You are here

Home » Bellevue House National Historic Site Promises A More Complete Telling Of Controversial Story

Bellevue House National Historic Site Promises A More Complete Telling Of Controversial Story

Share
By NPT Staff - July 24th, 2023

Bellevue House National Historic Site in Kingston has a new management plan.

Bellevue House National Historic Site in Kingston has a new management plan/Parks Canada

Bellevue House National Historic Site has a new management plan that promises an evolving understanding of the controversial legacy of Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada' first prime minister and the politician who helped to create residential schools that forcibly separated Indigenous children from their families and sent them to boarding schools where they were often abused and humiliated.

This Kingston, Ontario site tells the many sides of one of Canada’s founding fathers and the way that Confederation, Canadian institutions that he created and policies enacted by his government continue to touch and influence the everyday lives of Canadians.

“Sir John A. Macdonald is an integral part of Canada’s history and Bellevue House is a historic symbol of that story,” the Bellevue House Community Advisory Committee said in a news release. “However, we need a more complete picture of the man’s legacy — a picture that includes everyone.”

Bellevue House promises to tell broader, more inclusive stories through an engaging approach to sharing Canada’s history — including the difficult periods of Canada’s past — through diverse, wide-ranging and sometimes complex perspectives.

Key strategies in the new plan include:

• Committing to leading an open and ongoing dialogue and presenting a range of perspectives surrounding the development of Canada and Macdonald’s role in it.

• Increasing the site’s involvement in community events and local initiatives to open up opportunities for new partnerships and stronger collaboration.

• Continuing to modernize experiences to be more inclusive of all target audiences, and developing new programming, including immersive activities.

Parks Canada consulted with the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte and Mohawks of Akwesasne and engaged Kingston region’s urban Indigenous community to develop this plan. It formed a community advisory committee and sought input from other partners and stakeholders, local residents as well as visitors past and present.

Bellevue House was built in the 1840s and was home to Macdonald at the beginning of his political career. It’s open from Victoria Day weekend in May, through Thanksgiving weekend in October. The historic house is closed until May 2024 for interior renewal of exhibits, but the visitor center and grounds remain open. The site welcomes about 20,000 visitors each year.

Support National Parks Traveler

National Parks Traveler is a small, editorially independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit media organization. The Traveler is not part of the federal government nor a corporate subsidiary. Your support helps ensure the Traveler's news and feature coverage of national parks and protected areas endures. 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Journalism about National Parks!

National Parks Traveler is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE WWW.FRESHFROMFLORIDA.COM. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

The Essential RVing Guide

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

The National Parks RVing Guide, aka the Essential RVing Guide To The National Parks, is the definitive guide for RVers seeking information on campgrounds in the National Park System where they can park their rigs. It's available for free for both iPhones and Android models.

This app is packed with RVing specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 parks.

You'll also find stories about RVing in the parks, some tips if you've just recently turned into an RVer, and some planning suggestions. A bonus that wasn't in the previous eBook or PDF versions of this guide are feeds of Traveler content: you'll find our latest stories as well as our most recent podcasts just a click away.

So whether you have an iPhone or an Android, download this app and start exploring the campgrounds in the National Park System where you can park your rig.