Welcome to the Peterborough Museum and Archives, where we focus on preserving and celebrating the collective memories of our community – stories, images and traces of the people and the land.
705.743.5180
Toll Free: 1.855.738.7355
Monday to Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday, and most Holidays: 12 noon to 5 p.m.
Holiday Hours |
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Admission is by donation, although we suggest a donation of $10 per family or group.
We offer free parking at the parking lot on the east side of Museum Drive. Overflow parking is available further up Museum drive, atop Armour Hill.
A visit to the Peterborough Museum & Archives' gift shop is the perfect way to commemorate your visit! The gift shop is updated seasonally, with offerings that connect to the themes of our exhibitions. The gift shop supports a variety of suppliers, and different price points to ensure there is something for everyone. Gift bags are complimentary with each purchase.
Planning Your Visit |
The Peterborough Museum & Archives (PMA) is open to the public seven (7) days a week. Please see our open hours at the top of this page. If a quiet, less busy PMA visit is the most comfortable for you, the ideal times to visit are:
We suggest allocating 45 to 60 minutes when planning your visit to the PMA. |
Getting to the PMA |
The main entrance to the PMA is located on the west side of Museum Drive off of Hunter Street East, halfway up Armour Hill in Ashburnham Memorial Park. The intersection closest to the PMA is Armour Road and Hunter Street East.
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Arriving at the PMA |
Check In
SmudgingVisitors are welcome to smudge upon arrival, using the smoke-free sage spray alternative, located to the left of the entrance. |
The PMA Environment: Sensory Notes |
LightingThere are varying amounts of light in different areas of the exhibition galleries. If a light aid would be helpful, check with the Visitor Services Receptionist and a page magnifier with light can be made available.
ElevationThere is a slight slope up, and a slight slope down, through the replica of the ship's berth, a small section of the first exhibition gallery. Please watch your step in this section. VolumeThe exhibition galleries are typically quiet spaces; however, galleries can sometimes echo or be louder when there are crowds or scheduled programs. This might mean you need to take a little time to adjust to the space. The following sounds are part of the exhibition gallery experience:
Need a quiet space?The elevator or stairs will take you to the PMA's lower level. There is a bench at the bottom of the stairs and at the elevator door. |
Guidelines for Enjoying the PMA |
Exhibition GalleriesThroughout the exhibition galleries, there are interactives for everyone to enjoy, such as story books, puppets, puzzles, building blocks, train sets, Lego, activity sheets and more.
If you are unsure about whether something is an interactive, please check with the Visitor Services Receptionist. WashroomsWashrooms are located on the lower level of the PMA.
Food and Drink
Gift ShopOur gift shop is open during open hours and is located in the main entrance of the PMA. The gift shop is updated seasonally, with offerings that connect to the themes of our exhibitions, and with different price points to ensure there is something for everyone. All forms of payment are accepted. Please see above for more information. Looking to get outside?There is an unsupervised play structure beside the PMA in Ashburnham Memorial Park. This playground is recommended for ages 2 to 12 and is accessible with a paved path from the parking lot. Heritage PavilionThis covered pavilion is located in Ashburnham Memorial Park beside the PMA and is available to rent through the City of Peterborough website. |
There's so much to see and do at the PMA! From hands-on displays to playful toys and interactives, fun awaits visitors of all ages. Please see list below for engaging activities to enjoy during your visit:
Jellybean's Great Backpack Adventure |
Start your adventure by choosing an animal backpack to take with you as you travel through the exhibition! As you explore, look for bear paw prints - each one marks the spot of a fun activity. Everything you need for these activities can be found inside your backpack. Happy exploring! |
Scavenger Hunt |
Are you up for the challenge? Search the permanant exhibition for the artifacts pictured on your scavenger hunt. Once you've found them all, go to the front desk to claim a prize. |
Jellybean's Hide N'Seek Challenge |
Jellybean, our black bear mascot - is missing her 10 bear cubs! Help her find them by looking high and low as you walk through the exhibition. |
Book Nook |
Get cozy on the bean bags chairs and enjoy a book from our curated book nook. |
Toys & Play |
The exhibit space offers a variety of fun play stations, including puppets, dress up clothes, toy trains, pretend kitchen and LEGO. |
Seasonal Activities |
We offer a variety of seasonal crafts and activities that change through-out the year. |
Access to the Archives is provided by appointment only. Please contact our Archivist to set up an appointment. If you are looking to do some specific research, please let us know what you are looking to find as we may be able to help get you started.
We are officially Rainbow Registered, an accreditation administered by Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce that reflects commitment to creating a safer, more welcoming and inclusive space for the 2SLGBTQI+ community. Find 2SLGBTQI+ Inclusive businesses across Canada at https://rainbowregistered.ca/.
We are an accessible facility with an accessible parking space located close to our entrance. We also have an accessible playground structure and strive to be compliant with the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation. If you would like to see a portion of our exhibition gallery before visiting, scroll further down this webpage for a virtual tour.
Use Peterborough Transit to get to the museum on route Weller #4 - you'll arrive at the museum's door 10 minutes after leaving the terminal. The bus arrives at the Museum stop at approximately 30 minutes past the hour, every hour during operational hours.