Ontario’s Heritage Week is a great opportunity to explore the rich stories and culture that surround us in our own province and to catch a glimpse of some of the work that countless volunteers and cultural workers are doing to preserve and celebrate our heritage.

Trent University’s Great Hall at Champlain College held the Ontario Heritage Trust’s kick-off celebrations on Friday, February 18, along with a Heritage Expo featuring a vast representation of local and regional heritage organizations celebrating Ontario’s rich history.

The Great Hall was packed with everybody who is anybody in Ontario heritage, with distinguished guest the Honourable Michael Chan, minister of Tourism and Culture. The Peterborough community was well represented by MPP Jeff Leal, Mayor Daryl Bennett, a number of city officials and counsellors including downtown’s Mr. Dean Pappas and many heritage organizations.

Trent University president and vice-chancellor Dr. Steven E. Franklin delivered a welcome message to Ministry officials and distinguished guests including Professor Thomas H.B. Symons, founding president of Trent and chair of the Ontario Heritage Trust.

“For Trent, today’s celebration is integral in the preparations of Trent’s milestone 50th Anniversary, set to take place in 2014. Peterborough’s history will play a prominent role in our celebrations, and will shed a light on the many people, places and events that influenced Trent’s inception,” said Dr. Franklin. “I look forward to the many exhibits and presentations.”

The festivities included a keynote address by Prof. Symons and a special presentation titled "Ontario's Hidden Heritage" by celebrated author and travel writer Mr. Ron Brown. Trent also hosted a heritage exhibit in the Bata Library.

As part of Ontario Heritage Week celebrations, Trent University Archives and Alumni House will both host open houses on campus on Saturday, February 19 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Members of the public are welcome, free of charge, to view diverse collections of heritage artefacts, housed within the celebrated walls of renowned architect Ron Thom.

Along with many communities in Ontario, Peterborough will celebrate Ontario Heritage Week 2011 from February 18 to 26, with a full schedule of special events and activities, including exhibits, lectures, workshops, informal gatherings and tours. To see a full schedule of Peterborough events, visit the website.

The City of Peterborough was chosen to host the official kick-off by the Ontario Heritage Trust. An agency of the Ontario Government, the Ontario Heritage Trust is dedicated to identifying, preserving, protecting and promoting Ontario's heritage. Visit http://www.heritagetrust.on.ca for details.