The Millbrook and Cavan Historical Society is committed to preserving the stories and the artifacts, manuscripts and photographs that serve to illustrate the history of Millbrook, Cavan and the surrounding district for the present and future generations.  It also seeks to inspire interest in the value of local history by keeping the stories alive. 

The Historical Society brings community members and visitors together on a regular basis to broaden and deepen our knowledge and understanding of the history of this area.  We bring a variety of speakers to our gatherings over the course of each year. 

We also answer all genealogy inquiries and help in directing those tracing family roots to relevant resources.  A key local resource is 'This Green & Pleasant Land - Chronicles of Cavan Township' originally printed in 1990 by the Millbrook & Cavan Historical Society.  We have reproduced this volume on DVD or a 2 CD set.  The entire 465 page volume, including 130 family histories and Tremaine's 1861 map of the township showing landowners, is fully searchable in the DVD/CD format, and is available for $20 (plus postage) from the Historical Society. 

Our most recent events: 

On April 26th, we welcomed award-winning architect and urban planner Phillip Carter, who gave a helpful and insightful talk on why protecting heritage assets is worthwhile.  Using illustrations from our own "backyard", Mr. Carter described the positive aspects of creating a heritage district and drew on his experience in other municipalities.

Our gala fundraising event on Saturday March 24 was a tremendous success!  MCs Paul O'Sulivan and Linda Kash hosted an evening of entertainment that included violinist Brooke Stewart, guitarist Elijah Holt, 4th Line Theatre founder and artistic director Robert Winslow, the Kirk Losell Jazz Quartet and Jeff Taylor's 'Relic's Boat'.  Local businesses, artists and artisans generously donated Silent Auction items that attracted some vigorous bidding.  The evening raised over $4000. for the continuing operation of the Historical Society.  It was a sell-out crowd!  

On Thursday, February 23 the Historical Society met in the main lounge at Centennial Place in Millbrook.  The first of our two speakers was Mt. Pleasant artist JoEllen Brydon who gave a fascinating talk centred around the arrival of a large group of Roma in Peterborough in 1909.  JoEllen has done extensive research into the history of the Roma in North America and their culture, and passed along valuable insights into how stories are recorded and evolve.  She illustrated her talk with a series of powerpoint slides of her art and images of the Roma people.  Her installation, 'Lost Histories: The Gypsies of 1909' was most recently on exhibit at the Orillia Gallery of Art and History.  The second speaker, Mr. Bryan Davies,  is currently researching and writing a social history focused on three brothers from the Millbrook & Cavan area who corresponded from the battlefields of World War 1.  Bryan's daughter Claire, who is currently pursuing her Master's degree in War Studies at RMC in Kingston is assisting.  Bryan described for the listeners the social context that influenced the three brothers and spurred them on to sign up and he then read from some of the letters and traced the profound change that the experiences of war wrought in the hearts and the minds of those young men.  It is a compelling story and a local one, and we are looking forward to keeping up with the progress of Bryan and Claire's project.   

On January 31 the Historical Society met at the Millbrook Manor for an afternoon that focused on identifying people and events in photographs that are in the Historical Society collection.  However, much more than that was going on.  The room was filled with conversation and laughter.  Newcomers to the area were meeting with folks who have called Millbrook and Cavan Monaghan township home for 80 years and more.  One couple came from Hamilton and made connections as branches of family trees were traced back.  It was both a social time and a learning time as stories unfolded and memories were sparked.  Thanks are extended to the wonderful hosts at Millbrook Manor who welcomed us and fed us well with delicious cookies and fruitbreads.  Our next event is on Februrary 23, 6:30-8:30, as we gather for 'Tales around the Hearth' at Centennial Place in Millbrook.

Please contact us by e-mail at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  or call Celia at 705-932-3130.  We look forward to hearing from you.