PREVIOUS MEETINGS and events 2023-2014
2023
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A new exhibition, Unexpected! Surprising Treasures from Library and Archives Canada, features two visually intriguing masonic artifacts with equally intriguing histories. The first, a large oil-on-canvas “tracing board” (a detail of which is shown in the poster) used for instructing new initiates, once belonged to Rideau Lodge no. 25 in Burritts Rapids. Its history since the lodge purchased it in 1818 is straightforward, but its origins are obscure. Meanwhile, the second object, a printed leather apron, originated in Vermont in the early 1820s but there is a seventy-year gap in its story before an Ottawa civil servant acquired it in the 1890s. Research by Forrest Pass into the histories and mysteries of these two artifacts suggests that they have important stories to tell about relationship-building – fraternal, commercial, and familial – in nineteenth-century eastern Ontario.
Before scientific groundwater mapping, settlers in rural eastern Ontario relied on folk knowledge and homemade tools to find and bore wells for drinking water. Learn about how the dowsing rod and the well boring auger shaped popular understandings of the earth and water beneath your feet.
Forrest Pass is a public historian with interests in cultural and material history. He has curated exhibitions at the Canadian Museum of History and the City of Ottawa Museums and is presently a Curator in the Exhibitions and Online Content Division at Library and Archives Canada. His historical writing has appeared in a variety of magazines and journals, including Canada’s History, the Journal for Research into Freemasonry and Fraternalism, and Water History, where the research for this lecture recently appeared.
Forrest Pass is a public historian with interests in cultural and material history. He has curated exhibitions at the Canadian Museum of History and the City of Ottawa Museums and is presently a Curator in the Exhibitions and Online Content Division at Library and Archives Canada. His historical writing has appeared in a variety of magazines and journals, including Canada’s History, the Journal for Research into Freemasonry and Fraternalism, and Water History, where the research for this lecture recently appeared.
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Tradespersons - professional or amateur - play an important part in preserving architecture of old. Like the buildings themselves, the knowledge of building, maintaining and restoring traditional buildings will be lost without proper attention. Guest speaker Jim Stinson will discuss the importance of employing appropriate practices when working with built heritage, as well as the need to preserve buildings from the past instead of replacing them.
Jim Stinson is a practitioner of traditional woodworking and an advocate for the preservation of craft. He enjoys a teaching position in the Heritage Carpentry and Joinery program at Algonquin College in Perth, Ontario. Jim owns and operates a firm specializing in heritage carpentry and fine woodworking.
Jim Stinson is a practitioner of traditional woodworking and an advocate for the preservation of craft. He enjoys a teaching position in the Heritage Carpentry and Joinery program at Algonquin College in Perth, Ontario. Jim owns and operates a firm specializing in heritage carpentry and fine woodworking.
On 23 July 1923, almost exactly 100 years ago, G. Howard Ferguson was sworn in as Ontario's 9th Premier. Dr. David Shanahan will relate how this small-town boy, born into a political family in Kemptville went on to play a role on the national and international stage. The meeting was held on 8 March 2023, at 7:00 pm, at The History Hub, 148 Prescott Street, Kemptville
On September 13th our first speaker of the season was Michael Whittaker.
As a child, he often had a random find in his pocket. As an adult, he became more focused on different collectibles, but this talk focused on tools. One unusual tool found in an antique shop more than 30 years ago stimulated his collecting. Generally, old-fashioned, hand-forged bladed tools are his focus, and he is a firm believer one is not enough. With two, one can compare and contrast. More than two moves into the range of a study or collection. Consequently, he has slowly acquired small groups of similar tools for similar tasks. As form follows function, tools tell tales.
As a child, he often had a random find in his pocket. As an adult, he became more focused on different collectibles, but this talk focused on tools. One unusual tool found in an antique shop more than 30 years ago stimulated his collecting. Generally, old-fashioned, hand-forged bladed tools are his focus, and he is a firm believer one is not enough. With two, one can compare and contrast. More than two moves into the range of a study or collection. Consequently, he has slowly acquired small groups of similar tools for similar tasks. As form follows function, tools tell tales.
2022
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Our Annual General Meeting was held at 7:00 pm, 13 April 2022, at The History Hub, our brand new location at 148 Prescott Street, next door to Bubba & Buggs.
We were delighted to have Janet Carlile as our speaker. Her topic was "Lies your Grandmother Told You; Canadian Antiques." We learned more about heirlooms and antiques and the price they now bring in a declining market. Attendees were encouraged to bring one object per person and Janet them what she knew about it.
We were delighted to have Janet Carlile as our speaker. Her topic was "Lies your Grandmother Told You; Canadian Antiques." We learned more about heirlooms and antiques and the price they now bring in a declining market. Attendees were encouraged to bring one object per person and Janet them what she knew about it.
