Working to preserve Ottawa's past
for future generations.
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Publications and Presentations
Did you have a story to share about the history of Ottawa? Would you like to publish or present with the Historical Society of Ottawa? HSO looks at topics within the Ottawa-Gatineau area and the Ottawa Valley. We are dedicated to highlighting the diverse experiences of Indigenous peoples, racialized groups, underrepresented communities (including but not limited to: children/youth, low income/in poverty, women, elder, etc.), 2SLGBTQI+ groups, and others, who continue to enrich our communities. We have many options for you, presented below.
French Presentations/Publications
We offer publications and a series of conferences in French. You can contact Christine (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) for more details.
Speaker's Series
We host over a dozen Speaker's Series sessions each year, either in person at the Ottawa Public Library or virtually on Zoom, each being about one hour followed by a Q&A session. You can contact Scheherazade at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information. Past sessions are outlined in the meetings section of our website and recordings available via our YouTube channel.
Memory Project
The HSO’s Memory Project is an initiative designed to preserve and celebrate the history of our community and its members. This project aims to collect, digitize and preserve the personal stories, photographs and documents of those who call, or have called, Ottawa home.
Through this project, we hope to preserve these stories for future generations and to provide accessible, educational resources for all those interested in learning more about the history of our city. By celebrating our shared history, we're building a stronger, more connected community where everyone's story is valued and remembered.
If you have a story you’d like to share, please reach out to Sadie and John atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and you can view the stories on the Memory Project page of our website.
Social Media
We have active Facebook and Instagram pages. Ben (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) can help you there if you wish to make a post or simply join us and jump with your comments on our posts on social media!
Quarterly Newsletter
For content that is roughly of a page or two, we have the Capital Chronicle newsletter which Richard spearheads (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ). You can read past issues on the newsletters section of our website.
Blog
Are you a historian, heritage professional or member of the public who is actively engaged in historical research related to the Ottawa area? Interested in sharing your research in a shorter (500-1000 words) blog format? The HSO blog team would love to hear from you! Full details and past blog posts can be viewed on the Blog page of our website.
The HSO blog team would also love to hear from student bloggers. As an extension of the HSO blog platform, The Student Corner gives students a space to showcase their knowledge of the history of the Ottawa area through blogging. More information can be found on the Student Corner page of our website.
If you are interested in writing for us, please get in touch with Kirsten by emailing: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Pamphlet Series
Is your story or research between 10 to 60 pages, with or without photographs, that you would like to see published? HSO has been publishing a pamphlet series for over 40 years and we have well over 100 titles. You can read digital versions of them in the Bytown Pamphlets section of our website.
HSO can offer some assistance with editing and we do all the formatting. Pamphlets are assigned an ISBN (International Standard Book Number) from Library and Archives and HSO deposits copies there, at the Ottawa Public Library, and at the City of Ottawa Archives, which adds a veritable permanence to your work.
We print over 150 copies of the pamphlets and distribute them to our members along with electronic access to the public. Contact Erik at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.
Other Options
For Ottawa Stories, featured interactive publications, multimedia, or anything else you would like to pitch, please send Erik an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
If you have questions, you can always reach us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
We look forward to hearing from you!
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For thousands of years before colonial times, the members of Indigenous communities travelled from far and wide to gather at the meeting of the three rivers: the Ottawa, the Gatineau, and the Rideau; from the Chaudière Falls to the mouth of the Gatineau River.
This area is rich in natural resources — plants, animals, and fish, and also provided a convenient meeting place for trade and communication among communities.
Of special significance are the burial place at Hull Landing and the Chaudière Falls, a sacred place for meeting and sharing in ceremonies.
The burial grounds in the Ottawa-Gatineau corridor including Hull Landing were important for rituals of respect and bonding with the landscape. Victoria Island, located under the Portage Bridge, continues to provide this sacred space to local and visiting Indigenous people.
The National Capital Region, which includes the city of Ottawa, remains unceded Algonquin-Anishnaabeg territory.
We encourage our members and guests to reflect on this, our connected history, and ways we can contribute to reconciliation.
Charles Ramus Forrest Chat Falls, Lake Chaudière on the Ottawa 1822
Source: HSO Member Margaret Back’s summary of Canadian Museum of History Archeologist (retired) Jean-Luc Pilon’s April 2017 presentation to our Society.
HSO's Declaration on Diversity of Perspective 2021 (updated)
HSO's Acknowledgement
The Historical Society of Ottawa's mission, since its founding in 1898, has been to preserve and increase public knowledge of our local history.
We acknowledge that, in pursuing this mission, we have often done so within a narrow cultural perspective that has not always been inclusive of the equally important perspectives of those among us of different race, national or ethnic origin, mother tongue, colour, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.
