ASSOCIATION DU PATRIMOINE D’AYLMER / AYLMER HERITAGE ASSOCIATION (Organzations)




	8/1/2010 1:28:22 AM

ASSOCIATION DU PATRIMOINE D’AYLMER / AYLMER HERITAGE ASSOCIATION

Mission:

Association logo.
The Aylmer Heritage Association, a volunteer organization founded in 1974, works to promote the preservation and protection of Aylmer’s heritage, including its buildings, landmarks, natural environment, history and culture.

Objectives:
In keeping with its mission, the Association carries out the following activities:

--Archives: develops, maintains and makes available to the public, an archive relating to the heritage of Aylmer and the Outaouais;

--Research: engages in research projects to expand and enhance the knowledge of Aylmer’s heritage;

Old Hull Methodist Chapel, now home to the Aylmer Heritage Association.
(Photo: Matthew Farfan)
--Education and promotion: undertakes educational and promotional initiatives within the community to promote a better understanding of the value of heritage preservation both culturally and to the economy, including: publication and sale of popular books on local history and architecture; talks to elementary school children; displays in shopping centres; guided walking tours of Aylmer’s historic downtown core; periodic heritage house tours; etc.

--Municipal liaison: maintains close liaison with the municipal administration and the community on matters relating to the protection and preservation of Aylmer’s heritage, particularly with respect to proposed changes in zoning and architectural integration; and provides technical advice to owners of heritage properties.

Physical Description:

Exhibition rooms.
(Photo: Matthew Farfan)

The Association is housed in an historic building owned by the municipality, at 495 Aylmer Road - the Old Hull Township Methodist Chapel (1827) - understood to be Quebec’s oldest surviving church building west of Montreal. In 2004 and 2005, a major renovation was undertaken to upgrade and ensure the future security of the building and to provide appropriate space for the Association to operate a Heritage Archives & Exhibit Centre.

Collections:
The Association’s Archives house an increasing number of collections relating to the region’s diverse past.

In the archives.
(Photo: Matthew Farfan)

The Archives are open to the public and available for research by appointment. The Archives hold original records from the time of the settlement of Hull Township in 1800 as well as a diversity of documents and photographs which trace the growth of the region, including the records of the Gatineau Agricultural Fair; Aylmer Agricultural Fair; the prestigious Country Club which served the nation’s capital for close to 100 years; and major collections relating to local founding families.

Special Activities:
See mission / objectives, above.
Successes include: Aylmer has a wealth of some 500 heritage houses and buildings - the greatest number in Canada’s National Capital region - many of which were built before Confederation. As a result of the Association’s efforts and influence, a heritage bylaw was adopted by the municipality in 1991. The fact that the Aylmer Road, built in the early 1800s and the region’s last remaining heritage highway, still retains its original character with green spaces unspoiled by high-rise buildings and car dealerships, can be directly attributed to the Association’s vigilance and presence over the past 30 years. Additionally, much of what is locally known about Aylmer’s rich history and built heritage is a direct result of the highly readable and well illustrated books published by Aylmer Heritage Association.

Exhibitions: Until April 30, 2006, the Association is pleased to show “W.H. Bartlett’s Ottawa River” - an exhibit, on loan from the Pinhey’s Point Foundation, comprising the 22 prints which Bartlett sketched in 1838 between Chat Falls and the confluence of the Ottawa River with the St. Lawrence. Some 200 of Bartlett’s famous prints were subsequently published in London in 1842, in a two volume work entitled Canadian Scenery with text by N. Willis, a copy of which is on display.

Publications:

Historical display.
(Photo: Matthew Farfan)
Aylmer, Quebec: Its heritage, son patrimoine, by Diane Aldred, published by Aylmer Heritage Association - (3rd edition 1987): $15.00. Everyone’s guide to Aylmer’s past - more than 200 pages and as many photographs and illustrations. This bilingual book presents Aylmer’s history and features many of its early houses, with details on how they were built and who lived in them.

The Aylmer Road - an illustrated history, by Diane Aldred, published 1994 by Aylmer Heritage Association: $25.00. With more than 200 photographs, this book traces the history of the region’s last remaining heritage highway, from the centre of Hull to the entrance to Aylmer, since its beginnings in 1802.Read about the elegant mansions, the private clubs, golf clubs and night clubs that were Ottawa’s playground. A book to dip into for years to come.

From Conroy’s Inn to the British Hotel, by Richard M. Bégin, published 1993 by Aylmer Heritage Association: $10.00. 150 years in the life of Canada’s oldest surviving hotel and tavern west of Montreal. An overnight stop for steamboat travellers; scene of Aylmer’s first council elections in 1847; a country and western mecca in the 1960s - the British Hotel was at the centre of community activity. A wealth of stories with photographs and illustrations.

Discover Aylmer’s Heritage - a rich past, a promising future, by Enid Page and Lyne St-Jacques, published 1993 by Aylmer Heritage Association: $7.00. Written as a school textbook, this spiral bound book gives a lively account of early settlement and takes the reader on a walk along Aylmer’s main street, pointing out houses of historic or architectural interest as well as describing the kinds of work carried out by those who lived in them Suitable for adults and children alike (from grade 3).

**To order any of the above publications, please contact the Association.

Business Hours:
The Association’s office and Archives are usually open on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 10 am to 3 pm, or at other times by appointment. The Association is staffed by volunteers. If you are coming from afar, we suggest you telephone ahead to make sure the office will be open.

Fees:
Membership is by calendar year:
$20.00 (family); $15.00 individual; $10.00 senior / student; $50.00 corporate and group.

English:

Yes

French:

Yes

Address:
Address: Old Hull Township Methodist Church building, 495 Aylmer Road (corner Golf Street), Gatineau (Aylmer), QC.
Mailing address: Aylmer Heritage Association, P. O. Box 476, Gatineau, QC J9H 5E7.

Telephone:

(819) 684-6809

Fax:

(819) 684-6480

Email:

heritage.aylmer@ca.inter.net