Following in depth renovations to its constructing, reveals, and programming, Bellevue Home Nationwide Historic Web site now welcomes guests to discover its enriched portrayal of Canada’s first prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald.
In the present day, on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Setting and Local weather Change and Minister answerable for Parks Canada, Mark Gerretsen, Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands, together with Rodrick Daniel Maracle, Chief of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, introduced the reopening of Bellevue Home at a ceremonial occasion in Kingston, Ontario.
The newly enhanced expertise invitations guests to delve into Sir John A. Macdonald’s pivotal function in forming the Dominion of Canada, his actions as prime minister, and the enduring legacies of the Victorian system in Kingston and Canada from the 1840s via Confederation.
Parks Canada collaborated with Indigenous companions, culturally various neighborhood members, historic and conservation specialists, and different stakeholders to develop inclusive exhibit content material. This collaborative effort has resulted in a extra complete interpretation of the previous. Via self-guided or guided excursions and particular occasions, guests can have interaction with tales that replicate the various lives of individuals within the 1800s, together with Indigenous, racialized, working-class, and upper-class people. Themes of wealth and energy, outstanding achievements, and private loss are interwoven with points corresponding to colonial enlargement, racism, misogyny, and exploitation.
Understanding Canada’s shared historical past is an ongoing course of, and Bellevue Home Nationwide Historic Web site provides new alternatives for these inquisitive about participating with the previous. Go to Bellevue Home this summer season to expertise historical past, hear many voices, replicate on Sir John A. Macdonald’s complicated legacy, and be part of the dialog about Canada’s first prime minister.
Quotes
“Sir John A. Macdonald’s legacy is complex, and the new exhibits at Bellevue House National Historic Site explore historical conflicts and controversies from many viewpoints, leading to a greater understanding of Canadian society today. Bellevue House provides a space where people living can learn from a variety of perspectives on Canada’s history and share their own stories.”
The Honourable Steven Guilbeault,
Minister of Setting and Local weather Change and Minister answerable for Parks Canada
“The City of Kingston has a long and prominent place in Canada’s history. As the first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald is intimately connected to Canada’s past, which, like all history, is filled with conflict and struggle, as well as moments of inspiration and achievement. I invite all Canadians to visit Bellevue House and to participate in one of the thought-provoking programs being offered. Exploring many viewpoints of Macdonald can lead to a greater understanding of issues that continue to influence Canadian society today.”
Mark Gerretsen,
Deputy Home chief of the federal government and Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands
“Macdonald did not start residential schools, but under his leadership they expanded. Confederation did not create a country through friendship, peace or mutual respect with the Indigenous Peoples that lived here long before Europeans knew of this continent. Macdonald expanded Canada while his government failed to meet treaty obligations with Indigenous Nations. Macdonald supported oppression of Indigenous Peoples’ identity; their language, spirituality, the places they came from were stripped from them. Canadian history books were written to glorify colonialism and European development, devalued how Indigenous Peoples lived in harmony with the land, and did not address the injustices they experienced. The new exhibits at Bellevue House provide a place where truths of Macdonald are able to be fully discussed, and I hope many will choose to visit and learn more.”
Rodrick Donald Maracle,
Chief of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte
Fast Info:
- In 2024, Bellevue Home is open to the general public Thursday via Monday from Could 18 to June 30, seven days every week from July 1 to September 2, and Thursday via Monday from September 3 to October 14.
- The structural restoration of Bellevue Home included a totally new roof, up to date electrical techniques and wiring, repaired plaster ceilings, restored flooring, and refreshed partitions, paneling, and moldings.
- That is the primary complete evaluate and revitalization of the home’s reveals and programming since 1967.
- Sir John A. Macdonald lived at Bellevue Home in 1848-49, early in his political profession because the member for Kingston within the Legislative Meeting of the Province of Canada.
- Bellevue Home is a notable Canadian instance of Italianate structure within the Picturesque fashion, positioned in an early suburb of Kingston.
- As a part of the Framework for Historical past and Commemoration: Nationwide Historic Websites System Plan 2019, Parks Canada is reviewing present designations and plaque texts, recognizing the evolving nature of historic interpretations.
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