is no admission charge to attend. For vendor information contact Michelle Ayotte at 705-876-1670.
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga with Restore and Renew
Yoga takes place each Thursday from 1 until 2 p.m. at Sadleir House, 751 George St. N. This is an inclusive class for those who hesitate to do yoga because they cannot get to the floor due to age, injury, or a disability. Participants enjoy stretching, building strength, relaxing and a few laughs.
The cost is pay what you like with the recommendation of $5-10 per class. All abilities are welcome.
Eclipse
Experience and celebrate the only total lunar eclipse in 2019, with the Peterborough Astronomical Association (PAA) Sunday from dusk to after midnight from the top of Armour Hill, at the end of Museum Drive at 300 Hunter St. E. If you miss this opportunity you will have to wait over three years for the next chance to see a lunar eclipse!
This free, public, all ages event will potentially offer telescopic views of the moon. Please park in the parking lot of the Peterborough Museum and Archives and walk up the hill. Dress appropriately for the weather and temperature. This is a weather dependent event; if the skies are cloudy and precipitating, the event will be cancelled. Check PAA’s social media the day of the event to determine the status.
The PAA meets monthly at Riverview Park and Zoo. New members are always welcome.