PO Box 523, Station B, Ottawa, ON, K1P 5P6

Lady and Lord Aberdeen with the National Council of Women at Rideau Hall, shortly before their return to the United Kingdom, October 1898, Topley Studios/Library and Archives Canada, PA-029033

Truss Bridge over the Chaudière Falls, Ottawa River, watercolour by John Burrows, 1828, Library and Archives Canada, I.D. No. 2833217.

Timber raft on the Ottawa River, date unknown, John William Woolsey and family fonds, Library and Archives Canada, I.D. No. 319157.

Welcome

The Historical Society of Ottawa (HSO) is Ottawa’s oldest historical organization.The principal aim of the Society is to increase public knowledge of the history of Ottawa and the surrounding region through meetings, tours, awards, publications, and sponsored research.

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HSO Articles

  • Kettle Island: A Bridge to Ottawa's Past by Randy Boswell

    29 December 2020 Speakers Presentations
    If you missed our virtual Speaker Series presentation "Kettle Island: A Bridge to Ottawa's Past" with Randy Boswell, or you'd just like to watch it again, you can view this presentation online. Here is a link to the recorded video of Randy's talk. Enjoy!  

  • Discoveries Unearthed Prior to the Renovations on Parliament Hill

    20 November 2020 Speakers Presentations
    Wow! Did you miss our virtual Speaker Series presentation "Uncovering Canada's Past: Digging Up Parliament Hill" with Stephen Jarrett? What an amazing presentation it was! The good news is... here is the video link to enjoy Stephen's talk in its entirety! Our apologies to those who were unable to attend…

  • Jo-Anne McCutcheon: Researching Ottawa’s Past

    14 November 2020 Speakers Presentations
    We’ve all been obligated to face many new challenges this year, and it was with some concern that the Historical Society of Ottawa chose to make a transition to on-line meetings so that we can continue to reach out to our members and the community during this difficult time. We…

  • Michael Kent: Secrets from the Geniza

    4 November 2020 Speakers Presentations
    The September 14th 2020 presentation of the Historical Society of Ottawa took us on two journeys. One was to the Middle East; but more on that in a moment. The other journey was shorter in distance but was a big step technologically. With recent social restrictions forcing us to cancel…

Upcoming Events

Mar 10 2021
7:00PM

What's Ottawa Hiding: Exploring the Mysteries of our City's Past

Andrew King, Author of "Ottawa Rewind"

Mar 31 2021
7:00PM

Murdered Midas: A millionaire, his gold mine, and a strange death on an island paradise

Charlotte Gray, author of "Murdered Midas"

Apr 14 2021
7:00PM

Arrested Development: A Start/Stop History of LeBreton Flats

Phil Jenkins, Author of "An Acre of Time"

View Full Calendar

Special Event

26

May

7:00 pm -

HSO Annual General Meeting

Online via Zoom

View Details

Ottawa Stories

Ottawa has an interesting and varied history.
Enjoy stories from this month in history or discover other Ottawa stories.

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Contact Info

The Historical Society of Ottawa

Box 523, Station "B",

Ottawa, ON

K1P 5P6

info@historicalsocietyottawa.ca

historicalsocietyottawa.ca

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Supporting Partners

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