Discover Your Roots
Uncover Your Family
History with Us
Are you curious about your ancestry? At Kawartha Genealogy, we are here to help you explore your family history. Our dedicated team provides personalized research services to uncover the stories of your past. Join us as we navigate through records and resources, making the journey of tracing family roots a rewarding experience.
Welcome To KARA
Kawartha Ancestral
Research Association Inc
Discover Your Roots
Explore Our
Family History Services
KARA is a dedicated genealogy and heritage site serving family historians and researchers interested in the rich history of the Peterborough, Northumberland, Durham, Haliburton, and City of Kawartha Lakes region. Explore resources, connect with others, and discover the stories of families and communities that have shaped this unique area. Whether beginning a family tree or delving deeper into ancestral roots, KARA provides valuable tools and support for uncovering local heritage.
Family Tree Research
Membership Benefits
Discover Your Roots
Explore Our Family History Services
For over twenty-five years, KARA has been building a rich and diverse library of resources to support your family history research. Thanks to the generous donations from our members and friends, our collection has grown into a valuable treasure trove for genealogists and historians alike.
Who We Are
Our Mission
At KARA our Mission is promoting “health in life” for all middle and senior age individuals. Through the search for our ancestors, we learn about family origins – what we generally call “family history research”.
Our Vision
At KARA, we are family historians. We research ancestors and teach others how to do their family research too. It begins with you and becomes a journey into the past. Learning about our family from the past promotes out own well being today.
Find the perfect fit for your
research journey.
At KARA, we offer two flexible membership options designed to support every family historian: Individual and Family Memberships. Explore the benefits of each and find the perfect fit for your research journey.
Whether you’re just starting out or continuing a lifelong passion, KARA is here to support your family history journey. Join us today and become part of a vibrant community dedicated to uncovering the stories of the past.
KARA
Family History Centre
At the Family History Research Centre, attendees can explore family history with expert guidance. Discover how to trace your ancestry and connect with fellow enthusiasts. The centre offers resources to enrich your genealogical knowledge. Gain access to exclusive tools and network with professionals for a rewarding experience. Whether new or experienced, deepen your understanding of family history in a supportive environment.
KARA
Family History Centre
At the Family History Research Centre, attendees can explore family history with expert guidance. Discover how to trace your ancestry and connect with fellow enthusiasts. The centre offers resources to enrich your genealogical knowledge. Gain access to exclusive tools and network with professionals for a rewarding experience. Whether new or experienced, deepen your understanding of family history in a supportive environment.
Discover Your
Family History At KARA
As part of our commitment to the community, we operate a welcoming Research Centre where anyone interested in genealogy can come to explore their family history. Whether you are just starting out or have been researching for years, our Centre is open to all. Non-members are invited to visit for a small daily fee, which helps us maintain our resources and continue our work.
When you visit our Centre for the first time, our friendly and knowledgeable volunteer staff will be happy to greet you and provide a guided tour of our extensive library and research resources. We offer a wide range of materials, including local and international records, historical documents, and helpful research tools. Our volunteers are always eager to chat with you about the family names and stories you are researching, and we’re here to offer advice, share tips, and suggest new directions for your research.
At KARA, we believe that discovering your family history should be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. We are proud to foster a supportive and collaborative environment where everyone, from beginners to experienced genealogists, can learn and grow together. We invite you to visit our Research Centre, connect with our volunteers, and become part of our vibrant community.
Visit The Centre / Contact KARA
KARA Research Centre
- Open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday from 1 til 5 p.m.
- Open Saturday by appointment.
- Appointments can be made @ (705) 743-7668.
- 730 The Kingsway, Unit 3, Peterborough, ON, K9J 6W6
- Call 705 – 743 – 7668 For General Inquiries
The Robinson Settler's of 1825
Voyage To Upper Canada
In 1825, a group of settlers led by the visionary Peter Robinson arrived in the beautiful Peterborough area. Today, we celebrate their journey and the determination that led them to carve out a new home in this land. Let their story be a source of inspiration and hope for all who seek to build a better future.
Thank You
200th Anniversary Of The
Peter Robinson Settlers Of 1825
KARA's Thank You for the
Celebration week
August 1 – 10, 2025
Thank You to Our Guests.
The Open House celebrating the 200th Anniversary of the 1825 Peter Robinson Settlers at KARA, held from August 1st to the 10th, 2025, was a resounding success. This event paid tribute to the settlers who arrived two centuries ago, recognizing their significant contributions to our community’s development.
Attendees were able to delve into a range of exhibits that offered insights into the settlers’ lives and their enduring influence. The event provided both an enlightening and inspiring experience, showcasing the lasting legacy of these pioneers.
