“If it were not for those dedicated individuals who came before us a lot of history would have been lost.”

This simple yet profound statement is the essence behind the existence of any historical archive or collection. The information or artifact would not exist if someone had not deemed it worth saving and preserved it.     

The Asphodel Norwood Cultural and Heritage Committee hosted an open house weekend at the Heritage Centre in Westwood on May 23 and 24; this was also the official opening of the centre for 2026. Committee members have been working diligently to prepare the rooms for the opening, rearranging and refreshing the displays and exhibits with fresh materials and artifacts. The committee has taken their inspiration from the Canadian experiences of authors and pioneers Catherine Parr Trail and Susanne Moodie and has used their stories as a theme for their displays this year.

The Historical Committee also used the weekend to surprise and honour two of its own historically minded committee members. Brenda and Bob Bullock have for more than three decades provided countless volunteer hours to gathering and preserving information and artifacts related to Asphodel-Norwood. Brenda is one of the original founding members of the former Historical Society nearly 35 years ago. She also served in the role of treasurer for many years and now fills the roll of committee chair. Her husband Bob has also been a faithful volunteer, helper and advocate for local history and preservation for the same number of years. 

The committee managed to surprise the couple during the open house with “the unexpected honour” by expressing gratitude for all their efforts over the years and adding their names........

© Peterborough Examiner