The Historical section of the Information and Historical Division was responsible for assisting in the development and preservation of local historic sites. The section carried out research projects of various descriptions often originating out of proposals and recommendations of the Historical Advisory Committee. In 1959, following the passage of the National Capital Act, the National Capital Commission initiated a programme to create an inventory of buildings within the National Capital Region with historical and architectural merit. The Historical Research section managed the program, documented and photographed heritage buildings in Ottawa, Richmond, Almonte, Manotick, Hull, Aylmer, Wakefield and Old Chelsea. It designed and installed commemorative plaques to mark buildings and sites considered to have historical or architectural merit. It carried out research projects to gather historical background and information on heritage sites. It developed interpretive programs on historical subjects in the National Capital Region. It liaised and collaborated with various municipal committees, historical societies and local heritage interest groups and issued financial grants to these societies in support of the restoration, conservation and interpretation of heritage buildings in the region. In 1969/70, the section submitted a comprehensive report entitled, "Conservation of an Historic and Architectural Heritage in the National Capital Region," covering 800 buildings and sites in cooperation with other agencies in the field including the National Historic Sites Service of Canada. A systemic scoring system was prepared to assist the Commission in the formation of policies and procedures in dealing with historic buildings and sites.