History in Canada
The President of Ireland, Dr. Mary McAleese, visited Nova Scotia from October 8-10th, 1998 as part of her official visit to Canada. Part of that visit to Nova Scotia was flying to Sydney from Montreal and visiting the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site. “On Thursday Mrs McAleese and her party flew from Montreal to... Continue Reading →
On February 24th, 1984, Prince Michael of Kent toured the Fortress of Louisbourg, with Bill O’Shea as his guide. Prince Michael of Kent is a member of the British Royal Family and the younger brother of Prince Edwards, the Duke of Kent. He visited Canada in 1984 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the first... Continue Reading →
William A. O’Shea’s wonderful legacy continues to surprise us. Just this week I (his son Kevin O’Shea) learned that in 1992, my father was awarded the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Medal which was awarded to Canadians who were deemed to have made a significant contribution to their fellow citizens, to their community,... Continue Reading →
William A. O'Shea (Bill O'Shea) was very passionate about the history of his adopted home of Louisbourg, Nova Scotia. This archives is proof of that. While going through records, books, and research he gave to me before his passing in 2019, I found hundreds of incredible photographs. Many of historical significance. In this post, I... Continue Reading →
W.A. (Bill) O’Shea 1946 - 2019 Someone once remarked that we see further when we stand on the shoulders of giants. Bill O’Shea was such a giant for the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site. Bill’s career with Parks Canada spanned over 40 years beginning in Placentia and ending at Cornwall, but he is best... Continue Reading →
The Congregation of Notre-Dame in 18th Century Louisbourg By A.J.B. Johnston (edited by Bill O’Shea) First published by the Louisbourg Heritage Society in July 1995. First on Cape Breton Island, then in exile in France, the Sisters of the Congregation of Notre-Dame served the people of Louisbourg for many decades. Their aim was to always... Continue Reading →
Published by the Louisbourg Heritage Society in February 1994 1995 - A Year of Commemoration By B.A. Balcom, A.J.B. Johnston, William A. O’Shea Historic Louisbourg will be a busy town in 1995. That year, the Town of Louisbourg and the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site will commemorate significant events of a colourful past. 1995... Continue Reading →
The O'Shea Archives is the home for the historical writing and research of Canadian historian, writer and researcher, William A. O'Shea (Bill O'Shea). This is a new digital collection of many years of historical writing. Over the coming weeks and months this site will be populated with a great deal of historical information about the... Continue Reading →
O'Shea Archives 