Our members

The Beechwood Cemetery Foundation was established for the purpose of providing cultural, historical and conservation activities as part of its charitable mandate:  “for the beautification and maintenance of Beechwood Cemetery.”  Designated as the National Cemetery of Canada in 2009 by an Act of Parliament, this designation serves to make Beechwood a national place of tribute and remembrance for all Canadians.

The Billings family settled on the shores of the Rideau River in 1812 and took an active role in shaping the community as it evolved over time and until the 1970s when they left the estate.  This National Historic Site on 8 acres of green space is also home to one of Ottawa’s oldest community cemeteries where well-known Ottawa pioneers, such as the Evans, Brouse and Firth families, are laid to rest.

Black History Ottawa’s mandate is to increase the general public’s knowledge and appreciation of the history, culture, traditions and achievements of Canadians of African descent.

Founded in 1994, the British Isles Family History Society of Greater Ottawa (BIFHSGO) encourages family history research and its dissemination by people with ancestry in the British Isles. Join us at our monthly meetings at Ben Franklin Place in Ottawa.

The Bytown Fire Brigade is a non-profit Ottawa-based organization established on February 23, 1983, to serve the community as a local historical society. Throughout the years, Bytown Fire Brigade has worked to preserve firefighting artifacts and educate the local community on this important part of its history.

Located in the heart of downtown Ottawa, the Bytown Museum explores the stories of an evolving city and its residents from its early days as Bytown to present day Ottawa.

The ByWard Market is where Ottawa was born.  Established by Lt-Col. John By in 1826, the ByWard Market is one of Canada’s oldest and largest public markets.  The legendary builder of the Rideau Canal; Lt-Col. By himself laid out the street plan of the Market, designating George and York Streets to be extra wide to accommodate the horse-drawn carriages that brought foodstuffs to the market every day.

The ByWard Market is Ottawa’s number one tourist attraction, and is the premier destination for shopping, dining, arts, entertainment and professional services for residents and visitors. This area averages 50,000 visitors per weekend in the summer months. It is home to both a local farmers’ market and artisans, as well as over 600 independent businesses.