Our last public meeting was held on Wednesday, 12 October 2022. Our speaker was be Dr. Judith Klassen, an ethnomusicologist and curator of Cultural Expression at the Canadian Museum of History. In addition to research and collection development in areas of sound, puppetry arts, and other aspects of expressive culture, she is currently undertaking a research project that examines the complex and sometimes mythologized histories of popular music in Canada. She examined the many and varied ways this iconic musical instrument pushes boundaries and challenges convention, using examples from the guitar collection of the Canadian Museum of History.
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9 November 9, 2022
Based on a new book which documents the design, fitting, and voyages of HMS Terror, this presentation examined the fate of the Franklin Mystery through the lens of its sailing technology. Dr. Matthew Betts is an internationally recognised expert on Sir John Franklin’s ships, and is an active consultant with Parks Canada, which discovered the wrecks. He has contributed to major documentaries on the expedition and recently acted as an historical advisor for the first season of AMC’s major historical drama, The Terror. His model and plans of HMS Terror have been showcased in exhibitions at the National Maritime Museum, the Canadian Museum of History, and Mystic Seaport Museum. Dr Betts is currently a curator of archaeology at the Canadian Museum of History. |
2021
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14 July 2021
The main focus of the talk was on the survey of the Township of Oxford-on-Rideau and the attempt to form an aristocracy in Upper Canada through granting entire townships to individuals. |
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2020
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HERITAGE QUILT RAFFLE:
This beautiful Queen-size quilt was made by Donna Gould and Connie Parsons and is being raffled to raise funds for the North Grenville Historical Society. Tickets $5 each or 3 for $10 from any member of the Board or by email at [email protected].
We had an interesting meeting on Wednesday, February 12th. Ron Elmer took us down memory lane again, this time on a train. An extensive train traveller himself, Ron has put together a demonstration of what it was like to travel in varying levels of comfort and luxury on Canadian trains from the 19th century to the rather utilitarian transport of today. Ron will give everyone who attends a souvenir DVD of a rail trip. Don't miss this event. Doors open at 6:30 pm, refreshments at 7:00 pm, talk starts at 7:30. All welcome.
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2019
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10 April 2019
Based on a new book which documents the design, fitting, and voyages of HMS Terror, this presentation examined the fate of the Franklin Mystery through the lens of its sailing technology. Dr. Matthew Betts is an internationally recognised expert on Sir John Franklin’s ships, and is an active consultant with Parks Canada, which discovered the wrecks. He has contributed to major documentaries on the expedition and recently acted as an historical advisor for the first season of AMC’s major historical drama, The Terror. His model and plans of HMS Terror have been showcased in exhibitions at the National Maritime Museum, the Canadian Museum of History, and Mystic Seaport Museum. Dr Betts is currently a curator of archaeology at the Canadian Museum of History. |
2018
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September 2018
When the cornerstone was laid in 1907 for the New Anglican Parish Hall with Full Masonic honours, the world was a different place. Ron Gould unpacked the time capsule enclosed in the cornerstone, explored its message and how it related to the daily lives of those who left it for us. Special thanks to the Masonic Lodge for providing the space for the larger than usual crowds at this presentation. |
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10 October 2018
Why did Catholic Missionaries label Indigenous people? Why does it matter? Dr. Timothy Foran made a return visit to North Grenville to talk to us about this engaging topic. This presentation was based on his recently published book, Defining Métis; Catholic Missionaries and The Idea of Civilization in Northwestern Saskatchewan 1845-1898. Once again, Dr. Foran's visit proved to be quite memorable and brought about much lively discussion |
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13 June 2018
Daniel Spring explained how he ended up owning a 126-year-old church (St. Andrew's Presbyterian, Oxford Mills). some of the difficulties and research involved and how he and his partner made it a livable home. |
2017
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8 November 2017
Brandy Lockhart gave a stimulating and clear presentation on this subject to a capacity crowd. She is member of the Parks Canada Underwater Archaeology Team. Born in Saskatchewan, she has lived most of her life in the Ottawa-Gatineau area. In 2004 she completed a Bachelor of Science from McGill University with a double major in Biology and Anthropology. This was followed by a Masters in Maritime Archaeology from Flinders University in South Australia in 2006. After completing her Masters Brandy returned to Ottawa and began volunteering for the Parks Canada Underwater Archaeology Team and eventually worked as a term employee. At the end of the term she continued gaining experience as a terrestrial and underwater archaeologist with a private company and returned to Parks Canada in 2016. Through her work and volunteering Brandy has had the opportunity to participate in several interesting projects on archaeological sites such as the wrecks of the Hamilton and Scourge, the Red Bay National Historic Site of Canada and more recently the Franklin Project. 13 September 2017 What would make you decide to uproot your family, take the arduous journey across the Atlantic Ocean and start a new life in a strange land? Kay Rogers, local editor and co-author of At Home in Tay Valley, began her presentation by posing that question. What prompted people to leave their homes to start new lives in Eastern Ontario? Kay told us about the settlers’ first year, in 1816, the year of no summer, and how the Algonquin, the First Nations people who were here long before the settlers arrived, helped them survive in their new homeland. She painted a picture of the lives of the settlers at a time when there were work bees of all kinds and the fiddler was the focus of community gatherings, barn dances, fairs, and socials. |
14 June 2017
Just in time for the celebration of Canada's 150th Anniversary, the Canadian Museum of History is preparing to open a brand new exhibit hall, the Canadian History Hall. Dr. Tim Foran will give us a preview and talk about how the North Grenville Historical Society has been interacting with the national museum and how that relationship could evolve.
