Smiths Falls » Heritage House » Special Events
membership | period rooms | special events | education | bus tours
EVENT ADMISSION:
Regular admission applies unless otherwise indicated.
Adults - $ 4.00
Youth (6-18) - $2.50
Seniors - $ 3.50
Family (max 4) - $ 12.50
Under 6 years Free!
2010 Events at the Heritage House Museum
January 18 – May 14
Treasures from the Attic exhibition
If you’ve ever wondered what sort of antiquated items linger in our attic which is our collections storage area, this is your chance to find out. From old photos to vintage clothing, this eclectic exhibit is nothing short of nostalgic, and is sure to grab both your attention and imagination.
Exhibition Hours, Heritage House Museum, 10:30 – 4:30, Monday – Friday.
Call 613 283-8560 for information.
January 11 – October 31
Prints from the Past: The Frances Jones Collection
Smiths Falls native Frances Jones was a print-maker and painter who worked from the 1930’s to the 1970’s, recording images from this area that are now gone. This prominent artist works are now in collections of the National Archives, Carleton University Art Gallery and Heritage House Museum. Come and experience Jones’ Prints from the Past, featuring images of the Smiths Falls and Rideau area. Heritage House Museum, Exhibition Hours, 10:30 – 4:30, Monday – Friday until May 1st, then daily until Oct. 31.
Call 613 283-8560 for information.
January 24
Bringing the Past to the Present Speakers Series with author Larry Lunman of David W. Nichol & the Decoys of Rideau Canal Waterway
Larry Lunman will proudly discuss his nearly two decades of research and photographs of the Nichol Family and their decoys and other outstanding carvers from the Rideau region. As part of a speakers series sponsored by the Smiths Falls & District Historical Society and Heritage House Museum, you are invited to a talk, book signing and refreshments by Mr. Lunman on Sunday, Jan. 24 at 2:00 p.m. Cost: $7.00 per person or $20.00 for the series. Ask about further speakers’ series details and discounts.
Call the museum for tickets at 613-283-8560.
March 7
Bringing the Past to the Present Speakers Series
with historical character, Major James Walsh - Brian Porter in character will present an interesting story about the North West Mounted Police and the Canadian hero; Major James Walsh of Brockville, who was one of the original nine officers of the Force from 1873 – 1883. Major Walsh was a friend of Sioux Chief Sitting Bull, who moved into the Canadian west with 5000 Sioux in 1877. As part of a speakers series sponsored by the Smiths Falls & District Historical Society and Heritage House Museum, you are invited to tea and tales by Mr. Porter on Sunday, March 7 at 2:00 p.m. Cost: $7.00 per person or $20.00 for the series.
Call the museum for tickets at 613-283-8560.
March 15 to 19
March Break Activities - A Warm Victorian Winter Welcome
From Monday to Friday, 10:30 a.m. – 4: 30 p.m., interpreters will welcome to step back to the Victorian times with tours, special demonstrations by special guests and themed half day workshops for kids.
Call the museum for more details 613- 283-8560.
Family Heritage Demonstration Schedule – Monday to Friday
Scheduled Special Demonstrations & Activities:
Find the Leprechauns - Each day between 10:30 and 4:30, come on a Leprechaun Hunt. If you are clever enough to spot those mischievous little Irish folk who are hiding and busy spreading gold dust through the museum, then you will get their pot of gold.
Monday, March 15- Traditional Brick Oven Baking Demonstrations-1:00 to 3:30 p.m. -Experience and taste the fire baked breads and goodies from our 1860’s indoor brick oven.
Thursday, March 18 – Singing by Sixpence- 10:30- Noon -This local chorus known as Sixpence will bring our Victorian parlour to life with traditional music by the piano. Tea, cider and cookies will be served in the dining room and you can enjoy your refreshment while listening to the singing of Sixpence.
Thursday, March 18 - 1 to 3 pm "Exploring your Family Tree" meet Shirley Sommerville, volunteer, of the Lanark County Genealogical Society & Reference Library, who can help you find resources and ways of finding your family ancestors. This is an introduction to genealogy for all ages.
