Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum’s next lecture on June 19 th , 7:30pm, presented by author, professor and
cultural historian, Cecilia Morgan, will open the treasure chest on the Hamilton family of Queenston.
Morgan will shine a light on the enigma that was Hannah Owen Jarvis Hamilton.
Hannah, daughter of influential Loyalists William and Hannah Jarvis, married Alexander Hamilton, a
prominent businessman in Upper Canada. Alexander was the son of Robert Hamilton—entrepreneur,
politician, and judge—who, alongside Richard Cartwright, opened the Great Lakes to shipping and
commerce. Alexander and his brother John inherited great wealth; John built Glencairn (recently lost to
fire), and in 1834, Alexander built Queenston’s iconic and stunning landmark, Willowbank.
A rare example of Classical Revivalism architecture, Willowbank overlooks the village of Queenston and
the Niagara River. This was home to the Hamilton family until tragedy struck in 1838, leaving Hannah a
widowed mother of 11 children, burdened by colossal debt. Unfortunately, her husband never had quite
the business acumen of his father. And Hannah’s remarkable story of resilience over the next fifty years
rivals any Jane Austen novel.
“She left almost nothing in her own hand,” said Morgan. “But her sons' letters, as well as those of other
family members, provide important clues and suggestions about her life and experiences. I have to do a
lot of detecting and making informed speculations - not unusual, particularly in writing women's
history.”
Cecilia Morgan has authored numerous articles and books on the subject of Canadian history in the 19th
and early 20th centuries, with a focus on how Canada’s story fits into broader imperial and global
context. She is a professor at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto.
What: Artefacts and Archives of Hannah Owen Jarvis Hamilton.
Where: NOTL Museum, 43 Castlereagh Street, NOTL.
When: Thursday, June 19 th , 7.30pm.
Admission: Free to members, $15 for non-members.
Please register at www.notlmuseum.ca/whats-on
For more information: www.notlmuseum.ca/whats-on
Or phone: 905 468 3912.