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
Self-guided history tour
We offer a self-guided tour through the BaladoDiscovery app. Join us for a virtual tour of our historic campus, exploring some of the oldest buildings and uncovering the rich heritage of our University.
The Archives of the University of Ottawa
As the official repository for records of permanent value at the University of Ottawa, the Archives are available to the University community as well as to the general public.
Contact us
Contact Us
For more on Information Management at uOttawa, including tools and training, visit VirtuO.
Reading Room
100, Marie-Curie Private, Room 012
Ottawa ON K1N 6N5
Administrative Office
141, Louis-Pasteur Private, Room 263
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