We are dedicated to highlighting the diverse experiences of Indigenous peoples, racialized groups, under-represented communities (including but not limited to children/youth, low income/in poverty, women, elderly, etc.), 2SLGBTQI+ groups, and others, who continue to enrich our communities.
HSO's Commitment
- HSO shall do its utmost to ensure that our presentations, publications, and activities consider diverse cultural perspectives and address past and present injustices.
- In further support of this commitment The Historical Society of Ottawa officially recognizes and embraces the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent (2015-2024)
In doing so, The Historical Society of Ottawa acknowledges the roles that the slave trade, colonialism, systemic racism, and civil and human rights violations have played in our history and which continue to resonate in present times.
The Historical Society of Ottawa gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of Ontario through its Heritage Organization Development Grant Program, and the City of Ottawa through its Heritage Funding Programs.
The Historical Society of Ottawa is a member of the Capital Heritage Connexion which is an umbrella organization serving heritage organizations in the Ottawa area. Heritage Day, organized by Capital Connexion, is a signature event where heritage groups gather to network and share heritage information with the public.
Central to the life of The Historical Society of Ottawa is our volunteers. Being 100 per cent volunteer operated, the Society is totally dependent on its member volunteers for all facets of its operations. If you love history and would like to get involved, we have a job for you!
By volunteering with the Society, you will be helping to preserve and share Ottawa’s rich historical heritage. You will also be using your special skills, working with interesting people who share a passion for history.
Possibilities for helping are endless. We need people of diverse backgrounds and abilities for the Society to function effectively.
If you would like to get involved, or would like to find out more about volunteer opportunities with the Society, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or speak to one of the Society’s directors.
We look forward to meeting you!
Lady Minto
Topley Studio, Library and Archives Canada, 3810248Since the founding of what was then called the Women’s Canadian Historical Society of Ottawa in 1898, the Society has always had a close relationship with Rideau Hall There is a belief that Lady Aberdeen, the wife of the 7th Earl of Aberdeen who was Canada’s Governor General from 1893 to1898, was the Society’s first patron. However, while we know that she took a close interest in the fledgling organization, her patronage was likely unofficial as she and her husband returned to Britain just a few days after the first regular meeting of the Society.
For certain, Lady Minto, the wife of the 4th Earl of Minto who succeeded Lord Aberdeen, consented to become the patron of the Society in February 1899. For more than fifty years, the wives of succeeding Governors General continued this practice. In more recent decades, Governors General themselves have fulfilled this role, continuing a tradition of more than a hundred and twenty years of vice-regal patronage.
Heritage Day
Heritage Day is part of Heritage Week, a nation-wide celebration that encourages all Canadians to explore their local heritage, to get involved with stewardship and advocacy groups, and to visit museums, archives, and places of significance. Heritage Day is a time to reflect on the achievements of past generations and to accept responsibility for protecting our heritage.
Ottawa Regional Heritage Fair
Aimed at students in Grades 4-10, the Fairs inspire young people to explore the many aspects of Canadian history, heritage and culture in a dynamic learning environment and to celebrate the results of their efforts at a public exhibition.
Colonel By Day
Colonel By Day takes place on the holiday Monday in August each year, close to the Colonel’s birth date of August 7, 1779. This popular summer event named in Colonel By’s honour celebrates Ottawa’s history and heritage with open air events, walking tours and a host of family friendly, heritage-themed activities.
BIFHSGO Annual Conference
"Genealogy always reminds me of a treasure hunt: we use our investigative skills to find the genealogical nuggets left behind about our ancestors. BIFHSGO’s annual conference provides a wonderful opportunity to advance one’s knowledge, expand one’s skills and meet a community of like-minded people."
– BIFHSGO Past President Duncan Monkhouse
Questions, queries, suggestions, comments? We'd love to hear from you!
The Historical Society of Ottawa
Box 523, Station "B",
Ottawa, ON
K1P 5P6
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The Society shall publish reports in its Bytown Pamphlet Series on research which meets the Society’s objectives, and is either required of students under awards supported by the Society, or unsolicited from members or non-members, subject to passing an editorial review process approved by majority vote of the Board and to priorities dictated by the Society’s objectives and resources.
One copy of each report shall be distributed to each member in good standing as of its date of publication; others may buy copies at a price to be determined by a majority vote of the Board. Two copies of each published Bytown Pamphlet shall be sent to Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa, Ontario for legal deposit and registration under ISBN and ISSN. Two copies shall be deposited in the Historical Society of Ottawa holdings at the City of Ottawa Archives.
