In 1866, the recently renamed College of Ottawa was elevated to university status by royal charter, and in 1889, it secured a pontifical charter. In 1965, the Oblates relinquished administration of the University and it became a provincially funded secular institution.
History of uOttawa
The College of Bytown was founded in 1848 by the Oblates of Mary Immaculate as a bilingual Catholic college; from its very beginnings, students studied in both English and French.
Read more about the people, places and events that shaped uOttawa's history
Keys to Original College Building
ART-38-15: Keys to the door of the courtyard of the 1st College of Ottawa on the Bishop's grounds.- 1848.
Tabaret Hall Construction
PHO-NB-38A-2-350: Photograph taken during the installation of the columns for the central portico of the University of Ottawa's Central Building (Tabaret Hall). Workers can be seen working with pulley systems to lift the columns. - 1904
Students sitting at Montpetit
NEG-NB-6-1122-5: students lounging on the steps of Montpetit Hall - Spring, 1979.
Other services
Research at the Archives
The Archives are available for consultation to the University of Ottawa community as well as the general public. All visits are by appointment only.
Information Management at uOttawa
The Information and Archives Management Service is responsible for developing and maintaining procedures and tools to assist the University in managing its Information. Tools, training, and guides for University employees can be found on VirtuO (login required).
Contact us
Contact Us
For more on Information Management at uOttawa, including tools and training, visit VirtuO.
Information and Archives Management
100, Marie-Curie Private, Room 012
Ottawa ON K1N 6N5
613-562-5750
Hours of operation
September 1 to May 31
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday-Friday:
8:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
June 1 to August 31
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday-Friday:
8:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Reading Room hours
By Appointment Only