Just in time for the celebration of Canada's 150th Anniversary, the Canadian Museum of History is preparing to open a brand new exhibit hall, the Canadian History Hall. Dr. Tim Foran will give us a preview and talk about how the North Grenville Historical Society has been interacting with the national museum and how that relationship could evolve.
10 May 2017
Garth Hampson, who was to speak to us about the recent commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge was forced to cancel at the last minute due to health problems. Another speaker jumped in to save the day and spoke about the significant and often overlooked role played by contingents from nations across the British Empire in the First World War, including Canada's armed forces.
Garth Hampson, who was to speak to us about the recent commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge was forced to cancel at the last minute due to health problems. Another speaker jumped in to save the day and spoke about the significant and often overlooked role played by contingents from nations across the British Empire in the First World War, including Canada's armed forces.
12 April 2017
The history of coinage and currency is the subject of our next public meeting. Concentrating on our least valuable coin, the penny, Ron Gould will tell us the chequered story of this overlooked coin that once was worth having in your pocket, but has now vanished without a trace. He will go on to talk about other coins and paper currency, including counterfeiting and other murky bywaters of Canada's monetary past.
The history of coinage and currency is the subject of our next public meeting. Concentrating on our least valuable coin, the penny, Ron Gould will tell us the chequered story of this overlooked coin that once was worth having in your pocket, but has now vanished without a trace. He will go on to talk about other coins and paper currency, including counterfeiting and other murky bywaters of Canada's monetary past.
8 March 2017
As part of our celebration of Canada's 150th anniversary year, the Society historian will examine the role played by the Irish in the events which culminated in the decision of four British North American provinces to unite as the Dominion of Canada. The crest shown below on the poster is the one created in 1869, with the arms of Ontario (formerly Canada West) in the top left, Quebec (or Canada East) top right, Nova Scotia lower left and New Brunswick lower right. The gold irish harp on a blue background, introduced in 1945, is the official coat of arms of the independent Irish Republic (Eire)--an anachronism in 1867, but an aspiration very much on the minds of the Fenians and many other Irish patriots at the time.
As part of our celebration of Canada's 150th anniversary year, the Society historian will examine the role played by the Irish in the events which culminated in the decision of four British North American provinces to unite as the Dominion of Canada. The crest shown below on the poster is the one created in 1869, with the arms of Ontario (formerly Canada West) in the top left, Quebec (or Canada East) top right, Nova Scotia lower left and New Brunswick lower right. The gold irish harp on a blue background, introduced in 1945, is the official coat of arms of the independent Irish Republic (Eire)--an anachronism in 1867, but an aspiration very much on the minds of the Fenians and many other Irish patriots at the time.
2016
26 September 2016
At its Archives in the Court House and former Town Hall, the North Grenville Historical Society provided a historical look at technology in North Grenville, featuring period costume, hands-on demonstrations, information panels, artefacts and more. This was our contribution to the many events organized as part of Doors Open North Grenville.
The focus of our presentation was Horton Row, who was born in Kemptville in 1831. Using only hand-tools, he made and patented improved spinning wheels, click reels and more in his home-workshop. Like many Eastern Ontario craftsmen and tradesmen, he devoted himself to manufacturing and business in winter and farming during summer.
At its Archives in the Court House and former Town Hall, the North Grenville Historical Society provided a historical look at technology in North Grenville, featuring period costume, hands-on demonstrations, information panels, artefacts and more. This was our contribution to the many events organized as part of Doors Open North Grenville.