All manuscripts should be submitted to the Director for Publications or the Publications Committee. In accordance with the Copyright Act (R.S.C. 1970, c C-30, s.5), ownership of this intellectual material remains with the author for life plus 50 years, unless signed away to someone else. HSO published formats are copyright of the HSO and shall only be reproduced with the consent of the Director for Publications or the Publications Committee. A copyright release, as follows and also available from the Publications Committee, shall also require authors to assume responsibilities to verify the copyright status of quotations and illustrations which they have provided for use in their reports, and to ensure appropriate citation of sources.
For inquiries regarding publications, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Copyright Release
The Historical Society of Ottawa
Publications Committee
The Historical Society of Ottawa,
Postal Box 523, Station B, Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5P6
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Contributor’s Certification
Manuscript Title ________________________________________________________
Publication Title ________________________________________________________
I certify that:
I have acquired permission to reproduce any previously copyrighted material which I have provided for use in my manuscript including, inter alia , sources, quotations and illustrations for which I have given accurate citation in the manuscript;
I agree to transfer to The Historical Society of Ottawa (HSO) publishing rights to the manuscript: that is, without relinquishing my proprietary rights as author, I transfer to HSO the rights to reproduce and distribute the article in HSO format, including figures and graphic reproductions, and the right to adapt the manuscript to conform to HSO publishing standards; and
(Please strike out one):
I agree that the article may be reprinted or copied for non-profit use by individuals and organizations without my written permission, providing proper credit is given to the source of the item
or
I require that the article should be accompanied by the copyright symbol (©) denoting that
the article may not be printed or copied without my written permission.
Signature: ____________________________________
Printed Name: ____________________________________
Date: _______________________
Personal Information Protection Policy and Guiding Principles
Super UserThe Historical Society of Ottawa is hereafter referred to as HSO.
HSO is committed to respecting the privacy of its members and their families by adhering to the privacy principles set forth in Schedule 1 of the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act. Those principles are:
Principle 1. Accountability
The Board is accountable for compliance with this policy. The President is responsible for the management of the policy, including the guiding principles. The President can be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Principle 2. Identifying Purposes
HSO only collects personal information necessary to provide a volunteer program and to meet the individual development needs of each member. Name, address and other contact information concerning membership and event registration form a permanent record for members. All other information is kept only as long as required to fulfill the purposes identified, unless permission is obtained from the individual providing the information.
Principle 3. Consent
All members and non-members will have the ability to consent to the uses of their personal information. A person grants, through the act of registering for membership or other events, consent to the use of personal information by Board members and those HSO members designated by the Board, for the purposes of providing members with HSO publications, informing members of HSO activities, and for analysis. Signing membership or registration forms or registering online will be considered consent. HSO will assume consent is granted unless a member indicates otherwise.
Principle 4. Limiting Collection
HSO will explain the purpose for collecting each piece of personal information. If it is necessary to use the personal information collected for a purpose not identified when the information was collected, consent for the new use will be obtained from members.
Principle 5. Limiting Use, Disclosure and Retention
HSO will use the personal information obtained from members and non-members only for the purposes for which it was collected, and will not disclose the information for other purposes except as noted in Principle 3, Consent, or as required by applicable law. All personal information provided to HSO will be maintained in a secure manner to ensure that its use is limited to the purposes for which it was collected. Name, address and information concerning membership and or registration will be retained by HSO permanently. Other personal information will be retained by HSO for whatever periods are required by legislation governing our operation and/or the information provided, after which time the information will be destroyed in a secure manner (unless consent is given to keep information for a longer period). If there is no legislative requirement to retain other information it will be kept for 24 months from the time it was provided.
Principle 6. Accuracy
Members will have the ability to view and review data provided on their application for membership at any time. Individuals may on presentation of a document establishing their identity to the President, be able to find out whether personal information is on file with HSO, and if so consult it free of charge. A request may also be made in writing or by telephone to view information. A charge may apply for the transcription, reproduction, or transmission of the information.
Principle 7. Safeguards
HSO will assess and implement appropriate measures to properly protect personal data. These measures will be subject to independent audit to ensure their effectiveness.
Principle 8. Openness
This policy and the following processes and procedures for obtaining access to personal information will be available to any individual through the HSO web site, and in the compilation of HSO bylaws, policies and procedures. If any individual has a question regarding personal information, it may be directed to the President at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Principle 9. Individual Access
Individuals will have access to their personal information provided on the application for membership at any time. On request to the President, an individual will be informed of the existence, use and any disclosure of their personal information, and will be given access to view that information. An individual may challenge the accuracy and completeness of the information, and have it corrected or amended as appropriate.
Principle 10. Challenging Compliance
Individuals may challenge the compliance of HSO with this policy by contacting the President. Procedures will be established to deal with an individual’s concern in an appropriate and timely fashion.
Definitions:
- Member: an individual that has completed an application for membership, has been accepted for membership , has paid the annual membership fee for the current year and has been granted a membership for a current one-year period or holds a Life membership;
- Non-Member: an individual who attends or registers for an event or activity sponsored by HSO but is not a member;
- Individual: refers to a member or non-member.
