History of Kitchener

People have lived on the land that is now home to the city of Kitchener for more than 10,000 years, beginning with First Peoples. Five independent Iroquois nations – the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga and Seneca – were joined by the Tuscarora to become the Six Nations in the 1700s. Following the American War of Independence, Great Britain granted the Six Nations land six miles deep on either side of the Grand River, partly in recognition of being allies to the British during the War.

In the first years of the 1800s, German-speaking people from Pennsylvania, looking for land that would be good for farming and growing families, formed a land company. They purchased large tracts of land along the Grand River in the area that today is Kitchener. By the 1830s, German-speaking immigrants from Europe began to arrive in the area, settling on both the surrounding farmland and in the newly established village of Berlin.

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German Saying-of-the-Day

Gedichte und Geschichte zur Weihnachtszeit
– macht euch für eine Tour bereit

Poems and history at Christmastime, join us for a tour of time

Here's a fun challenge: Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and share your version of our German Saying-of-the-day. Plus, WIN an EAT l STAY l PLAY valued at $500. Read more.

Meet The Concordia Club Children's Choir 

Today's Concert features their performance at Christkindl Market in 2019

The Children's Choir sings in German, English and a few other languages. We sing various styles of music. Founded in 1873, the Children's Choir is great fun for ages 4+ and we're always looking for new members for all of our choirs! The Children’s Choir is one of the last remaining German Children’s Choirs in Canada. They always have a great core group of kids! They not only sing but have social events that have always been a hit. Under the direction of Angelika Werner. 

With Join Warren Stauch

Join Warren Stauch, a well-known retired Geography teacher, historian and creator of shunpiking tours, as he takes us on a guided video tour in Kitchener. Take two hours to do it all, or break it up into shorter walks throughout the winter. Warren's step-by-step video tells you all the great stories hidden behind each landmark.

To watch the complete Historical Self-guided Walking Tour (25 minutes) by Warren Stauch of Shunpiking Tours, simply click the play > button, on the video.

Take the tour anytime you are downtown Kitchener. Start and stop the video as you take it all in.