PO Box 523, Station B, Ottawa, ON, K1P 5P6
Slide 1 - With Welcome Message - Bottom

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.

Historical Society Articles

  • Gord Atkinson: Ottawa's Oldest Teenager

    17 September 2023 Speakers Presentations
    Almost 50 guests attended our first speaker presentation of the year, hosted by the Main Branch of the Ottawa Public Library on September 9, 2023. Prior to the presentation, Dianne Brydon, President of the British Isles Family History Society of Greater Ottawa took a few minutes to describe some of…

  • Phil Jenkin's History of Ottawa on Rogers TV

    2 September 2023 Society News
    Rogers TV kindly recorded the lecture series on Ottawa's history given by Phil Jenkins for the Historical Society of Ottawa in April 2023. The first episode will premiere on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at 7:30pm, with repeat broadcasts throughout the weekend.  Once an episode premieres, Rogers will post episodes on…

  • Phil Jenkins Lectures Series: The Arts in Ottawa - A Looking & Listening History

    1 August 2023 Society News
    Sorry, this event is full! Phil Jenkins, renowned historian, author, columnist, lecturer, musician, and songwriter will explore the musical and visual arts and architectural movement throughout our city's past. This will be a three part series, Saturday afternoons starting 1pm, at the Sunnyside Branch of the Ottawa Public Library on…

  • A Colourful Celebration of Anishinabe Heritage

    3 July 2023 Society News
    On Saturday June 3, 2023, members of the Historical Society of Ottawa accompanied the Gatineau Valley Historical Society on a bus trip to the Kitigan Zibi Pow Wow. Departing from Chelsea, Quebec, the bus trip stopped at the Centre Wakefield La Pêche for more pick-ups and proceeded to make its way…
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Upcoming Events

Sep 27 2023
7:00PM - Online via Zoom

Chief Pinesi and his Pursuit of Justice

Jim Stone

Oct 21 2023
1:00PM - Ottawa Public Library, Main Branch Auditorium

Animal Tales of Ottawa

Randy Boswell

Oct 25 2023
7:00PM - Online via Zoom

Phyllis Turner Ross: Career Women and Single Mother

Paul Litt & Christine Jackson

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Special Event

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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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