Naming the New City at the Lakehead

How did Thunder Bay get its name? Why were two almost identical names placed on the ballot when citizens were asked to make their choice from three options in the 1969 plebiscite? Was the result contrived by local and provincial politicians who wanted a clean break with the past? Or was it a genuine expression of the electors’ will?

Dr. Peter Raffo seeks answers and discovers some interesting new evidence.

This will be a in-person event that is free to view. The lecture will be broadcast live via ZOOM for those who cannot attend in-person and recorded and posted to the Museum's YouTube at a later date.  

Speaker Bio:

Since 1970, Peter has maintained a continuing interest in the amalgamation of the Twin Cities. He has published several articles in Papers and Records on the history and consequences of this seminal event in the life of Thunder Bay. In 1995 he oversaw the creation of an Oral History of Amalgamation, which included interviews with politicians, city administrators and staff who had been involved in the process.

ZOOM INFORMATiON:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83981463734?pwd=UlRFSTl4RGVMZ3hCcU5SRVZUSk5OUT09

Passcode: 530127

The 2022-2023 Thunder Bay Historical Museum lecture series is sponsored by Lakehead University's Department of History.