The Swords and Ploughshares Museum

10/15/2024

A Fenian plot to kidnap Queen Victoria's teenage son during his visit to Ottawa in October of 1869?

When 19-year old Prince Arthur (third son of Queen Victoria and a future Governor General of Canada) arrived in Ottawa on October 11, 1869, the young royal was on an extended visit to Canada as part of his military training.

(In fact, the following Spring, the Prince would earn his keep, helping to suppress a Fenian raid into Quebec's Eastern Townships and receiving a medal for his leadership in the military action.)

Prince Arthur's Fall arrival in Ottawa, however, 155 years ago today, was much more about pomp, parades than gala balls. Nevertheless, the Fenians were still top of mind, the real fear that the Fenians might attempt to kidnap the Queen's young son in exchange for the release of Fenian prisoners being held in Ireland and Canada.

(The Fenians were suspected of being behind the shocking Sparks Street assassination of Father of Confederation D'Arcy McGee the previous year.)

As things transpired, the closest thing to a "peril" experienced by Prince Arthur during that visit to Ottawa was the traditional crib ride down the Chaudiere Falls timber slide -- seemingly obligatory for all important visitors of that era. Joining the Prince for the thrill ride that day were Prime Minister John A. Macdonald and Mrs. Macdonald.

Learn more about this first of several visits that Prince Arthur would make to Ottawa, culminating four decades later when he earned the distinction of being the only member of the Royal Family ever to be appointed Governor General of Canada.

Follow this link to James Powell's latest release on his always fascinating "Today in Ottawa's History" blog:

https://todayinottawashistory.wordpress.com/2023/09/30/prince-arthur-comes-to-town

Image: Prince Arthur in Montreal in 1869, William Notman, LAC

09/25/2024

We were thrilled to host the Ottawa area 7th Annual Canadian Walk for Veterans this past weekend.

09/06/2024

I'm looking forward to seeing lots of old and meeting lots of new friends when the Museum hosts the 7th Annual Canadian Walk for Veterans on Saturday 21 September from noon to 1600 hrs.

Come and join us for a lovely walk and help raise funds for disabled veterans. 🫡🍁

https://canadianwalkforveterans.com/ottawa/

06/17/2024

Kyle Costa, Ken Scobie and I had a fun day at the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario in Smith's Falls today. We took four of our artefacts to display at their Father's Day event. The RMEO are fantastic hosts and guardians of railway history. We love collaborating with them and are looking forward to partnering on a 1940's Weekend in late September or early October. More to follow as we work out the details.

06/10/2024

Thinking about my wonderful fire team partner, Sam Samplonius as it is her birthday today. 🫶🎉🎂🥳🎊🍾🥂🥰

05/16/2024

The Canadian Memorial Torch.

The Canadian Remembrance Torch burned brightly at Beechwood National Military Cemetery following a Veterans Affairs Canada ceremony and a cadet-led Torch procession commemorating D-Day's upcoming 80th anniversary on June 6th.

05/14/2024

Ken Scobie and I had the pleasure of supporting the Canadian Memorial Torch lighting ceremony on Parliament Hill and at the National War Memorial this past Friday.

The Canadian Memorial Torch is the brain child of Karen Hunter of Hamilton and is carried, lit, from Canada to old battlefields in Europe as part of school, college and university students' pilgrimages to honour our fallen.

In a partnership with McMaster University, each year's Torch is designed and built by engineering students. This year's designer, Kyle (I missed his last name) was with the group. His amazing design includes etched glass panels set like turbine blades which causes the flame to whorl and rise to significant height within the torch. One panel's etchings feature the 100th anniversary symbol of the RCAF.🫡

On the way home, the Bofors, under tow by Ken, suffered a flat tyre just eight klicks from home. Special thanks to Kyle Costa and Justin Schmidt-Clever for assisting with the rescue!

05/14/2024

This arrived in the mail, yesterday.👍👍

04/30/2024

We had a great time at the premiere of "The Liberation Men" on Sunday evening!

https://www.facebook.com/share/r2JE6y89nNX8Cp7Q/?mibextid=oFDknk

04/14/2024

More awards for, "The Liberation Men"! Kudos to Danny and all the cast and crew!🫡🎉🎊🍁

04/13/2024

Jump on-line and book your tickets!
I'm looking forward to seeing folks on the 28th in Ottawa and the 5th in Smith's Falls.

"The Liberation Men film tickets are 60% SOLD OUT already. Book now to secure your spot to watch the WW2 drama film from Kolo Productions
Tickets on sale at www.koloproductions.ca