Kawartha Lakes launches online artifact collection, bringing local history to the community

Kawartha Lakes – The City of Kawartha Lakes has launched a new online artifact collection. It provides residents, researchers, students, and history enthusiasts with unprecedented access to a growing catalogue of artifacts that help tell the story of our community.

From everyday objects to items that reflect significant moments in the region’s history, the collection offers a glimpse into the lives, industries, and traditions that have shaped this area over generations.

By making these artifacts available online, Kawartha Lakes is increasing public access to its heritage collections while supporting education, research, and community engagement.

“These artifacts are more than historical objects, they are pieces of our shared story,” said Laura Love, Economic Development Officer – Curatorial Services. “The collection is held in trust for the people of Kawartha Lakes. Making it accessible online helps ensure that our community’s history can be discovered, appreciated, and preserved for the future.”

The online collection represents an important milestone in the City’s ongoing efforts to preserve and share local heritage. While the initial launch includes a selection of 250 artifacts, work continues behind the scenes to document, photograph, and digitize additional items from the collection. Kawartha Lakes remains committed to expanding public access and sharing more of the stories that make Kawartha Lakes unique.

Everyone is invited to visit the online portal regularly, as new artifacts and historical records will be added over time. Many artifacts from the City of Kawartha Lakes collection are also available to explore both online and on display at the Maryboro Lodge Museum.

The launch reflects the dedication of staff, volunteers, heritage professionals, and community supporters who have worked to preserve these collections and make them available to the public.

Curatorial Services not only preserves and explores the tangible artifacts that tell the story of our region’s history, but also values and documents the intangible heritage of Kawartha Lakes. Through initiatives such as the Moments and Memories project (www.kawarthalakes.ca/moments) and Recipe Revival (www.kawarthalakes.ca/recipes), the City collects and shares personal stories, memories, and experiences that capture the character, traditions, and sense of community that cannot be represented by artifacts alone.

Access and explore the online artifact collection today at: www.kawarthalakes.ca/artifacts