Museum and Archives | City of Peterborough

Exhibitions

Featured exhibition

We Wear Many Hats will be on display from April 4, 2026, to June 14, 2026. Visitors are invited to explore this engaging exhibition, which examines the social and cultural significance of headwear and how it reflects identity, belonging, and community. Through objects, stories, and creative design, this student-curated exhibit offers a unique look at the role of hats in both personal expression and Peterborough’s local history.

Suggested donation of $10 per group. Additional parking is available at Kaawaate Elementary School on weekends and school holidays.

Museum exhibit with wall mounted Turtle Island feature and digital screen

Peterborough history

Our permanent exhibition tells a chronological history of Peterborough.

Explore the Museum

Orange Toronto international film festival sign outdoors.

PMA: Bringing TIFF To You Film Series

Winter / Spring 2026 Film Series Passes will go on sale Monday January 26, 2026 at 9:30 a.m..

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible partners at Galaxy Cinemas and the Toronto International Film Festival for helping us bring these outstanding films to Peterborough!

Archival Research

An appointment, booked in advance, is required to access the Archives. Our Archivist is happy to assist you with your research requests in our Archives reading room.

A metal medallion with a symbol and the words Iron Horse

Donations

The Peterborough Museum & Archives gratefully accepts object, archival, and monetary donations. Learn more about how to arrange making a donation to the Museum.

Educational Visits

Embark on a journey of exploration, discovery, and imagination as you connect with the past through our hands-on educational programs! Visit our School Programs page to learn more about what we offer.

More to Explore

PA Day Discovery Camps

Registration opens on Monday, February 2nd at 9:00 am for spring/summer programs including PA Day Camps.

Register online by clicking here.

Child looking through telescope on the PMA playground

Summer Discovery Day Camps

Save the date - registration for 2026 Summer Discovery Day Camp programs will open on Monday, February 2nd at 9:00 am!

Register Online: Please adjust your filter settings (left side menu) to extend the date range to August 28 to see all camp offerings.

Museum Blog

Learn at the Museum

Toddler Tuesday

Stay tuned for updates about our Toddler Tuesday return later this year — we can’t wait to see you all again soon!

Collections

The Peterborough Museum and Archives is designated as a 'Category A Collecting Institution' under the terms of the Canadian Cultural Property Export/Import Act. This means that we collect, preserve and make cultural property accessible to the public through exhibitions, research and online.

Collections

PMA's new look

The Peterborough Museum & Archives gets a face lift!

We have a new visual identifier at the Peterborough Museum & Archives (PMA). Join Education & Program Officer, Faryn Stanley and Museum Visitor Experience Coordinator, Katie Crowe as they show you all the exciting changes at the PMA.