Billings Estate National Historic Site

The Billings family settled on the shores of the Rideau River in 1812 and took an active role in shaping the community as it evolved over time and until the 1970s when they left the estate. They helped build farms and churches, ran a dairy operation, and contributed to the development of the Byward Market by providing produce for sale and building the "Farmers' Bridge".

This National Historic Site on 8 acres of green space is also home to one of Ottawa's oldest community cemeteries where well-known Ottawa pioneers, such as the Evans, Brouse and Firth families, are laid to rest.

Father’s Day Car Show

Sunday, June 21 from 10 am to 3 pm
Cost: Single admission - $8.93; Family admission (two adults and accompanying children from the same household) - $23.15.

Treat your dad, paternal role model, or favourite car enthusiast to a day of family-friendly fun at Billings Estate National Historic Site. Chat with community members about their pre-1999 antique and vintage cars. The Billings’ 1959 Cadillac Sedan de Ville will also be on display. Cast a vote for your favourite car, explore the museum at Ottawa’s oldest wood frame house, and challenge each other to a scavenger hunt.

Participate in the car show 

Car owners are invited to participate in the Father’s Day Car Show at Billings Estate National Historic Site with their pre-1999 vehicles (no ‘mods’ or hot rods). To participate, please complete the online registration form by June 19, 2026. 

Plan to arrive at the museum (2100 Cabot Street) on June 21 between 8:30 am and 9:45 am. Staff will direct you to assigned parking (based on order of arrival). We hope that you will be able to participate for the duration of the event. If you need to depart early, we request that you depart on the hour so we can coordinate the movement of vehicles. Registered car owners will receive up to two meal chits per vehicle for lunch. 

If you have questions, contact  larysa.voss@ottawa.ca. 

Notes

• This program takes place rain or shine. Please dress for weather conditions, including proper footwear for uneven, grassy, or gravel terrain.
• As many of the vehicles are owned by community members, the number of participating vehicles may vary throughout the day (or be impacted by inclement weather).
• If you have questions or concerns regarding accessibility, please contact the museum at 613-580-2088 or by email at museums@ottawa.ca. Additional information about accessibility can be found on the museum webpage. 

Poetry workshop with Elder Albert Dumont

Date: June 27, 2026
Time: 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Ages: 16 and up
Cost: $107.72 plus tax. Advance registration required. 

Join Algonquin poet Albert Dumont on the picturesque grounds at Billings Estate for an intimate poetry workshop. Through readings and storytelling, the former Ottawa Poet Laureate will share insights into the inspirations for his works and his approach to composition. Participants will have the opportunity to craft a poem of their own with thoughtful guidance from Dumont. Light refreshments will be served. 

This workshop will be hosted outdoors (weather permitting). Admission to the museum is included and participants are encouraged to visit “Beyond the Brim: Tales Told Through the Hats We Wore”. Elder Albert Dumont’s hat is featured in this special exhibition, which showcases headwear alongside stories about the individuals who wore them, sharing their impact on Ottawa’s history and diverse cultural landscape. Dumont’s hat is a special piece that he wears when reciting his poetry at locations to which he has a strong emotional connection. It features porcupine quillwork and beading skillfully built for him by Algonquin women, highly respected by the Kitigan Zibi community. 

Meet the artist

Elder Albert Dumont, “South Wind”, is a Poet, Storyteller, Speaker, and an Algonquin Traditional Teacher. He was born in traditional Algonquin Territory (Kitigan Zibi). He has been walking the “Red Road” since commencing his sobriety in 1988. He has published seven books of poetry and short stories and two children’s books, written in three languages. 

Ottawa’s Poet Laureate – April 2021 to April 2023
François Bregha Storyteller Award (Historical Society of Ottawa) – 2023
Honorary Doctorate in Education (University of Ottawa) – 2024

Notes

• This workshop is delivered in English.
• Advance registration is required. Workshops with insufficient registration may be cancelled. If an alternative cannot be offered, a refund will be issued.
• Visit the Ottawa Hand in Hand web page for information on available financial supports to facilitate participation in recreation and culture programs.
• The workshop will take place outdoors under an open-sided tent. Please dress appropriately for the weather. In the event of inclement weather, the workshop may move indoors to a heritage space on the ground floor of the museum.
• “Beyond the Brim” is located on the second floor and is only accessible by stairs. A visual aid is available for those unable to visit the special exhibition. The primary exhibition can be explored on the first floor.
• If you have questions or concerns regarding accessibility, please contact the museum at 613-580-2088 or by email at museums@ottawa.ca. 

