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

  • 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…

  • Top Judge’s Grandson Tells Court Tale

    4 September 2020 Speakers Presentations
    The second speaker at the HSO meeting on November 27, 2020, was Stephen McKenna. His grandfather, Patrick Kerwin, was a justice on the Supreme Court of Canada for 27 years, from 1935 until his death in 1963, the last nine years as Chief Justice. During this time, the Supreme Court…

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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.

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Photo credit: Sgt Johanie Maheu, Rideau Hall © OSGG-BSGG, 2017

Our Patron

Julie Payette

Badge of the Governor General of Canada

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.

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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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