National Historic Sites System Plan
National Historic Sites System Plan
The National Historic Sites System Plan guides how history is shared at places administered by Parks Canada.
The heritage places administered by Parks Canada are incredibly diverse and their scope spans thousands of years of human activity in what is now Canada.
National historic sites are places of profound importance, steeped in the history of this country. Each national historic site tells a unique story, and contributes to our understanding of Canada as a whole.
National historic sites, located in all provinces and territories, can be found in almost any setting - from urban and rural locales, to wilderness environments. They may include sacred spaces, battlefields, archaeological sites, buildings or streetscapes. They can range in size from a single structure to linear canals spanning great distances. Many national historic sites are still used today for work and worship, commerce and industry, habitation and leisure.
Canada's family of national historic sites
Parks Canada supports the work of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada (HSMBC). The HSMBC provides advice to the Minister responsible for the designation of places, persons and events of national historic significance.
So far, over 2200 places, persons and events have been designated by the Government of Canada.
Together, all these commemorations make up what is known as the system of National Historic Sites of Canada.
The Framework for History and Commemoration is Parks Canada’s vision for heritage presentation and commemoration.
National Historic Sites System Plan
The Framework for History and Commemoration: National Historic Sites System Plan 2019 is Parks Canada’s national historic sites system plan. The principles, strategic priorities, key practices and historical thinking concepts outlined in the Framework will transform how history is shared at Parks Canada’s heritage places.
It outlines a new, comprehensive and engaging approach to sharing the stories of Canada’s history through diverse, wide-ranging and sometimes complex perspectives, including the difficult periods of our past. In particular, it will ensure that the history and voices of Indigenous peoples are incorporated at Parks Canada’s heritage places.
The Framework for History and Commemoration also includes an annex that outlines the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada’s approach to the careful review of existing designations under the National Program of Historical Commemoration.
