The Trent-Severn Antique & Classic Boat Association, based in Peterborough, Ontario, was formed in 1984, after a series of local antique boat shows were held in conjunction with the Friends of the Trent-Severn Waterway. These original shows were held in the Reach below Peterborough's famous Lift Locks. Docking restrictions soon dictated that subsequent shows be held at a larger location, and the Club's events soon became a popular summer site at the Peterborough Marina in Little Lake.
As membership grew in the late '80's to approximately sixty members, year round events were promoted, such as hosting the original Heritage Canoe Festivals in February of each year. This event proved to be very popular, and is still carried on through the Canadian Canoe Museum (also located in Peterborough).
However, people’s interests were changing, and during the early 1990's the Club became almost dormant, which was a disappointment to many spectators who were in awe of these fine heritage watercraft. Fortunately, some of the original club members maintained their enthusiasm to keep the Association 'afloat', and with some campaigning and persuasiveness, have successfully revitalized the Trent-Severn Club to a healthy membership of approximately one hundred and fifty members!
In the summer of 2000, in conjunction with the City of Peterborough for their Millennium Celebrations, the Trent-Severn Club hosted another Antique and Classic Boat Show in Peterborough's downtown harbour.
The Toronto ACBS included this show as their "Rendezvous 2000", and many of the members synchronized their trips up and down the Trent-Severn Waterway to participate in this great show!
The success of this Boat Show, along with the renewed interest of many members, a decision was made to hold biennial shows (every 2 years).
Thus another very successful show was held again at the Peterborough Marina in August of 2002.
With the renewed interest of many members, we now hold quarterly meetings, regular workshops, and hold summer 'on the water' activities. The last boat show one was held in conjunction with the 100th Anniversary of the Peterborough Lift Lock. (See Boat Show link for pictures). This spectacular event was an entire weekend long, and displayed 114 antique, classic and wooden water craft.

We continually attempt to come up with fun and interesting events for our membership, so this Association will continue to thrive for many more years to come.