It’s a national place of meetings, celebration, commemoration and learning: the capital of Canada is a magnificent place to learn about the history of our country! Located at the border between the provinces of Ontario and Quebec, Ottawa is a city where cultures and languages meet.
From July 7 to 13, one hundred student delegates from across Canada will present their Canadian heritage projects as Ottawa hosts the 2009 National Historica Fair!
During the week, delegates will participate in many activities showcasing the grand region of the National Capital. Among other places at the Parliament buildings, they will visit the House of Commons and the Library of Parliament. They will be extremely honoured to meet with the Speaker of the House of Commons!
The students will learn from the “Lest We Forget” workshop at Library and Archives Canada. On Parliament Hill, they will be illuminated by the Sound and Light show - experiencing the story of our vast country through original music, giant images and spectacular lighting effects. This will be an occasion to celebrate the soul, spirit, and heart of our bilingual and multicultural country.
Because the region of the National Capital region includes both Quebec and Ontario, delegates will visit both sides of the river to see with their own eyes the beauty and diversity of this exceptional area.
Our young historians will learn about military history at the Canadian War Museum and the National War Memorial. For the 250th anniversary of the Battle of the Plains of Abraham, the War Museum offers a new perspective on this historical event, which will be a chance for students to imagine the times that have so marked our history.
While exploring the city center, participants will walk in the Byward Market, where they will meet local artisans, find treasures to take home, and experience the rhythm and multiculturalism of the “real” Ottawa. Also downtown, the group will join a haunted tour. Beware: these glimpses into dark history and phantoms will fascinate locals and visitors alike!
The public is invited to the Canadian Museum of Civilization on July 9, between 9 am and 2 pm, when delegates will share their outstanding history projects with each other and the community during the highlight of the week, the National Fair Exhibition.
Be sure to check this site frequently throughout the week, as Alumni from previous National Fairs update it with stories of our young historians’ latest discoveries in Ottawa, our nation’s capital.
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