Heritage House Museum
Heritage House is situated in a picturesque area of the Rideau Canal and is a restored classically styled Victorian home depicting the life style of an upper middle class family living in Smiths Falls around 1867 to 1875. Built in 1860-1861 by Joshua Bates, the house is located near the Rideau River where he built two mills, a gristmill and woollen mill that were powered by Old Slys Rapids.
A visit to Heritage House includes a tour of 8 period rooms furnished to depict the lifestyle of the times. The museum’s unique mirror-image facades, indoor brick bake oven and two-story privy preserve an atmosphere of the past in the once derelict house. Enjoy a picnic near our gardens or take a short stroll through parkland to the Rideau Canal and Old Slys Lockstation. Presented year round are changing exhibitions and art shows, a variety of special events, workshops and school and children’s programs. Also available are meeting space rentals, gift shop and a Victorian setting for wedding photos.
