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 epic 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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You must present proof you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter an indoor recreation facility for most activities, as mandated by provincial regulations.

• As of January 4, 2022, the Ontario enhanced vaccine certificate (QR code) is the only option accepted for proof of vaccination.
  • Visiting Ontario: As of January 4, 2022, only an enhanced vaccine certificate with QR code will be accepted. Vaccine receipts without a QR code will no longer be accepted as valid proof of vaccination.
• Fully vaccinated means you have received two doses of a Health Canada approved vaccine at least 14 days prior.
• Valid identification that shows name and date of birth and has been issued by an institution or public body. Photo identification is not required and the identification does not need to be government-issued.

Exceptions

• Children aged 11 and under do not need to show proof of vaccination.
• For youth who turn 12 in 2022, there is a grace period of 12 weeks from their birthday when they do not need to show proof of vaccination.
• Those with a documented medical exemption from a doctor or nurse practitioner.
  • This exception will be removed on January 10.
  • Those with a medical exemption will need to show a certificate with a QR code.

Hours of operation: 

Due to provincial restrictions to slow the spread of COVID-19, the City has temporarily closured indoor recreation and cultural facilities.

Admission:

Admission is by donation.

*Special pricing may apply for programs and events.  

Help reduce the risk of transmission by being COVID-wise! More information can be found on the Ottawa Public Health website.

• Only visit the museum with members of your household.
• Masks are required inside museum buildings including the lobby, exhibition spaces, and washrooms, as well as outdoors when physical distancing cannot be maintained.
• Maintain two meters of distance from others outside your household.
• If you or a member of your group is not feeling well, cancel your visit by calling 613-580-9638 or emailing museums@ottawa.ca.
• Wash your hands regularly or use hand sanitizer. Hand sanitizer is available at the entrance area but bringing your own is recommended.

There are no special programs and events scheduled at this time. Follow the museum on Facebook or subscribe to the “At your museum” eNewsletter for updates.

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 Exhibition - Cabinet of Curiosities

Cabinets of curiosities displayed the strange and the scientific, the weird and the wonderful. Our team has gone through our collections and picked out the artefacts that appeal most to them to create our very own cabinet of curiosities. You can enjoy this exhibition from the comfort of your own home while learning the history of each artefact and why it stood out to our staff. Enter Cabinet of Curiosities here!

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 heritagevolunteers@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.