Home - The Historical Society of Ottawa

Working to preserve Ottawa's past
for future generations.

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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.

HSO Articles

An Important Message from the Governor General of Canada
5 May 2020 HSO News
Dear members of the Historical Society of Ottawa, As patron of your organization, I wanted to send along my best wishes to you during these difficult times. I hope you are well. Wherever you are and whatever you do, you are facing a historic and unprecedented challenge alongside people and…
HSO Annual General Meeting Postponed
18 April 2020 HSO News
Owing to the ongoing COVID-19 emergency, our President, Karen Lynn Ouellette, unanimously supported by the Society’s Board of Directors, announces that the Society’s Annual General Meeting, scheduled to be held on Wednesday, May 27, 2020 at the Main Branch of the Ottawa Public Library, has been postponed. The meeting will…
HSO 2020 All Saints Luncheon
9 March 2020 Special Events
Reception & Lunch, Plus Music by Paul Weber The HSO was blessed with exceptionally good weather for this event as the Society Members and other attendees arrived, registered and chose their seats in “Borden Hall” (in its previous incarnation, the church’s “nave” or main area). The dining area, its pews…
John Reeder: Webmaster and Walker Extraordinaire Retires
9 March 2020 HSO News
Our website is a vital tool in the Society’s communications tool kit. It not only informs members of upcoming events and Society news, it is our prime means of disseminating information about the Society and interesting Ottawa historical stories to the general public. Its reach is global; we have visitors…

Upcoming Events

Apr 29 2020

1:00PM

POSTPONED: Before Bytown: Captain Burke & The Richmond Military Settlement

George A. Neville

May 13 2020

7:00PM

POSTPONED Lady Aberdeen's Call to Action: The Lasting Legacy of The May Court Club

Nancy Pyper

May 27 2020

1:00PM

POSTPONED AGM and Victor & Evie: British Aristocrats in Wartime Rideau Hall

Dorothy Phillips

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Ottawa Stories

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

old house

Lover's Walk
14 May 1938 When visitors come to Ottawa, they naturally gravitate to Parliament Hill to…
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The Queen's Plate
31 May 1872 The most famous and prestigious thoroughbred horse race in Canada is the…
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Julie Payette800

Our Patron

Julie Payette

The Governor General, Her Excellency, The Right Honourable Julie Payette, has kindly consented to be our Patron, continuing a tradition that began more than a century ago.

Learn More