Fairfields Heritage House

An impressive 19th 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.

Come visit the museum, explore the grounds and chat with knowledgeable guides. Imagine yourself in the past as you try on our dress-up costumes and play some old-fashioned games. With guided tours, as well as programs and events for families, Fairfields Heritage House remains a hub of community activity.

3080 Richmond Road
Nepean, Ontario, K2B 7J5

Contact us

Tel: 613-726-2652
Email: museums@ottawa.ca
Facebook: @FairfieldsHeritageHouse
Subscribe to our monthly "At your museum" eNewsletter. 

Hours

The museum is now closed for the regular season. Special programming is offered throughout the year.

Please see our Programs and Special Events listing below, subscribe to our monthly "At your museum" eNewsletter, or follow us on Facebook for further information.  

We welcome private tours even when the museum is not open to the general public. Contact the museum to make arrangements.

Admission

Admission to the museum is by donation. Special event and program fees may apply.

Contact the museum for special group rates. Family rates allow for a maximum of two adults. We require two weeks notice to make accommodations for our visitors with special needs.

Christmas Glass Mosaic Workshop

Saturday, November 30 from 12 pm to 4 pm
Ages 16 and up
Cost: $60 + tax
Barcode: 1516531

Please note that registration is now full. 

Hang your handmade glass mosaic to add a colourful touch to your Christmas décor or share your artwork with a loved one as a thoughtful and personal gift. Trish Rossiter from Meraki Mosaic Glass returns to Fairfields Heritage House for this workshop just in time for the holidays! The beautiful 19th century house, decorated for a Victorian-themed Christmas celebration, will add a unique ambiance to your experience. Supplies are included in the cost of registration; light refreshments will be served.

A minimum of 3 registered participants is required. The deadline to register is Friday, November 22. Please use the barcode above to register using Service Ottawa’s online system.

*This workshop will be delivered in English with bilingual (English/French) staff available to assist.

Victorian Christmas

Fridays and Saturdays – December 6, 7, 20, and 21 from 5 pm to 9 pm
Recommend for Adults (ages 15 and up)
Cost: $6.75 per person

Step back in time to the Victorian era and explore seasonal vignettes set throughout a beautiful 19th century Gothic Revival farm house decorated for the holiday season. Costumed interpreters will bring to life Christmas traditions of yore. Sample delicious treats as you discover how a Victorian family would have feasted for the holiday. Craft your own traditional ornament or share the spirit of the season with warm cider and carolling around the campfire (weather/staffing permitting). Guided tours of the heritage house will be offered. The Dickens Carolers will be on site for special performances on the Saturday evenings from 5 pm to 8 pm.

Winter Knitting Workshop

Saturday, January 11 from 12 pm to 4 pm
Ages 16 and up
Cost: $50 + tax
Barcode: 1516532

Knit your own cozy winter toque with Mandie from Ginger Snap Handmade! Learn a traditional skill from our talented guest artisan and add a personal touch to your winter wardrobe. Participants will enjoy a guided tour of the heritage house and light refreshments will be served. Supplies are included in the cost of registration.

A minimum of 3 registered participants is required. The deadline to register is Friday, January 3. Please use the barcode above to register using Service Ottawa’s online system.

*This workshop will be delivered in English with bilingual (English/French) staff available to assist.

Take your class to Fairfields for our unique school programs. Contact the Nepean Museum for more information at 613-580-9638, or museums@ottawa.ca.

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.

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.

Take advantage of the museum's ideal location in the community to rent the grounds for your special event. Contact us at museums@ottawa.ca or 613-580-9638 to book an appointment or to find out more about our rentals.

Fairfields’ stunning 19th century Gothic Revival exterior and picturesque grounds is perfect for smaller events and celebrations. Whether you’re planning an important meeting or the most important day of your life, our team will work with you to achieve your vision.

Weddings

Couples looking for a smaller more intimate outdoor venue, look no further! Fairfields Heritage Property offers a stunning backdrop for your special day. The 19th century Gothic Revival farmhouse and over two acres of lush greenery will lend that romantic touch when you capture your memories on film.

Birthdays and Special Events

Fairfields welcomes you to celebrate your birthday or special event with us! Whether it’s for a bridal or baby shower, or perhaps a milestone anniversary with close family and friends, we can provide the perfect location.

Parents can also plan a special birthday celebration for their little ones! Organize your own activities, or work with our staff to incorporate some of the museum’s favourite kids programs into the celebrations.

What we offer

Bookings for your outdoor event can be made up to 6 months in advance. Contact staff at the Nepean Museum for more information on rental availability and amenities.

Contact Us

You can reach our client services clerk by phoning 613-580-9638 extension 17300, or by email at museums@ottawa.ca, Tuesday to Saturday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

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 special needs and accessible services