Historical Society of Ottawa: April meeting

Friday 28 April 2017: 1 pm
Routhier Community Centre
172 Guigues Street

Thomas Ahearn - The Electrification of Ottawa, presented by Kelly Ray

Abstract: Thomas Ahearn, born in Lebreton Flats to Irish immigrant parents, was an early adapter of new technology. He brought innovation to Ottawa by introducing electricity to the city. He provided lighting, powered his streetcars, and developed a number of electrical devices such as irons, stoves and heaters. He was the first person to prepare a meal on an electric stove, among other things. Hear about his technological and political achievements that helped shape the city of Ottawa and see documents and artifacts from this Canadian inventor and businessman.

Profile: Kelly Ray works in public affairs for the Canada Science and Technology Museum. Holding degrees in anthropology and public relations, it is quite fitting that as a great, great grand niece of Thomas Ahearn, she makes a career of sharing stories of innovation and Canadian technology. She has worked for over a decade in the cultural and tourism sectors at the Calgary Zoo as well as multiple museums here in Ottawa.