Exhibition celebrates historic Canadian emigration event
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An exhibition exploring a significant historical emigration event in Cobh opens tomorrow.Image 2 of 2
Ballyhoura community representatives at the first community information session about the Ireland-Canada Homecoming event preparations in Kildorrery. An exhibition is now opening about the Robinson Settlements.A new exhibition will open tomorrow marking 200 years since nine ships carrying hundreds of families left Cork for Canada.
Hosted by Cobh Heritage Centre, in collaboration with Ballyhoura Development, the ‘Robinson Settlers: Assisted Irish Emigration to Canada’ launches tomorrow, Friday, at 2.30pm at Cobh Pier.
This exhibition highlights the remarkable journey of the nine ships that set sail in May 1825, offering a unique perspective on Irish history.
The Peter Robinson assisted emigration scheme was one of many similar schemes during the nineteenth century, where Irish citizens emigrating overseas were assisted with funding for their new lives abroad.
The scheme was funded by the British Government under the direction of its employee, Peter Robinson, and involved a total of 11 ships taking emigrants from Cobh, then known as Queenstown, to Ontario, Canada in the years 1823 and 1825.
As part of the commemorations, Ballyhoura Development has identified the families who left the region almost 200 years ago based on records of the scheme kept by Peter Robinson.
The record show there were almost 500 families and unattached adults in the scheme, the great bulk being families with two parents and their children.
Breda Keane Shortt, Operations Director of Cobh Heritage Centre, said: “We are thrilled to collaborate with Ballyhoura Development on this initiative, further showcasing the emigration story of Ireland and Canada and its significance to Cobh.”
Amanda Slattery, Development Manager of Ballyhoura Development, added: “We are delighted to partner with Cobh Heritage Centre to honour the 200th anniversary of this emigration.
“Cobh plays a vital role in this story, being the last departure point for hundreds of families. We look forward to welcoming everyone from near and far to commemorate with us,” she said.
All are invited to a wreath-laying ceremony at 2.30pm at the pier in Cobh, followed by the unveiling of the new exhibition at the Cobh Heritage Centre.
Tomorrow’s ceremony is the first of two key events this year. The Ireland Canada Homecoming, led by Ballyhoura Development, will take place from 15-21 September, welcoming descendants of the Peter Robinson Emigration Scheme back to the region.