Pride and Prejudice and Poe
Sunday, August 26 — 10:30 am to 4 pm
Wear your heart on your sleeve and experience two different expressions of romance: the reserved and refined romance of Austen’s novels and the mysterious and melancholy romance of Poe’s gothic works. Explore romantic tales from Billings history and learn about the writers in the family. Divine your own destiny using cartomancy, make a custom tea blend, create a bookmark for your own literary pursuits, and more!. Visitors are encouraged to dress as their favourite Austen or Poe characters.
Cost: $6.50 single; $10.75 pair; $17.25 family. Tea service is also available by reservation. See information below for further details.
Tea Service
Complement your Pride and Prejudice and Poe experience with a three-tier tea service on our beautiful grounds. Your tea reservation includes admission to the museum and participation in the day’s program and activities. Reservations are required.
Reservations for the tea service can be made beginning Tuesday, July 24 at 10 am by calling 613-580-2088 ext. 35258.
Cost: $22.60 per person (includes admission to the museum and participation in the day's programs and activities).
Body in Motion – Yoga and Breakfast
Sunday, August 19 — 9 am to 11:30 am
Ages 15 and up
Begin your day with a guided yoga session led by a local instructor. Regardless of your skill level, experience a practice that emphasizes mindfulness, movement, and the connection between mind and body. Following the session, enjoy a light breakfast including tea and fruit. Explore the theme of body in motion even further through our exhibitions that touch on human-powered modes of transportation such as the canoeing and cycling. Please dress appropriately for weather conditions. We recommend participants bring a yoga mat and a bottle of water.
Cost: $16 per person. Registration is required. The Registration deadline is Thursday, August 16. A minimum of 7 registered participants is required for the program to run.
Barcode: 1406632
You can register for this program using the City of Ottawa’s online registration system. Enter the program barcode in the box labelled “Search for programs by barcode”. Click “Add” and log in to complete registration. If you do not already have an account, click “Create new family account”.
History Detectives
Wednesday August 1, August 8, August 15, and August 22 — 1 pm to 3 pm
Ages 8 to 12
Each week History Detectives will tackle a new case and participants will solve a mystery inspired by the history of Billings Estate through artefact study, games, crafts, and more.
Cost: $6.50 per child
Registration is required. You can register for this program using the City of Ottawa’s online registration system. Enter the program barcode in the box labelled “Search for programs by barcode”. Click “Add” and log in to complete registration. If you do not already have an account, click “Create new family account”.
August 15 – The Big Heist
Decode cryptograms to solve the case of the missing farm equipment.
Barcode: 1406537
August 22 – The Case of the Cracked Vase
Who broke the vase? Can you use your artefact-handling skills to repair it?
Barcode: 1406551
Step into the Kitchen
Thursday August 2, August 9, August 16, and August 23 — 10 am to 11:30 pm
Ages 5 to 7
Measure and mix your way through a heritage-cooking lesson. With a different theme each week, learn how ingredients make their way from the farm to your table and leave with a tasty treat to take home.
Cost: $6.50 per child
Registration is required. You can register for this program using the City of Ottawa’s online registration system. Enter the program barcode in the box labelled “Search for programs by barcode”. Click “Add” and log in to complete registration. If you do not already have an account, click “Create new family account”.
August 16 – Butter
Practice using a butter churn. Shake and make some butter of your own.
Barcode: 1406541
August 23 - Jam
Learn the basics of preserves and mash berries for your jam jar.
Barcode: 1406556
Preschool Play Dates
Friday August 3, August 10, August 17, and August 24 — 10 am to 11 am
Ages 3 to 5
Bring your preschoolers to the museum for history-inspired play, dress-up, and hands-on activities with a new theme each week.
Cost: $6.50 per child
Registration is required. You can register for this program using the City of Ottawa’s online registration system. Enter the program barcode in the box labelled “Search for programs by barcode”. Click “Add” and log in to complete registration. If you do not already have an account, click “Create new family account”.
A parent/guardian must accompany children participating in this program. There is no additional program fee for the parent/guardian. Portions of this program will be outside. Participants should be dressed for the weather.
August 17 – Be a Builder like Braddish Billings
Learn about the history of the Billings Bridge and construct your own bridge using the strongest shapes and structures.
Barcode: 1406546
August 24 – Settler Lifestyle
Dress up in heritage costume, play with Victorian-era toys, and make your own paper quilt.
Barcode: 1406563
Heritage Gardening
Saturdays in July and August – 11 am to 1 pm
Complement your museum experience with a drop-in visit to the heritage garden. Costumed interpreters will provide context on the harsh realities of early Canada subsistence farming and how the Billings became some of the most successful farmers in the area. As the season changes, we’ll explore different themes from planting and pest control to harvesting and pickling. Leave with knowledge you can take home and apply to your own backyard garden.
School Programs
School Programs and Educational Activities are offered for students from kindergarten to Grade 8 from Wednesday to Friday during the months of May, June, September and October.