Introduction to quillwork: Keychains

Date: July 4, 2026
Time: 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Ages: 16 and up
Cost: $97.20 plus tax. Advance registration required. 

Learn beginner-friendly quillwork techniques with Anishinaabe artist Christine Toulouse. Inspired by quillwork featured in the special exhibition “Beyond the Brim: Tales Told Through the Hats We Wore”, Christine will introduce the cultural significance and foundations of this traditional art form, including how porcupine quills are prepared, dyed, and applied, before guiding participants through the creation of their very own birchbark keychain featuring a simple quillwork design. 

Set in the beautiful gardens at Billings Estate National Historic Site, this workshop will be hosted outdoors (weather permitting). A guided tour of “Beyond the Brim” is included in the experience and light refreshments will be served. 

Meet the artist

Christine Toulouse is an Anishinaabe artist from Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation. In addition to growing the understanding of quillwork practices through community workshops and public showcases, her work has been featured in notable exhibitions including the Indigenous Art Exhibition in Mississauga, the 47^th Annual Indigenous Art Exhibition in Brantford and Reconciliation in France.

Notes

• This workshop is delivered in English.
• Advance registration is required. Workshops with insufficient registration may be cancelled. If an alternative cannot be offered, a refund will be issued.
• Visit the Ottawa Hand in Hand web page for information on available financial supports to facilitate participation in recreation and culture programs.
• The workshop will take place outdoors under an open-sided tent. Please dress appropriately for the weather. In the event of inclement weather, the workshop may move indoors to a heritage space on the ground floor of the museum.
• The final design of the finished project may vary from the projects pictured in marketing materials.
• “Beyond the Brim” is located on the second floor and is only accessible by stairs. A visual aid is available for those unable to visit the special exhibition. The primary exhibition can be explored on the first floor.
• If you have questions or concerns regarding accessibility, please contact the museum at 613-580-2088 or by email at museums@ottawa.ca. 

Time Travellers

Dates: July 8, 15, 22, 29 and August 6, 13, 20 and 27
Time: 10:30 am to noon
Ages: 5 to 7
Cost: $7.78 per session
Advance registration is required. Registration opens May 14 at 9 pm. 

Step back in time and discover all the museum has to offer! Kids will explore the museum inside and out, while tackling projects inspired by the day-to-day life of the Billings family. Each week they’ll explore different heritage chores, skills, and pastimes through fun, hands-on activities.  

Themes

The four weekly themes and their content repeat each month. 

Botany (July 8 and August 6) 
One of the Billings family members is feeling unwell. Use Lamira’s remedies and ingredients from her garden to help get them back on their feet.  

Bugs (July 15 and August 13)  

Follow in Braddish Billings II’s footsteps and learn how to identify the insects living around the museum grounds. Create a field journal, learn how pollination works and make a take-home craft. 

Games and Toys (July 22 and August 20) 

Discover how children in the Billings family had fun! Try historic games and toys to see how play has changed and stayed the same through the years. 

Butter (July 29 and August 27) 

Sabra and Sally Billings are away. Who will run the dairy without them? Step into their roles—find the lost cows, create a butter mould and make fresh butter. 

Notes

• The primary language of delivery for this program is English.
• This is a drop-off program. Parental participation is not required. 
• Some activities take place outdoors. Please dress your child for weather conditions, including clothing and shoes you are comfortable with getting dirty. A hat, sunscreen, and bug spray are recommended. 
• Please pack a small snack and a bottle of water for your child. 
• This program is delivered rain or shine. In the event of poor weather conditions, activities may be adapted or moved inside. In the rare event that the session must be cancelled due to inclement weather, all registered participants will be contacted directly with further information.
• Some activities take place on the museum grounds which include grassy and uneven terrain. Accessible washrooms are available on the ground floor of the museum. If you have questions or concerns about accessibility, please contact 613-580-2088 or museums@ottawa.ca. 
• Sessions with insufficient registration may be cancelled. If the session cannot be rescheduled, a refund will be issued.  

Can You Dig It?

Dates: July 9, 16, 23, 30 and August 5, 12, 19 and 26
Time: 10:30 am to noon
Ages: 8 to 11
Cost: $7.78 per session
Advance registration is required. Registration opens May 14 at 9 pm. 

Learn to dig for artefacts, identify mysterious objects and use techniques that scientists use every day. Inspired by Canada’s first paleontologist, Elkanah Billings, kids will get their hands dirty like Indiana Jones in a simulated excavation site at one of Ottawa's historic homes. 

Themes

The four weekly themes and their content repeat each month.

Archeology (July 9 and August 5) 
Dig into archeology! Learn about the Billings family and identify the artefacts you find.   

