Examples of headwear and stories of the people who wore them.

Archibald Petrie's Bicorne Navel Hat. Almost 200 years ago, Archibald Petrie made the long, hard journey up the Ottawa River, probably travelling by canoe. He came to see the land that had been granted to him at Cumberland, and he stopped in sight of the island that now bears his name. Born on the Orkney islands, north of Scotland, at age 19, Archibald enthusiastically joined the Royal Navy and served as purser (a shipboard accountant). With Britain and America at war from 1812 to 1814, he was assigned to a British patrol on Lake Ontario. The regulation uniform for pursers at the time included this bicorne, with a gold cord, signifying rank. The bound edges helped it to keep its shape, given the rough conditions at sea. Trusting in the loyalty of retired officers such as Archibald, the post-war government gave them generous land grants in Upper Canada. Archibald received his first grant in Cumberland in 1826. As a magistrate and member of government, he devoted himself over the years to serving his community. He lobbied for funds to build a vital road between Bytown and Cumberland – today’s Montreal Road. He was also one of the commissioners who secured the courthouse for Bytown, an important step in the town’s evolution into a capital. This bicorne, a symbol of naval leadership, represents Archibald’s lifelong commitment to public service.