Join Us for Ottawa the Great – Barrack Hill Cemetery
- When: Thursday, February 27, 2025, from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
- Where: Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario
Delve into the remarkable story of Ottawa’s Barrack Hill Cemetery, a significant but long-forgotten burial ground that provides a unique glimpse into the lives of the city’s early settlers. Established in 1827, this cemetery was located near the site of Parliament Hill and served as a resting place for Ottawa’s pioneers, labourers, and soldiers during the construction of the Rideau Canal.
The cemetery was rediscovered in 2003 during excavation work near the Library and Archives Canada building. The remains of the individuals were exhumed and carefully studied, offering invaluable insights into their lives, struggles, and the city’s history. These individuals were eventually reinterred at Beechwood Cemetery, ensuring their stories live on as part of Ottawa’s heritage.
The evening’s speaker, Dr. Janet Young of the Canadian Museum of History, will share her research on this historic population and what their remains reveal about life in early 19th-century Ottawa. From insights into health and labour conditions to personal stories of resilience, the Barrack Hill Cemetery opens a window into a time that shaped the city we know today.
About Dr. Janet Young:
Dr. Young specializes in the study of human skeletal remains and has been working at the Canadian Museum of History since 1994. Her expertise lies in examining biomechanical and pathological changes in skeletons to uncover the activity patterns and health of past populations. Her research spans topics such as repatriation, forensics, and historical bioarchaeology.
Dr. Young holds an Honours BA in Archaeology and Ancient History from the University of Ottawa, an MSc in Human Osteology, Palaeopathology, and Funerary Archaeology from the University of Bradford, and a PhD in Population Health from the University of Ottawa.
Join us for this engaging evening to learn more about Ottawa’s early history and the journey of Barrack Hill Cemetery from forgotten burial ground to honoured memorial at Beechwood Cemetery.