A motion is a proposal that the entire membership take action or a stand on an issue. An Individual Member can:
- Propose a Motion;
- Second Motions;
- Debate motions;
- Vote on motions.
There are four Basic Types of Motions:
- Main Motions: The purpose of a main motion is to introduce items to the membership for their consideration. They cannot be made when any other motion is on the floor, and yield to privileged, subsidiary, and incidental motions;
- Subsidiary Motions: Their purpose is to change or affect how a main motion is handled, and is voted on before a main motion;
- Privileged Motions: Their purpose is to bring up items that are urgent about special or important matters unrelated to pending business;
- Incidental Motions: Their purpose is to provide a means of questioning procedure concerning other motions and must be considered before the other motion.
Presentation of a Motion
- Obtaining the floor:
- Wait until the last speaker has finished;
- Wait until the Chairman recognizes you;
- Rise and address the Chairman by saying, "Mr. Chairman, or Mr. President."
- Make Your Motion:
- Speak in a clear and concise manner;
- Always state a motion affirmatively. Say, "I move that we ..." rather than, "I move that we do not ...";
- Avoid personalities and stay on your subject.
- Wait for Someone to Second Your Motion:
- Another member will second your motion or the Chairman will call for a second:
- If there is no second to your motion it is lost.
- The Chairman States Your Motion:
- The Chairman will say, "it has been moved and seconded that we ..." Thus placing your motion before the membership for consideration and action;
- The membership then either debates your motion, or may move directly to a vote;
- Once your motion is presented to the membership by the chairman it becomes "assembly property", and cannot be changed by you without the consent of the members.
- Expanding on Your Motion:
- The time for you to speak in favor of your motion is at this point in time, rather than at the time you present it;
- The mover is always allowed to speak first;
- All comments and debate must be directed to the chairman;
- Keep to the time limit for speaking that has been established;
- The mover may speak again only after other speakers are finished, unless called upon by the Chairman.
- Putting the Question to the Membership:
- The Chairman asks, "Are you ready to vote on the question?";
- If there is no more discussion, a vote is taken;
- On a motion to move the previous question may be adapted.
Voting Policy
This Voting Policy applies to all HSO formally constituted meetings of the Membership and of the Board.
When the Chair calls for a vote, abstentions shall not be called for since an abstention is meaningless. "To 'abstain' means not to vote at all." (Robert's Rules, 11th ed., p 45). Unless there is good reason not to vote, all present should vote on all resolutions.
Notwithstanding that it is the duty of every eligible voter who has an opinion on a question to express it by a vote; the individual can abstain, since voting cannot be compelled. (Robert's Rules, 11th ed., p 407).
Remaining Silent.
The burden is on an abstaining individual to speak up in order to be recorded as an abstention. If the vote is called for and any individual fails or refuses to indicate "yes," "no" or "abstain," the Chair of the meeting shall deem the individual to have voted a " silent yes" and if the silent individual does not object, the vote shall be counted as a "yes" vote.
A block of recorded abstentions cannot defeat a resolution as a recorded abstention is not a vote unless, reductio ad absurdum, all eligible voters record their abstention.
Application to HSO Votes
- For an Ordinary (Majority) Resolution, if 51% of the eligible votes* cast are “yes” including “silent yes” votes, the motion is carried.
- For a Special Resolution, if 67% of the eligible votes* cast are “yes” including “silent yes” votes, the motion is carried.
- For an Extraordinary Resolution (including to approve the conduct of a Review Engagement), if 80% of the eligible votes cast* are “yes” including “silent yes” votes, the motion is carried.
- For a Unanimous Vote ( required of the Board to discipline a Member) , a recorded abstention shall defeat the motion
* This includes the Chairman’s privilege to cast a second vote in the event of a tied vote.
Required Abstentions for Directors
- Whenever a Director believes he/she has a conflict of interest, that Director shall abstain from voting on the issue and make sure the abstention is noted in the minutes. (Robert's Rules, 11th ed., p 407).
- A Director shall abstain when he/she believes that there is insufficient information to make a decision and make sure the abstention is noted in the minutes.
- A Director shall abstain when a motion directly affects his/her position, nomination or personal benefit and make sure the abstention is noted in the minutes.
- Unless the above clauses 1, 2, or 3 are invoked, a Director shall cast votes on all issues put before the Board. Failure to do so could be deemed a breach of fiduciary duties.
The Historical Society of Ottawa Constitution and By-Law#1
Super UserUPDATED at the 2023 Annual General Meeting held June 25, 2024:
The constitution of the Historical Society of Ottawa: The Historical Society of Ottawa Constitution and By-Law#1 (PDF document)
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