HSO March Meeting

The Historical Society of Ottawa meets on Friday 23 March, 2018 at 1 pm for a presentation by Dan Mackay -- Lillian Freiman: The Poppy Lady

Lillian Bilsky Freiman (1885-1940) nicknamed “The Poppy Lady”, was designated a Person of National Historic Significance by the Canadian Government. During the First World War, Lillian worked tirelessly for the benefit of our soldiers overseas by setting up sewing circles which would become a Disraeli Chapter of the Daughters of the Empire. She also co-founded The Great War Veterans Association which would become the Royal Canadian Legion. Lillian crafted the first Canadian poppies in her living room in 1921. This presentation will look at this fascinating woman.

Dan Mackay has had an extensive career in the military, and is now a Friend of the Canadian War Museum, and as a volunteer, is guardian and custodian of the military artifacts in the Museum. He has been deeply engaged in conserving the history of our Armed Forces holding such positions as Army Heritage Officer at NDHQ; Deputy Director, Directorate of History and Heritage at NDHQ and, in earlier days, served in senior positions as a geographer and cartographer with Energy, Mines and Resources and on secondment to the Department of External Affairs.