The focus of our presentation was Horton Row, who was born in Kemptville in 1831. Using only hand-tools, he made and patented improved spinning wheels, click reels and more in his home-workshop. Like many Eastern Ontario craftsmen and tradesmen, he devoted himself to manufacturing and business in winter and farming during summer.
Dr. David Shanahan will give two presentations marking the centenary of the 1916 Rising - one on March 9th, 2016 and the other on April 13th, 2016. Details have been provided by Dr. Shanahan. See below.
March 9th, 2016: The Irish Question
In 1912, it seemed that the Irish Question was on the point of being resolved. Home Rule seemed inevitable, and the wishes of the majority of Irish people were being fulfilled after many generations. But a decade later, Ireland was partitioned, and a new Free State had been established through most of the island, modelled on the Canadian Dominion. Those ten years had seen mutiny, insurrection, constitutional turmoil and all-out war. This first part of a two-part talk will cover the first part of the decade and examine why such an apparently hopeful scenario in 1912 was to lead to revolutionary changes in the very character of both Ireland itself and her place in the United Kingdom.
April 13th, 2016: A Terrible Beauty is Born: Easter 1916 and after
The Easter Rising of 1916 came as a profound shock to almost everyone in Ireland and Britain, and was to completely change the position of the Irish, as they saw themselves. Constitutional ways were overthrown by physical force and within five years a new and independent Ireland was to face a civil war as the forces unleashed by the revolutionary decade tore the people apart. New beginnings were matched by tragic losses, and the politics of the new state would be fixed for generations.
March 9th, 2016: The Irish Question
In 1912, it seemed that the Irish Question was on the point of being resolved. Home Rule seemed inevitable, and the wishes of the majority of Irish people were being fulfilled after many generations. But a decade later, Ireland was partitioned, and a new Free State had been established through most of the island, modelled on the Canadian Dominion. Those ten years had seen mutiny, insurrection, constitutional turmoil and all-out war. This first part of a two-part talk will cover the first part of the decade and examine why such an apparently hopeful scenario in 1912 was to lead to revolutionary changes in the very character of both Ireland itself and her place in the United Kingdom.
April 13th, 2016: A Terrible Beauty is Born: Easter 1916 and after
The Easter Rising of 1916 came as a profound shock to almost everyone in Ireland and Britain, and was to completely change the position of the Irish, as they saw themselves. Constitutional ways were overthrown by physical force and within five years a new and independent Ireland was to face a civil war as the forces unleashed by the revolutionary decade tore the people apart. New beginnings were matched by tragic losses, and the politics of the new state would be fixed for generations.
2014
12 November 2014
The Friends of the Ferguson Forest Centre and the North Grenville Historical Society held a joint meeting, immediately following the Friends' Annual General Meeting. The speaker was Society Historian, Dr. David Shanahan, who has been researching the history of the founding of the Centre and the role G.Howard Ferguson played in its coming to Kemptville.
The Friends of the Ferguson Forest Centre and the North Grenville Historical Society held a joint meeting, immediately following the Friends' Annual General Meeting. The speaker was Society Historian, Dr. David Shanahan, who has been researching the history of the founding of the Centre and the role G.Howard Ferguson played in its coming to Kemptville.
24 May 2014
In preparation for the publication of a book on the schools of South Gower, Kemptville and Oxford-on-Rideau, we held an open house and display during the Dandelion Festival at the Archives. The unexpected popularity of this event surprised us all. Many teachers and students came out to see what all the fuss was about and agreed to contribute their memories, photographs and school-related documents to the forthcoming book.
This project was led by volunteer Doug MacDonald.
In preparation for the publication of a book on the schools of South Gower, Kemptville and Oxford-on-Rideau, we held an open house and display during the Dandelion Festival at the Archives. The unexpected popularity of this event surprised us all. Many teachers and students came out to see what all the fuss was about and agreed to contribute their memories, photographs and school-related documents to the forthcoming book.
This project was led by volunteer Doug MacDonald.
9 April 2014
In the mid 17th century, eight Jesuits were killed during the war between the Hurons and the Iroquois. The echoes of these deaths can still be heard in the difficult dialogue between First Nations and other Canadians today. Ottawa University historian Emma Anderson talked about these events and their legacy. Copies of her recent book The Death and Afterlife of the North American Martyrs, which had an important influence on the recent “Canada Reads” winning novel, The Orenda, were sold at the event.
In the mid 17th century, eight Jesuits were killed during the war between the Hurons and the Iroquois. The echoes of these deaths can still be heard in the difficult dialogue between First Nations and other Canadians today. Ottawa University historian Emma Anderson talked about these events and their legacy. Copies of her recent book The Death and Afterlife of the North American Martyrs, which had an important influence on the recent “Canada Reads” winning novel, The Orenda, were sold at the event.