Kids Workshop Series - You MUST register in advance for the Kids Workshops, space is limited by calling 613-283-8560.
Pioneer Cooks Workshop
Monday, March 15, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.Ages 6 and over, Cost $10.00 per child
Heritage House Museum, Smiths Falls, (613) 283-8560
Like the pioneers, you will cook from scratch using an apple peeler, bake oven, ice cream maker, butter churn and mmmmore!!Spring Fling Afternoon
Tuesday, March 16, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.Ages 6 and over, Cost $10.00 per child
Heritage House Museum, Smiths Falls, (613) 283-8560
Children can shake out the winter cobwebs with the celebration of spring and Easter with spring has sprung activities and crafts to decorate your home.It’s a Green Theme!!
Wednesday, March 17, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.Ages 6 and over, Cost: $10.00 per child
Heritage House Museum, Smiths Falls, (613) 283-8560
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, the environment, even Shrek and everything green with several activities and crafts.Be-Dazzled Jewelery Workshop
Friday, March 19, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.Ages 6 and over, Cost $10.00 per child
Heritage House Museum, Smiths Falls, (613) 283-8560
Using glass and semi-precious stone beads, create your own necklace and bracelets.
April 25
Bringing the Past to the Present Speakers Series with Dorothy Duncan
Canada’s Heritage Recipes & Foods "Mustard on your hotdog? Of course. But did you know that Pliny the Elder, the 1st century AD Roman writer, reported that mustard could be used to cure hysterical swooning females? This is just one of the intriguing facts presented by Dorothy Duncan in her examination of the history of the foods which appear regularly on our tables... Dorothy Duncan began her career as an elementary school teacher, and it was as a teacher-guide and curator at Black Creek Pioneer Village that her love of history and her passion for food led her into the world of culinary history. As a Museums Advisor for the Province of Ontario and Executive Director of the Ontario Historical Society, she worked with organizations across Canada and around the world to ensure that Canada's culinary history was recognized, researched, and recorded. Dorothy has lectured internationally on Canada's heritage foods and customs, including at the Culinary Institute of America and at the Oxford Symposium on Food and Cookery in England. Dorothy has written three books on Canadian heritage foods and recipes. Come and learn about our foods and perhaps sample a few recipes! As part of a speakers series sponsored by the Smiths Falls & District Historical Society and Heritage House Museum, you are invited to tea and tales by Dorothy Duncan on Sunday, April 25 at 2:00 p.m. Cost: $7.00 per person.
Call the museum for tickets at 613-283-8560.
May 1
Open Daily
Heritage House Museum, 11 Old Sly’s Road, Smiths Falls, opens on a daily basis 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day until Dec. 23rd. For more details, call 283-8560 or visit us www.smithsfalls.ca/heritagehouse.
May 28 - October 31
Hats off to You! Exhibition
Whether it’s a Red Hat, bonnet, bowler or Firefighters’ helmet, hats have a very important role in history and today. Hats protect us, show our style and stature and even support our favourite sporting team. So hold on to your hats and come see what is under our brim in this hat topping exhibit. Heritage House Museum, Exhibition Hours, 10:30 – 4:30 daily until Oct. 31.
Call 613 283-8560 for information.
June 6
Doors Open- Smiths Falls
Explore unique, historic buildings and sites in Smiths Falls. On this day, Heritage House Museum will celebrate the mill owners who built this 1860's Victorian home and their 2 mills that were built on and powered by the Old Sly’s rapids on the Rideau River. 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., free admission
July 1
Great Canadian History Quiz
On Canada’s Birthday, we challenge your Canadian history trivia knowledge and receive a free gift. 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., admission fee applies.
July & August
Backyard History Day Camps
For kids aged 6 -12 years, 9:30 - 3:30, $25.00 per child/per day. **
Early Bird Special – 15% discount per child/per day if you register and pay by June 7. Each Wednesday we’ll have a different theme to the day. Imagine a whole day filled with games, crafts, special guests and activities and even a few off-site visits and hikes.
