Step Into Peterborough's Darker History With Trent Valley Archives Walking Tours

By Scott Arnold

From infamous crimes to heartbreaking tales from beyond the grave, Trent Valley Archives is inviting history lovers to explore some of Peterborough's most fascinating and tragic stories this July.

one of the trent valley archives walking tours will revisit the fatal shooting of Grand Hotel owner Murray Green (photo courtesy of tva)

The local organization is once again hosting its popular Friday evening walking tours, offering guided experiences through downtown Peterborough and Little Lake Cemetery.

The first tour, Peterborough Perpetrators, takes place on July 10 and 24 at 7 pm and delves into some of the city's most captivating true crime stories.

Led by researcher and guide Maddie More, the tour will revisit cases including the fatal shooting of Grand Hotel owner Murray Green, the daring jail escape of career criminal John Parks and the story of Edward Jackson, the last man hanged at the Peterborough Jail.

Participants will also hear about robberies, murders and other crimes that made headlines in Peterborough during the 19th and 20th centuries. The walking tour begins in front of the cenotaph in Confederation Park and covers several blocks of the downtown core.

For those intrigued by local legends and tragic stories from the past, the Little Lake Cemetery Walking Tour will be offered on July 17 and 31, also beginning at 7 pm.

Led by Mona Wilkes, the tour explores the lives of people buried in the historic cemetery, including strongman Daniel McDonald, adventurer John Andrew Sherlock and Janet Hunter, whose story highlights the hardships faced by women and families in another era.

Guests will also hear the unusual story of Colonel Alexander McDonell, who was refused burial at St. Peter's Cemetery and ultimately found a resting place near the chapel at Little Lake Cemetery.

Both tours cover sensitive subject matter and involve walking over uneven terrain, with organizers encouraging participants to wear comfortable footwear and dress for the weather. The tours run rain or shine.

Tickets are $20 per person, with advance registration and payment required. More information and tickets are available through the Trent Valley Archives events page.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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