By students in Ms. Smith’s class
On April 28, Ms. Smith’s Grade 8 class at York Street Public School went on a history walk with historian Nancy [Miller Chenier]. Nancy led the group through parts of Lowertown (Bordeleau Park, Sussex Drive and Rideau Hall). The field trip was an opportunity to learn about the history curriculum from 1890 to about 1914.
The Grade 8 students noted a few of their favourite history facts from the tour. Many students were interested in the rock pillars in the river by Bordeleau and Stanley Park. The rock pillars are what is remaining from the old rail lines. Students were also interested in this fact: “When we were walking through the little rock path to get to Bordeleau Park, Nancy noticed a women’s convent near the tennis court, and how they were cared for by nuns, but they would not accept single moms.” Students began to ask questions regarding the treatment of marginalized people during this time frame.
Ms. Smith stated: “it was very interesting to see the students learning their history from areas that they would normally hang out in”. For instance, a student commented on Bordeleau Park: “There was a park that was once a part of the river but now it is not. This means that the river was wider before and I found that very interesting.”
Students enjoyed the history tour as it was a reminder of the importance of the Lowertown neighbourhood in Canada’s capital city history. One student wrote: “I find it very important because other people see the Lowertown neighbourhood as a ‘ghetto’ neighbourhood, but they do not see the background and history that Lowertown possesses. Lowertown should stand up and exhibit their genuine historical colours.”
Working with Nancy, students became interested in learning about the job of a historian. Students noted that you can learn about various technologies, cultures and geographic regions in their history inquiries. As one student noted: “I think I might like being a historian because then I would know the different history things about that area and then share my knowledge with other people.”
The Grade 8 class would like to extend a sincere thank you to Nancy for the wonderful field trip.