HomeThe Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada has designated almost 50 sites and personalities as worthy of national recognition in the Capital region. The Board was founded in the wake of the First World War, its original purpose being to identify and mark sites of national historic significance. Around 300 bronze plaques were placed in the first 20 years (mostly emphasizing military history, exploration and politics). By 1955, however, attention was turning more to built heritage, to preservation and reconstruction, and for the first time buildings were recognized for their age, architectural design or historic associations with an event or person. Recently, in response to changing public concerns, the Board has begun to recognize social and economic themes and people (with increasing attention being paid to women, Aboriginal peoples and other Canadian communities).
In all, there are 26 national historic sites in the Capital region, five of which belong to the NCC, as well as 26 persons of national historic significance for which plaques have been installed throughout the region. In addition, 12 events or other types of Historic Sites and Monuments Board designations have been commemorated in the Capital region. Finally, there are three graves of national importance; they belong to former prime ministers of Canada.
Related Links