The Birth of Chelsea: History and Archaeology at O'Neil House

When: Tuesday, May 20, at 6:30 p.m.

Where: Library (100, ch. Old Chelsea)

Price: Free

Presenters: Élisabeth Veyrat and Thierry Boyer

In 2008, two archaeologists bought a small red house along the 105, unaware that it had been the famous O'Neil Inn. This establishment is known for hosting the first municipal council meeting of Hull West, the future Chelsea, on March 1, 1875, and was an essential stopover between Bytown and Maniwaki for almost 100 years.

After 15 years of renovations and archaeological discoveries, the O'Neil House has been restored almost to its original appearance, and a lot has been learned. Built by Charles Kingsbury in 1853, then bought by Arthur O'Neil before 1891, it remained in his family until 2008, the second time the house was sold in its life.

The O'Neil House has much to tell about 150 years of Chelsea history through discoveries, anecdotes, and archaeological artefacts.