Fairfields Heritage House

An impressive 19^th century Gothic Revival farm house, Fairfields Heritage House represents the homestead and community building legacy of the Bell family. Originally built on 660 acres of farm land, the museum tells the story of almost 200 years of rich, local history and the people who so actively helped shape the evolution of the area.

Beautiful green lawns surround the house and are an invitation to spend leisure time at the site. With a gazebo, gardens, and statuesque trees the space is perfect for picnics, exploration, and family-friendly activities.

3080 Richmond Road
Nepean, Ontario, K2B 7J5

Tel: 613-580-9638 (Nepean Museum)
Email: museums@ottawa.ca
Facebook: @FairfieldsHeritageHouse
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Hours of operation: 

July 31, 2024 - September 1, 2024
Wednesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm

September 7, 2024 - October 13, 2024
Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm

Admission:

Admission is by donation.

*Special pricing may apply for programs and events.  

Makers at the Museum: Printmaking

Saturday, November 23 from 1 pm to 5 pm. 
Ages 16 and up.
Cost: $75 per person. Advance registration is required. 

Discover the basics of linocut printmaking and create your own Christmas cards. Participants will familiarize themselves with the tools of the trade and learn beginner-friendly techniques to transfer an image onto an engraving block, carve the design, ink a block, and print the final product. You’ll leave with six cards to share with friends and family this holiday season. All skill levels, including beginners, are welcome. A selection of design templates will be provided to spark inspiration. Supplies are included in the cost of registration. Light refreshments will be served.

Notes:

• The primary language of delivery for this program is English.
• Advance registration is required. Workshops with insufficient registration may be cancelled. If an alternative cannot be offered, a refund will be issued.
• Visit the Ottawa Hand in Hand web page for information on available financial supports to facilitate participation in recreation and culture programs. 
• If you have questions or concerns regarding accessibility, please contact the museum by phone at 613-580-9638 (Nepean Museum) or by email at museums@ottawa.ca. Additional information about accessibility can be found on the museum web page.

Tales of the Magical Museum

Saturdays, September 21, September 28, October 5, October 12 and October 19 from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm.
Ages 9 to 11.
Cost: $29.37 per child. Advance registration is required.

Discover the magic of Fairfields Heritage House in this collaborative storytelling adventure inspired by games like Dungeons & Dragons. Using the museum’s exhibitions and artefact collection, create a character with special abilities influenced by heritage trades, and cross paths with figures from Ottawa’s history as you help decide where the story will take you next.

This program features a continuous narrative that will be explored over the five-part series. No prior experience is needed to join the fun!

Notes:

• This program is delivered in English.
• Please pack a peanut-free snack and water.
• Sessions with insufficient registration may be cancelled. If an alternative cannot be offered, a refund will be issued.
• If you have questions or concerns regarding accessibility, contact the museum at 613-580-9638 or museums@ottawa.ca. Additional information regarding accessibility is available on the museum webpage.

Weekend Crafters

September 29, October 20 and November 17 from 1 pm to 4 pm
Admission by cash donation

Play, tinker, and create at Fairfields Heritage House. Families are invited to get crafty with drop-in activities inspired by heritage skills and local history. Explore the museum, and discover the story of the Bell family, with a fun, kid-friendly scavenger hunt. 

September 29 – Finger knitting
October 20 – Printmaking with Lego blocks
November 17 – Stamping metal keychains

Weekend Crafters is also offered at Nepean Museum (16 Rowley Ave): September 22, October 13 and November 10.

Notes:

• This is a drop-in style program; families are welcome to join the activities at any time during the advertised hours. Please note that the craft activity can only be offered as long as supplies last.
• Weekend Crafters is best suited to families with children ages 6 to 12. However, younger children may be able to enjoy the activities with the assistance of an adult or older sibling.
• The primary language of delivery for this program is English. Any printed materials will be provided in both official languages (English/French).
• The crafts and scavenger hunt will be held outside (weather permitting) and on the first floor of the house. The museum is a heritage house. Due to building standards of the time, not all parts of the museum may be accessible to all. If you have questions or concerns regarding accessibility, please contact 613-580-9638 (Nepean Museum) or museums@ottawa.ca. Additional information about accessibility can be found on the museum webpage.

Artefact collections

Purchased by William Bell in the 1820s, the Bell family homestead – now known as Fairfields Heritage House – remained in the Bell family for nearly 175 years. The collection of 3,000 artefacts tells the history of five generations of the Bell family within the context of the greater Ottawa area. Many of these objects are on exhibition at the historic house.

Exhibits

Recreated historic rooms of this designated heritage property tell the story of the many generations of the Bell family who made their mark on the home, the property, and their community over the 175 years they lived at the site. Artefacts, including furniture, personal belongings, and artwork tell the story of the Bell family's shifting priorities from farming to social issues to politics.

Virtual Tour

Can’t visit the museum in person? Fairfields Heritage House can be toured from the comfort of your own home. This virtual tour gives you a 3D look at of the Bell family homestead.

Use the coloured circles to help guide you:

• Click on the grey circles on the floor to navigate around the museum.
• Click on the blue circles to discover the house and artefacts.
• Click on the yellow circles to view images from the past.
• Click and drag anywhere on screen to rotate your view 360°.

The City of Ottawa Museums are committed to offering residents meaningful and rewarding volunteer experiences.

Heritage volunteers play an invaluable role in preserving our unique heritage and in providing museum visitors of all ages with opportunities to appreciate our shared story.

Thank you to all our volunteer team members for their continued support.

To enquire about volunteering, please contact museums@ottawa.ca.

A 19th-century Gothic Revival farmhouse sitting on two acres of greenspace provides a picturesque backdrop for your intimate outdoor gathering.

Please note that rentals are not being offered at this time. If you have questions regarding the rental program, please contact our Customer Service Booking Clerk by calling 613-580-9638 or emailing museums@ottawa.ca.

Work with us to shape your experience. Contact the museum before your visit to discuss your needs. Information about accessibility at the facility, programs, and services is available upon request.

The accessibility features of this facility are detailed below. While the City of Ottawa is constantly working to improve access, please note that not all parts of every facility are necessarily 'accessible for all' as facilities were built to meet accessibility standards of their time.

Parking

• 25 metres from parking space to the door

Passenger Loading Zone

• Cut curb

Entrance/Exit

• 1  accessible entrance
• Ramp
• Wide door for wheelchair passage

Reception desks

• Floor area for manoeuvring a wheelchair

Washrooms

• Accessible washroom on 1st floor
• Lowered sink counters
• Lowered towel dispensers
• Large stalls to allow transfers

Stairs

• Stairs with no-slip surface
• Continuous hand rails

Learn more about Inclusive Recreation and accessible services.