History

Capital Heritage Connexion (formerly the Council of Heritage Organizations in Ottawa) began as a meeting of heritage groups under the aegis of the City of Ottawa’s Department of Culture and Recreation.  It met informally from 1988 to 1990, before being established as the Heritage Council of Ottawa in the fall of 1990.  The organization incorporated provincially in 1992, and became the Council of Heritage Organizations in Ottawa (now Capital Heritage Connexion).

1990

Heritage Council of Ottawa was established after meeting informally from 1988 – 1990.

1992

The Council of Heritage Organizations in Ottawa became incorporated.

2005

The Council led the campaign for the $6.3M Museum Sustainability Plan.

2009

Ottawagraphy was developed as a visual virtual heritage gateway.

2015

The Council co-founded the Ottawa Cultural Alliance, together with AOE Arts Council*, Heritage Ottawa, Ottawa Arts Council, Ottawa Festivals and Ottawa Museum Network.

* now Arts Network Ottawa

2017

The Council celebrated its 25th Anniversary and was honoured with a Mayor’s Proclamation at Heritage Day.

The Council co-stewarded the Ottawa 2017 Arts, Culture and Heritage Investment Program with AOE Art Council* and Ottawa Arts Council.

2018

The Council launched the Capital Heritage Mentorship Program.

The Council changed its’ name to Capital Heritage Connexion.

2025

CHC, in partnership with Black Legacy Collective, launches the 'Voices from the Past, Echoes of the Future: Black History Across Canada' initiative with a $250,000 grant from Digital Museums Canada

2026

CHC hosts it's largest Heritage Day Celebration with over 50 organizations and over 700 attendees at City Hall