The participation of the community was invaluable in preserving and promoting the rich history of the Robinson Settlers for future generations. We were thrilled to commemorate this remarkable milestone with such enthusiastic support, ensuring this important history remains vibrant and alive.
Thank you, for those who attended the Peter Robinson 200th Anniversary Open House at KARA. Your presence and enthusiasm were crucial in making this event a success. Your involvement helps keep the spirit and stories of the Robinson Settlers alive for generations to come. We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you at future events.
Robinson Roots
Footprints Of The Past
Good News and Delayed Anticipation
As we prepared our newest book and aimed for its release in August of 2025, we made a huge discovery. Our material far exceeds three volumes.
Good News
Volume One is officially released as of August 1, 2025.
Anticipation
In the spring of this year, the decision was made to expand the three volumes to six – essentially one book for each of the main townships where the Peter Robinson Settler families settled. We have rescheduled the release of other volumes for early fall and Christmas of 2025 and the remaining books through the spring of 2026.
KARA Display Boards During Robinson Settler's Of 1825
200th Annversary
The Open House celebrating the 200th Anniversary of the 1825 Peter Robinson Settlers at KARA, held from August 1st to the 10th, 2025, was a resounding success. This event paid tribute to the settlers who arrived two centuries ago, recognizing their significant contributions to our community’s development.
Attendees were able to delve into a range of exhibits that offered insights into the settlers’ lives and their enduring influence. The event provided both an enlightening and inspiring experience, showcasing the lasting legacy of these pioneers.
The participation of the community was invaluable in preserving and promoting the rich history of the Robinson Settlers for future generations. We were thrilled to commemorate this remarkable milestone with such enthusiastic support, ensuring this important history remains vibrant and alive.
Thank you, for those who attended the Peter Robinson 200th Anniversary Open House at KARA. Your presence and enthusiasm were crucial in making this event a success. Your involvement helps keep the spirit and stories of the Robinson Settlers alive for generations to come. We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you at future events.
Peterborough A Little History
Come take a virtual stroll around Peterborough. Here you will discover a little about the history that has promoted the growth of a small town into today’s modern city.
From the railway stations that once bustled with passengers coming and going, to early hospitals that cared for the sick and the elderly, here is a glimpse of the early landscape that shaped our communities.
A visit to the Mechanics Institute could bring hours of quiet enjoyment in the pages of the latest novels or a pleasant afternoon listening to the latest revelations in the world of science.
A stroll into Victoria Park might bring a peaceful quiet half hour’s walk along the garden pathway or perhaps the pleasure of listening to the local Battalion Band.
Donate in support
of the heritage work at KARA
We are located in Peterborough, Ontario. KARA is an awesome organization! We operate on Volunteer power. From Board members to Research Centre staff, everyone donates time and expertise.
Join us in the work to preserve our heritage. The effort we make today gives our children and grandchildren a family history to enjoy for years to come. Your gift today makes a difference in all our tomorrows.
We give our time, our energy, our effort, our expertise. We appreciate your support. It helps us continue our heritage work.
Join Our Family History Community Today!
Heritage Stories
Join Our Family History
Community Today!
Discover your roots and connect with others who share your passion. Become a member to access exclusive resources and support.
“Thanks to the Family History Research Centre, I discovered connections I never knew existed. It brought my ancestors’ stories to life!”
Jane Smith
Genealogy Research
“Exploring my family’s background here was enlightening. The staff is so helpful and knowledgeable!”
Mark Johnson
Family Tree Building
“I found so many lost relatives through their resources. It has changed how I see my family’s journey!”
Alice Brown
Historical Research
“Their workshops made genealogy easy to understand. I now feel empowered to continue my own research!”
Tom Davis
Educational Workshops
Discover Your Roots
Upcoming Events
Check out our exciting events designed to help you explore family history. Join us for workshops, discussions, and gatherings that connect you with fellow enthusiasts. Stay informed about the latest happenings and don’t miss out on the chance to deepen your research!
Friday, February 9th
Family Tree Workshop
Explore New Tools
Learn about modern tools to uncover your ancestry at this hands-on workshop.
Genealogy Q&A
Bring your questions and receive expert advice on tracing your family roots.
Local History Talk
Join our discussion on local history and how it shapes family stories.
Heritage Celebration
Celebrate diverse heritages at this community gathering and share your stories.
Friday, February 9th
Local History Talk
Learn About Your Past
Discover the fascinating connections from your ancestors' experiences.
Community Heritage Day
Engage with the community and learn about its rich heritage and stories.
Family Stories Share
A chance to tell and hear stories that shape our family histories.
Research Techniques
Get practical tips on effective research methods to trace your family tree.
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Get in Touch with Us
If you have questions or need assistance, we’re here to help! Reach out to us via phone or email. You can also fill out the contact form below to send us a message directly. We look forward to hearing from you!