Wednesday, July 7th- "Stop The Press" Cub Reporter Day
Extra, Extra!! Read all about it! This is your chance to become a media reporter, investigate a local news event and create your very own newspaper.
Wednesday, July 14th- Mad Hatter Day
Don’t be late for this very important date!! The Mad Hatters of the Museum would like you to join us for a fun day of crazy hats, outdoor games, and a hat topper activity or two!!
Wednesday, July 21st- A Blast from the Past
Come take a trip back in time with us! Kids will be doing some very neat crafts and maybe even learn how to decorate the sweet narley clothing of the 60s, 70s, and 80s.
Wednesday, July 28th- Monkey Madness
For those of you who don’t mind getting their hands on some very strange insects… Get ready to put your jungle gear on as we take you through an adventure of reptiles and some very cool animals!!
Wednesday, August 4thth- Mystery Mayhem
Be detectives and help us solve the mystery we have on our hands!!! Some strange and weird things have been happening and we need your help!
Wednesday, August 11th- Be a Tourist in your own Town Day
Tourists, come for the trip of your lifetime as we travel around this fine town!!! Get your cameras out because we will be meeting some very famous people! You won’t want to miss it!!
Wednesday, August 18th- Gone Camping!
Calling all campers! Help us pitch our tent and show us your wilderness skills as we play some very fun campsite games and outdoor activities. Who knows maybe even a bon fire!!!
Sept. 6 - Nov. 1
Harvest Time at Heritage House
See the museum change with the seasons, with special harvest demonstrations. Call for details. Open daily.
Oct. 2
Spirited Evening Cemetery Tour
The tour will be offered Saturday evening starting at 7:00 p.m. Heritage House Museum will kick off the haunting season with a spirited tour through Hillcrest Cemetery by candle light as you hear stories and learn more about our town’s rich past. The tour cost is $5.00 for adults; $4.00 for Youth (6-18 yrs.). Guided tours will leave every 20 minutes, you must reserve your space in advance by calling 613-283-8560. These tours will fill up fast. You don’t want to miss out!
Nov. 8 – Dec. 23
Christmas come to Heritage House
Enjoy the festive Victorian surroundings and discover the origins of our Christmas traditions. Daily, 10:30 to 4:30, call 613-283-8560 for information.
November 8
December 20: 29th Annual Art Show & Sale
Original works by over 25 local artists. Whether your personal taste leans towards landscapes, still life studies, impressionism or sculpture, you will be surprised and pleased by the wide variety of works available. Come find the perfect Christmas gift for family, friends or yourself! Open daily 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Heritage House Museum,
Call 613 283-8560 for information.
Nov. 28
Capital City Chorus Performance
Back by popular demand!! It will be a Dickens of a Christmas concert as Heritage House Museum host this fundraising performance of this 80 men Capital City Chorus. Performance at the Smiths Falls District Collegiate Institute begins at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $10.00 per adult/senior or $20 for a family of 4 ( 2 adults & 2 children) and $5.00 for each additional family member are available at the museum - 11 Old Sly's Road, Smiths Falls, ON 613-283-8560.
December 5
Victorian Christmas Tea
Share in the sights, sounds and flavours of a traditional Christmas Tea at Heritage House Museum in Smiths Falls. The sounds of carols sung by a local quartet around the grand piano and the memories of a bygone era await you. Gather around our traditional decorated tree in the parlour and enjoy a cup of tea or hot apple cider with some home baked seasonal treats. Experience a Christmas of past with traditional decoration throughout the museum and perhaps encounter a visit from a jolly ol' soul. While visiting you can also view original art as part of our 29th Annual Art Show and pick up some unique gifts in the museum's gift shop. 1:00 – 4:00 p.m., Adults $5.00, Seniors $4.00, Children $3.50.
Call 613 283-8560 for information.
