In her own right
Historical significance of Mabel Bell, Beinn Bhreagh hall commemorated
Ottawa is marking the national significance of two facets of Baddeck history and innovation.
The federal government says Canada’s first human flight may not have happened without Mabel G. Hubbard Bell, who not only recruited young engineers to collaborate with her husband but also financed many of their experiments.
An accomplished individual in her own right, Hubbard Bell left behind an important legacy as contributor to her husband Alexander Graham Bell’s scientific achievements.
A second token being commemorated is Beinn Bhreagh hall, which served as a summer home to the Bell family.
The announcement was made by MP for Sydney-Victoria, Mark Eyking, on behalf of the minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna.
American-born Hubbard Bell lost her hearing to scarlet fever at age five.
She defied expectations by learning to read lips and continuing to speak.
Her testimony to Massachusetts’ state legislature as a child led to reforms on the way deaf people were educated and integrated into society.
Once in Canada, she continued to support education, founding Canada’s first Montessori school in Baddeck.
She also launched the Parents Association of Baddeck to help parents and teachers work together to improve schooling which ultimately led to the founding of a national Home and School Federation.
Many of Mabel’s lasting contributions to society happened during her time at Beinn Bhreagh hall, a stunning summer
home in Baddeck designed in Shingle-style architecture.
The estate was also an inspiration to Alexander, serving as both a private home and the nucleus for many of his innovative experiments.
The Government of Canada said it’s commemoration process is largely driven by public nominations.
To date, more than 2,000 designations have been made.