Ruth Hall-McMillan’s immense contributions to the Historical Society of Ottawa spanned four decades. Ruth passed away on December 8 2025, at the age of 93.

Inspired by Ottawa’s 150th anniversary in 1976, with the encouragement of HSO, Ruth produced a magnificent series of oil paintings, a collection called “The Rideau Canal Before 1900”. These works, featured in a solo exhibition at Ottawa City Hall, represented a meticulously researched visual record of the canal’s 19th century history.

In 1991, the HSO was honoured to publish a pamphlet by the same name, written by Ruth with narratives accompanying black & white reproductions of each of these wonderful oil paintings. (See Bytown pamphlet #37: The Rideau Canal Before 1900)

With the support of Ruth’s family, we are honoured to offer this digital exhibit of these paintings: Ruth Hall-McMillan - The Rideau Canal before 1900

Ruth’s late father, Bill Hall, had been Curator of the Bytown Museum during the long era when that was all still under the wing of the Historical Society of Ottawa.

Ruth, a lifetime member of the Historical Society of Ottawa, was a prolific painter whose work bridged the gap between fine art and historical preservation. Ruth had studied at Montreal’s Museum of Fine Arts under the tutelage of Group of Seven member Arthur Lismer and later graduated from the Famous Artists’ School in Westport, Connecticut.

A series of 27 oil paintings Ruth created for Canada’s Centennial year, in 1967, remain on display in the public library in Thorold, Ontario.

In addition, is the enduring legacy of Ruth’s contribution to the health and wellness community. Despite her own struggles with MS, Ruth was determined to give back. Upon learning from her neurologist that a support system was needed for those with Parkinson’s, she co-founded the Parkinson’s Disease Society of Ottawa-Carleton.

In 2012, Ruth was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in recognition for her 35 years’ service to the Parkinson’s community.

Our deepest condolences to Ruth’s family, and thank you Ruth for your life’s legacy and work.