City of Ottawa Museums - October 2020

 

This fall, the five City of Ottawa museums partnered with The Good Companions Seniors’ Centre and Ottawa West Community Support to deliver 500 Heritage Harvest care packages to older adults across Ottawa. The contents of these packages highlighted the shared agricultural history of the City’s museums: Billings Estate National Historic Site, Cumberland Heritage Village Museum, Fairfields Heritage House, Nepean Museum, and Pinhey’s Point Historic Site. Items included tea, inspired by Lamira Billings’ reputation as a healer, grocery notepads printed on a 1927 Chandler and Price platen press, locally produced honey, jam prepared with Ottawa-area produce, and lavender, as once was grown in the Pinhey family gardens. Our team truly enjoyed having the opportunity to connect with the community, and share a piece of our sites’ histories, in a new and unique way. A big thank you goes out to all our team members and community partners for all their hard work! Funding for this project was provided by the City of Ottawa’s Older Adult Program, adjudicated by the Seniors Roundtable.

Fall colours stun at Pinhey’s Point

Autumn is one of our favourite seasons of the year at Pinhey’s Point Historic Site and this fall was no exception. We simply couldn’t resist snapping a few photos of the grounds with all the red, orange, and yellow foliage on display. Make sure to tag us in any of your fall photos from visits to City of Ottawa Museums on Facebook and Instagram! You can find our social media linked below.

Artefact spotlight

Have you ever wondered what’s hidden just below the surface as you explore some of our city’s historic sites? These photos offer a unique behind-the-scenes (or perhaps below-the-scenes) glimpse at the stone foundation of the house at Billings Estate. If you ever have the opportunity to venture to the basement of the 191-year-old structure, you’re offered a clear view of the original stone foundation along the outer wall. Braddish Billings sourced these stones from the fields surrounding his farm. Braddish began the construction of his house ‘on the hill’ after shifting his focus away from the lumber business and towards agriculture. The family moved into the house in 1829 and years later Charles Billings would recall:

I remember distinctly however seeing the new house stand in a frame after it was erected and also the day that we moved up into it—my father [Braddish Billings] drove a yoke of oxen and a wagon cart…my mother set the table in the kitchen and it was there we took our first meal in that house.

Plan a COVID-wise visit

Before visiting your local museum to explore the exhibitions, enjoy the outdoor spaces, or to take part in special programming, be sure to review the latest tips and guidelines from Ottawa Public Health. Please note that guidelines are evolving and that this newsletter may not reflect the most recent recommendations. Plan to visit the museum with members of your household only, bring a mask to wear indoors or outdoors when physical distancing cannot be maintained, keep 2 meters (6 feet) between yourself and any other visitors who are not members of your household, and practice hand hygiene. Most importantly, if you or a member of your household are not feeling well, please stay home and contact the museum to cancel any booked visit or program registration.

Mystery after dark at Billings Estate

When the sun sets on October 17, the voices of the past will speak once more for one evening only. You’ve honed your puzzle solving skills, now put them to the test as you sort through webs of lies and deceit to bring an end to a mysterious affair. Will the enigmatic figures who’ve laid claim to the grounds at Billings Estate National Historic Site reveal their secrets to you in time? Tickets are on sale now for this one-of-a-kind experience presented by Governor General’s Award nominated Live History. Evening sessions are recommended for adults only (18+). A family-friendly version is being offered in the afternoon. "A Practice of Deceit" will be presented outdoors and has been adapted to meet public health guidelines.

DIY pumpkin centrepieces at Fairfields Heritage House

On October 17 and 18, we’re taking our Makers at the Museum series outdoors with two fantastic workshops lead by award-winning florist Crystal Hill! Learn to make a "gourd-geous" autumnal centrepiece that will be the star of your seasonal décor while enjoying the grounds of our 19th century Gothic Revival farmhouse. Registration is required.

Monsters on the loose

Both Billings Estate and Cumberland Heritage Village Museum are offering family-friendly, outdoor programming to help you and your little ones celebrate the Halloween season. Programs have been adapted to meet public health guidelines, including physical distancing, and require you to register your household group in advance. Monster mystery at the museum October 24 and 25 at Billings Estate National Historic Site A monster family’s Halloween celebration has gone wrong – the candy is missing! Have no fear, our Museum Detectives are on the case and you can join the team. Help them solve the mystery as you explore the museum grounds in this semi-guided adventure. Registration is now open. Halloween Hijinks October 24 and 25 at Cumberland Heritage Village Museum Meet Frankenstein, Dracula and other classic silver-screen spooks as you explore the museum grounds. Embrace your inner mad scientist as you try not to drop the (eye)ball while putting your speed and balance to the test, pit your favourite movie monsters against each other in a soap boat race, and navigate your way out of a hay bale labyrinth, and more! The deadline to register is October 20.

Heritage Harvest care packages