New exhibits and extensive restoration completed at former Sir
John A. Macdonald residence.
KINGSTON, ON, May 18, 2024
/CNW/ - Following an extensive renewal of the building and its
exhibits and programming, Bellevue House National Historic Site
welcomes visitors to explore this historic site that tells broader,
more inclusive stories about Canada's first prime minister, Sir John
A. Macdonald.
Today, on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister
of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for
Parks Canada, Mark Gerretsen, Member
of Parliament for Kingston and the
Islands, along with Rodrick Daniel
Maracle, Chief of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte,
announced the reopening of Bellevue House at a ceremonial event
held in Kingston, Ontario.
The new experience invites visitors to explore Sir John
A. Macdonald's role in forming the Dominion of Canada, and his actions as prime minister, and
to understand the lasting legacies of the Victorian system that
existed in Kingston and in
Canada from the 1840s through
Confederation.
Parks Canada formed working
groups with Indigenous partners, culturally diverse members of
Kingston and area communities,
historical and conservatory experts, and other collaborators
to share stories and develop new exhibit content. As a result, the
new presentation of the historic house provides a more inclusive
interpretation of the past. Through self-guided or guided tours and
special events and programming, visitors are encouraged to engage
with stories that reflect the diverse lives lived in the 1800s,
including those of Indigenous, racialized, working-class, and
upper-class individuals. Themes of wealth and power, incredible
achievements and feats of engineering, and personal loss and
tragedy, are interwoven with issues such as colonial expansion,
racism, misogyny, and exploitation.
Understanding Canada's shared
history is an ongoing process, and Bellevue House National Historic
Site offers new opportunities for those interested in engaging with
the past. Visit Bellevue House National Historic Site this summer
to experience history, engage with many voices, reflect on the
complex legacy of Sir John A. Macdonald, and join the
conversation 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
Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible 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 House leader of the
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
Quick Facts
- In 2024, Bellevue House is open to the public Thursday through
Monday from May 18 to June 30; open 7
days a week from July 1 to Sept 2;
and open Thursday through Monday from September 3 to October 14.
- The structural restoration of Bellevue House included the
installation of a completely new roof, updating all electrical
systems and wiring, repairs to the original plaster ceilings,
restoration of the floors, and a refresh of all the
walls, panelling, and mouldings.
- This is the first time since 1967 that exhibits and programming
in the house have undergone a complete review and
revitalization.
- Sir John A. Macdonald lived at
Bellevue House in 1848-49, when he was at the beginning of his
political career as the member for Kingston in the Legislative Assembly of the
Province of Canada.
- The historic Bellevue House is an outstanding Canadian example
of Italianate architecture in the Picturesque style, situated
in an early suburb of Kingston.
- As part of the Framework for History and Commemoration:
National Historic Sites System Plan 2019, Parks Canada is reviewing
existing designations and their plaque texts. The HSMBC
recognizes that historical interpretations of the past are
constantly evolving and that it needs to be attentive and
responsive to these shifts.
Associated document
Backgrounder: Bellevue House National Historic Site: Built
Heritage Restoration and Visitor Experience Renewal
Related Links
- Bellevue House National Historic Site
- Sir John A. Macdonald – Historic
Sites and Monuments Board of Canada
- Parks Canada mobile
application
- Parks Canada website
SOURCE Parks Canada (HQ)