Kawartha Lakes calls on community to share photos for new heritage displays

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES: Local history lovers and longtime residents have a new way to help celebrate the spirit of Kawartha Lakes, by sharing their own photographs which tell the story of life across the municipality.

Two new photo displays are being prepared for City Hall, and organizers are asking community members, local museums, archives, and heritage groups to help bring the area’s history to life. The exhibits will showcase the people, places, and moments which make Kawartha Lakes special, from early settlement days to modern community gatherings.

“These displays will celebrate our shared history and showcase the important moments [which] bring our community together,” said Laura Love, Economic Development Officer, Curatorial Services. “We’re excited to highlight the municipal stories [which] connect us across Kawartha Lakes.”

Residents are invited to submit photos that fit three themes: Community Events, Former Town Halls, and Weddings.

The Community Events collection will feature snapshots of public celebrations, such as parades, park picnics, seasonal festivals, and neighbourhood barbecues, moments that capture the vibrancy of local life. This exhibit will be displayed temporarily, on the second floor of City Hall, throughout the municipality’s twenty-fifth anniversary year.

Historic photos of Former Town Halls are also being sought, showcasing the buildings which once stood in the former townships, prior to amalgamation in 2001. These local landmarks once served as community gathering places and reminders of civic pride.

Meanwhile, the Weddings collection will find a permanent home in the City Hall atrium. The city hopes to display timeless portraits of couples, from vintage black-and-white images to more recent celebrations, representing love stories from every corner of Kawartha Lakes.

“It’s a beautiful way to honour the milestones which happened right here in our community,” said local resident Margaret Stevenson. “My grandparents were married in Omemee, in 1927, and I’d love to share that photo. It’s part of our family’s story but it’s also part of our town’s history.”

Ms. Love added, the photo project is about more than just collecting pictures. “Every photograph tells a story,” she said. “We want to see how people have celebrated, come together, and built their lives here. Whether it’s a wedding photo from the 1940s or a community picnic last summer, it all contributes to the fabric of who we are.”

Residents can submit photos from any time period, from as early as the 1850s to the present day. Submissions can be sent as high-resolution digital copies or as physical prints which will be scanned and returned to the owners.

Lindsay resident, Paul Beers said, the idea of a community-wide call for photos is a great way to make history more personal. “So many of us have old albums sitting in a closet,” he said. “This gives us a chance to share those memories and make sure they’re not forgotten.”

Anyone interested in contributing can contact Angela Fornelli, at afornelli@kawarthalakes.ca, or Laura Love, at history@kawarthalakes.ca. By submitting photos, participants grant permission for them to be considered for public display.

Ms. Love said, she hopes the displays will spark conversations and memories, when they’re unveiled. “When people see these photos, they’ll recognize familiar faces, familiar places, and maybe even themselves,” she said with a smile.