Preserving and promoting awareness in the history and heritage of the Gatineau Valley since 1962
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Special Event
The Birth of Chelsea:
History and Archaeology at O'Neil House - Free Admission
Tuesday, May 20, at 6:30 p.m, Chelsea Library (100, ch. Old Chelsea)
Presenters: Élisabeth Veyrat and Thierry Boyer
In 2008, two archaeologists bought a small red house along the 105, unaware that it had been the famous O'Neil Inn. This establishment is known for hosting the first municipal council meeting of Hull West, the future Chelsea, on March 1, 1875, and was an essential stopover between Bytown and Maniwaki for almost 100 years.
After 15 years of renovations and archaeological discoveries, the O'Neil House has been restored almost to its original appearance, and a lot has been learned. Built by Charles Kingsbury in 1853, then bought by Arthur O'Neil before 1891, it remained in his family until 2008, the second time the house was sold in its life.
The O'Neil House has much to tell about 150 years of Chelsea history through discoveries, anecdotes, and history.
Special Event
Saturday, May 31, 2025
Bus Excursion to: Kitigan Zibi Traditional Pow Wow
Everyone is welcome to this family-friendly event
Join us for an unforgettable day as we journey together to Maniwaki to experience Kitigan Zibi’s annual Pow Wow. Meet with Elder and GVHS President Gilbert Whiteduck at 1:30 PM.
Spaces are limited. $35/adult and $10 for 16 years or less. Payable in advance By e-transfer to finance@gvhs.ca
Contact: schwartzla@rogers.com or 613-762-1429. Sorry, no refunds available.
Departure Point #1: 11:00 a.m. Chelsea Elementary School, 74 ch Old Chelsea Road
Departure Point #2: 11:20 a.m. Centre Wakefield-La Peche, 28 ch. de la Vallee de Wakefield
Returning: 4:00 p.m. from Kitigan Zibi, with similar stops in Wakefield and Old Chelsea
For more information and updates on the Pow Wow, visit Kitiganzibi.ca
See poster
Événement Spécial
Samedi 31 mai 2025
Visite en bus à: Pow-wow traditional de Kitigan Zibi
Tout le mond est le bienvenu à cet événement familial
Rejoignez-nous pour une journée inoubliable alors que nous voyageons ensemble à Manwaki pour vivre l'expérience du pow-wow annuel de Kitigan Zibi. Rencontre avec le président de SHVG, Gilbert Whiteduck à 13h30.
Les places sont limitées. 35$/adult et $10/16 ans et moins. Payable à l’avance Virement électronique : finance@gvhs.ca
Contact : schwartzla@rogers.com or 613-762-1429. Désolé, aucun remboursement disponible.
Point de départ #1: 11h00 École primaire de Chelsea, 74 ch Old Chelsea
Point de départ #2: 11h20 Centre Wakefield-La Peche, 28 ch. de la Vallée de Wakefield
Retour à 16h00 de Kitigan Zibi, avec des arrêts similaires dans Wakefield et Old Chelsea
Pour plus d’informations sur le Pow Wow, visitez leur site Web : Kitiganzibi.ca
Voir l'affiche
Other Event
Cantley’s Historic Farmlands: a guided walk
with Bob and Hubert McClelland
Saturday, May 31, 10:30 am (rain date June7) ~ Chemin St-Andrew
Enjoy Cantley’s historic pastoral scenery.
Learn the stories and challenges of Cantley’s early farmers and the environmental significance of today’s heritage farmlands.
Everyone is welcome to this Cantley 1889 event.
To receive email updates about the walk, please register:
info.cantley1889@gmail.com
See poster
INVITATION
To The Launch Of Volume 51 Of Up The Gatineau!
La Fab Sur Mill, 8 Chemin Mill, Chelsea, Qc
Saturday, June 14, 2025 From 2:00 Pm To 4:00 Pm
You and your guests are invited to join the Gatineau Valley Historical Society and La Fab sur Mill for the official release of the latest volume of Up the Gatineau!
Please join us for light refreshments, a short ceremony starting at 2:30 PM and a chance to with meet this year’s Up the Gatineau! contributors editorial and production team members, as well as the GVHS board.
La Fab’s building will be open, including its artists’ boutique and art gallery, featuring a historical photo exhibit recognizing the 150th anniversary of the settlement of Chelsea.
Limited parking is available at the south end of the Marché Richelieu mall, 528 Route 105, and at St. Mary Magdalene Anglican Church, 537 Route 105, a short walk away.
RSVP Required by Monday June 9
to publications@gvhs.ca or Louise at 613-762-1429
See poster
Videos from recent speaker series posted on GVHS Facebook

April 26, 2025
A Thousand Years in a Word: An Interactive Journey Through Irish Language and History

April 9, 2024
The Irish of the Gatineau and Ottawa Valleys

November 22, 2023
Tessouat, Chief of the Kichsipperinin Algonquin-Anishinabe Nation

An Ancient Cultural Landscape in the Heart of the Capital Region


September 27, 2023
Challenges in the Protection and Conservation of Archaeological Resources In the National Capital Region
Pat Evans Archives
Chelsea Library downstairs
By appointment
Contact info@gvhs.ca.
New on website
St. Andrews United Church, Cantley. An Historical Sketch.
Establishment of a Methodist Mission 1876-1976 by Eirene McClelland.
Tributes - Gatineau personalities and historical events
A selection of articles and stories by Ernie Mahoney on people and places in the Gatineau Valley.