In the early 1850’s the lure of plenty of water power and the promise of railway development attracted Joshua Bates, founder of nearby Farmersville (now Athens), to a site beside the roaring waters of Old Sly’s Rapids on the Rideau Canal. Bates built two mills on property leased from the Crown and promoted the development of the Brockville and Ottawa Railway Company. After suffering considerable losses in his milling operations and investing heavily in the now bankrupt railway company, he began construction of his large frame house in 1861.
Despite his optimism for the future, fate did not allow Joshua Bates to recoup his fortune or to enjoy his new home. He died in debt on January 1st, 1864. His home and mills were acquired by his business competitor Truman R. Ward, eldest son of Abel Russell Ward, a founding father of Smiths Falls. After many years of neglect, the Corporation of the Town of Smiths Falls purchased the once dignified country estate from the Gleeson family in 1977 for use as a community museum.
Today Heritage House Museum functions as a community museum and historic house, depicting the upper middle class life of the Bates Family circa 1865-1875 and featuring a permanent collection of Smiths Falls artifacts, traveling exhibits and art shows. A visit offers unique mirror-image facades, an indoor brick bake oven, period rooms, exhibition galleries and a famous two-story privy.
The grounds are located on the picturesque Rideau Canal waterway at Old Sly’s Lock Station and offer the perfect backdrop for an afternoon picnic, nature respite or family gathering. Ask us about our great rates for group bookings, meetings, and weddings!
Family researchers should also note that the Lanark County Genealogical Resource Centre is located on site. Library access is $5 per day or $20 per year and can be purchased at the Museum.
For more information on the Museum’s services, special events, or how you can donate, please contact us at 613-283-6311, heritagehouse@smithsfalls.ca or visit us at: Heritage House Museum Facebook Page .
Appointments Welcome Year Round!
Winter
January 1 – April 30: Available by Appointment and for Special Events. Please note the Lanark County Genealogical Resource Centre is located at the Museum and is also available by appointment to research your family and/or property history.
Spring
May 1 – 31 : Weekends, 10 am – 5 pm
Summer
June 1 – August 31: Wednesday to Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm
September 1 – Oct 31: Wednesday, Friday – Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm. Thursday, 12 pm – 8 pm.
Autumn
Nov 1 – Dec 1 : Weekends 10 am – 4 pm
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