Geology (July 16 and August 12) 
Unearth the secrets of our natural history and identify geological samples. 

Paleontology (July 23 and August 19) 
Discover the world of plant and animal fossils. 

Beyond the Pit (July 30 and August 26) 
Tell the story of your excavation! Piece together your discoveries and curate a museum exhibition. 

Notes

• The primary language of delivery for this program is English.
• This is a drop-off program. Parental participation is not required. 
• Some activities take place outdoors. Please dress your child for weather conditions, including clothing and shoes you are comfortable with getting dirty. A hat, sunscreen, and bug spray are recommended. 
• Please pack a small snack and a bottle of water for your child. 
• This program is delivered rain or shine. In the event of poor weather conditions, activities may be adapted or moved inside. In the rare event that the session must be cancelled due to inclement weather, all registered participants will be contacted directly with further information.
• Some activities take place on the museum grounds which include grassy and uneven terrain. Accessible washrooms are available on the ground floor of the museum. If you have questions or concerns about accessibility, please contact 613-580-2088 or museums@ottawa.ca. 
• Sessions with insufficient registration may be cancelled. If the session cannot be rescheduled, a refund will be issued.  

Tea on the Lawn

Complement your visit to Billings Estate National Historic Site with Tea on the Lawn. Enjoy tea and freshly baked goods alongside our beautiful gardens. Heritage staff are happy to highlight the unique history of the estate, making Tea on the Lawn a memorable addition to your museum experience.  

Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays from May 15, 2026 to August 30, 2026 with seatings at 10:30 am, 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm. Reservations are required.  

2026 menu and prices

Three-tier service for one: $21.95 (taxes included) 
Pot of tea; finger sandwiches; scone with butter and jam; assorted desserts. Admission to the museum for one visitor is included.  

• Substitute gluten-free options: $3.49 (taxes included)
• Add Devon cream: $3.49 (taxes included) 

Tea and scone: $6.56 (taxes included) 

• Substitute gluten-free options: $1.16 (taxes included)
• Add Devon Cream: $3.49 (taxes included

Reservations

Request your reservation online beginning April 14, 2026 at 10 am. Reservation requests should be made no later than 4 pm on the Sunday prior to your desired visit. If your preferred date does not appear as an option when completing the request form, reservations are full for that date (or otherwise unavailable). 

Please note that submitting a reservation request does not confirm your booking. A member of staff will follow up with you by email with further details. Reservations are filled in the order requests are received.  

If you require assistance with your Tea on the Lawn reservation, please email BillingsEstateTea@ottawa.ca or call 613-580-2088 ext. 35258. 

Notes

• Large groups: Reservations of 7 or more guests must be booked directly with the tearoom coordinator (call 613-580-2088 ext. 35258). Groups will be seated at tables of four or six. To keep pathways clear, tables cannot be pushed together and chairs cannot be added to a table.
• Allergies and dietary restrictions: While we make reasonable efforts to accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions identified during the reservation process, we cannot guarantee a cross-contact free environment. Vegan and gluten-free alternatives are available but must be requested in advance. We are unable to meet last-minute requests for accommodation at the time of service. If your allergy or dietary needs change, please contact the museum in advance of your seating to update your reservation.
• Accessibility: Tea on the Lawn is served outside under an open-sided tent with a stone floor which may be rough or uneven in some areas. A passenger drop-off and pick-up zone is available in front of the lobby entrance. Additional information about accessibility can be found on the museum webpage. If you have questions or concerns regarding accessibility, please contact the museum.
• Weather: In the rare event that weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances necessitate the cancellation of Tea on the Lawn, all guests with a reservation will be contacted directly with further information. 

Picnic on the museum grounds

Visitors are welcome to bring their own snacks and picnic on the museum grounds. To preserve the artefacts in the museum, no eating or drinking is permitted in the exhibition spaces. Outside food is also not permitted in the tent where Tea on the Lawn is served.

Beyond the Brim: Tales Told Through the Hats We Wore

April 15 to October 11, 2026 - Billings Estate National Historic Site

Beyond the Brim: Tales Told Through the Hats We Wore showcases headwear alongside stories about the individuals who wore them, sharing their impact on Ottawa’s history and diverse cultural landscape. The exhibition includes hats, helmets and head coverings from the City of Ottawa Museums and Historic Sites collection, local heritage groups, cultural organizations and residents.  

The City of Ottawa Museums and Historic Sites serve as stewards of Ottawa’s material culture through the care, management and exhibition of the City’s artefact collections. The City of Ottawa Museums and Historic Sites operate Billings Estate National Historic Site, Cumberland Heritage Village Museum, Fairfields Heritage House, Nepean Museum and Pinhey’s Point Historic Site. 

