Smiths Falls Heritage House Museum

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Smiths Falls Heritage House Museum Heritage House is the municipal museum, archive & art gallery for the Smiths Falls community. He died in debt on January 1st, 1864.

In the early 1850's the lure of plenty of water power and the promise of railway development attracted Joshua Bates, founder of nearby Farmersville (now Athens), to a site beside the roaring waters of Old Sly's Rapids on the Rideau Canal. Bates built two mills on property leased from the Crown and promoted the development of the Brockville and Ottawa Railway Company. After suffering considerable losses in his milling operations and investing heavily in the now bankrupt railway company, he began construction of his large frame house in 1861. Despite his optimism for the future, fate did not allow Joshua Bates to recoup his fortune or to enjoy his new home. Ironically, his home and mills were acquired by his competitor Truman R. Ward, eldest son of Abel Russell Ward, a founding father of Smiths Falls. After many years of neglect, the Corporation of the Town of Smiths Falls purchased the once dignified country estate from the Gleeson family in 1977 for use as a museum. Today the lifestyles of Joshua and Tamson Bates and Truman and Anabella Ward are depicted in the classically styled home where both families once lived. Heritage House Museum functions as a historic house depicting upper middle class life circa 1865-1875 and as a local museum featuring a permanent collection of Smiths Falls artifacts, traveling exhibits and art shows.

Tonight’s the night! The first night of our Haunted Heritage House! We have four frighteningly scary nights on October 1...
10/16/2026

Tonight’s the night! The first night of our Haunted Heritage House! We have four frighteningly scary nights on October 16, 17, 23 and 24. Tickets are still available on sfhauntedhouse.eventbrite.ca

Boo!Jump scare yourselves into the Halloween season. Our first night of the Haunted Heritage House kicks off tomorrow. T...
10/15/2026

Boo!

Jump scare yourselves into the Halloween season. Our first night of the Haunted Heritage House kicks off tomorrow. Tickets are still available at: https://sfhauntedhouse.eventbrite.ca or at the museum between 10:30 am - 4:30 pm. Entry to the Haunted House is first come, first serve so please dress for the weather as our line up is outside.

Can't wait to see you all there!

10/14/2026

A throwback to the entrance to the Haunted Heritage House from 2025! We are getting very excited to scare everyone this weekend and next! More information about this year’s Haunted Heritage House and tickets can be found here: sfhauntedhouse.eventbrite.ca

The Votes Are In!Please join us in congratulating Amy Tughan for being voted Rideau Artist of the Year - People's Choice...
10/13/2026

The Votes Are In!

Please join us in congratulating Amy Tughan for being voted Rideau Artist of the Year - People's Choice for her original artwork, Under the Bridge. Amy submitted her piece with the following statement: "This is the other side of the locks where the boats enter/exit under the Beckwith St. Bridge. It's a quiet spot with a beautiful view of the canal as it broadens out into the river. It's one of my favourite spots. When the lamps come on in the evening and the fireflies come out to play, it's magical."

Amy has received $100 DBA dollars from the Town Smiths Falls Economic Development & Tourism Department.

Unfortunately our Rideau Artist of the Year exhibition has now closed. We want to thank all of the artists for competing and all of the visitors who have dropped by and supported the artists.

Thank you Shawn Pankow, Mayor of Smiths Falls for your thoughtful post and recognizing our volunteers both past and pres...
10/13/2026

Thank you Shawn Pankow, Mayor of Smiths Falls for your thoughtful post and recognizing our volunteers both past and present. Thank you also for the acknowledging the dedication of our founders Ron Stewart, Joan Hogan, Bill Dobson, Harold Nichol, and Joyce Brennan.

We have so much to be thankful for!Wishing all of you and our beautiful community a very Happy Thanksgiving weekend. 🍁🌻🍂...
10/11/2026

We have so much to be thankful for!
Wishing all of you and our beautiful community a very Happy Thanksgiving weekend. 🍁🌻🍂🦃

Special Note..The museum is temporarily shutting down tours of our exhibit areas while our staff and volunteers set up f...
10/09/2026

Special Note..

The museum is temporarily shutting down tours of our exhibit areas while our staff and volunteers set up for some private bookings and our Haunted House event. The public will still be able to access the LCGS Genealogical Library and the museum gift shop for information. If there is an artifact or story that you wish to see, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Regular displays and tours will be closed October 10 - November 5th, 2026. Our Haunted House runs October 16-17 & 23-24. Grab your tickets: https://sfhauntedhouse.eventbrite.ca.

Thank you for your patience!

Tonight is the the Night!Our last scheduled Downtown Ghost Walk of the season kicks off at 7pm in front of Town Hall. O...
10/09/2026

Tonight is the the Night!

Our last scheduled Downtown Ghost Walk of the season kicks off at 7pm in front of Town Hall. Our engaging guide will discuss mysterious Smiths Falls stories of crime, intrigue and paranormal activity in the downtown area.

Grab your tickets online at: https://GhostWalksSF.eventbrite.ca or contact the museum at: 613-283-6311 to secure your spot.

Museum Ghost Walks - Tonight!Kick off the haunting season with an evening candlelit tour of the Smiths Falls Heritage Ho...
10/08/2026

Museum Ghost Walks - Tonight!

Kick off the haunting season with an evening candlelit tour of the Smiths Falls Heritage House. Guides will share stories of bizzare and mysterious happenings throughout Smiths Falls history as well as the museum itself. Forgotten grave yards, mysterious deaths and the ghosts of the museum. Tours at 7:00 pm, 7:30 pm and 8:00 pm. Book your tickets in advance to save your spot: 613-283-6311 / [email protected] or visit: https://sfghostwalks.eventbrite.ca.

Address

11 Old Slys Road
Smiths Falls, ON
K7A3M3

Opening Hours

Wednesday 10:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 10:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 10:30am - 4:30pm
Saturday 10:30am - 4:30pm
Sunday 10:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+16132836311

Website

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