Accessibility

Please note that the "Beyond the Brim" exhibition is located on the second floor of the museum and is only accessible by stairs. A visual aid is available in the lobby for those unable to access the exhibition. The primary exhibition, “The Billings Family Story”, can be explored on the ground floor. If you have questions or concerns regarding accessibility, please contact the museum at 613-580-2088 or by email at museums@ottawa.ca. 

Beyond the Brim [pdf - 0.98 MB]

We are also happy to provide this document by email. Please contact the museum at museums@ottawa.ca to request a copy. 

Thank you

The City of Ottawa's Museums and Historic Sites acknowledges the contributions of many who made this exhibition possible:

• Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation
• Sergeant Jasdeep Singh Bajwa
• Britt Braaten
• Bytown Fire Brigade Historical Society
• Bytown Museum
• Capital Heritage Connexion
• William Commanda family
• Bruce Deachman
• Elder Albert Dumont
• Diefenbunker: Canada's Cold War Museum
• Gloucester Township Historical Society
• Goulbourn Township Historical Society
• The Khayrhaye Somali Cultural Centre
• Mary Ellen Kot
• Ed Kwan
• Dr. Monia Mazigh
• Muséoparc Vanier
• Odyssey Theatre
• Osgoode Township Museum
• Ottawa Archives
• Ottawa Jewish Archives
• Renfrew & District Historical & Museum Society Inc.
• The Sears Museum
• Ben Weiss
• Dr. Joyce Wright
• Kim Kilpatrick
• Adèle Peyraud-Bandini

Artefact collections

A large portion of the Billings Estate National Historic Site artefact collection received Canadian Cultural Property designation in 1996 because of its significance as material evidence of the historic development of the nation's capital. The eclectic collection contains more than 27,000 artefacts - many of which are on exhibition at the museum - that belonged to the family and their neighbours, including furniture, household goods, personal possessions, an extensive library, tools, entomological specimens, agricultural equipment and a 1959 Cadillac. 

Exhibitions

The museum's exhibitions are designed to tell the stories of the estate and the community's evolution over more than 150 years, beginning in 1812 when the Billings family settled on the Rideau River.

Permanent exhibition - The Billings Family Story

Always at the museum is our permanent exhibition that explores the story of pioneers carving out from the wilderness a new life, the progress of relationships and families through good times and bad, the history of industry and agriculture in the area, and the community that grew over the years.

Interactive features like a touch-screen family tree, audio recordings of poetry readings and the Oath of Allegiance, as well as radio programs from days long gone by round out the experience. We've made sure there's a scavenger hunt for our young visitors, too. 

Billings Family virtual exhibition 

The Billings Family virtual exhibit, presented by the City of Ottawa Archives, gives a view of the Billings Family and their interactions with the growing city center of Ottawa and Billings Bridge Village. The histories are written from the perspective of one family’s experiences and activities, within the context of Ottawa’s development as a city.

Reminiscent of a country estate, with the convenience of a central location, Ottawa’s oldest wood-frame house is surrounded by approximately eight acres of landscaped greenspace and gardens.  

Use the rental search tool to find an event space that meets your needs.

• Grounds 
• Sally's Kitchen (multi-purpose room)
  Note: Sally’s Kitchen is not a functional kitchen for food preparation; the name reflects the space’s historical use.
• Farmhand's House (multi-purpose room)

For more information, please contact our Customer Service Booking Clerk. Call 613-580-2088 or email museums@ottawa.ca.

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.

The museums are not currently accepting new volunteers. If you have any questions about the volunteer program or would like to be notified when volunteering resumes, please contact 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
  • 2 designated parking spaces 
  • Accessible path of travel from the parking lot to entrance
  • 100 metres from parking space to the door
• Passenger Loading Zone
  • Access aisle
• Entrance/Exit
  • 2 accessible entrances (Main House and Tombstone Garage)
  • Ramp
  • Wide door for wheelchair passage
  • Automatic door opener
  • Direct access to the main floor, lobby
• Interior
  • Accessible seating available
  • Wheelchair available for patrons
• Reception desks
  • Accessible counters
  • Floor area for maneuvering a wheelchair
• Signage
  • Directional signs
  • High contrast signage
  • Large lettering
• Washrooms
  • Accessible washrooms on first floor
  • Large stalls to allow transfers
• Telephone
  • Volume control
  • Accessible path
• Museums, galleries, and archives
  • 2 exhibition spaces are accessible
  • Good visibility for patrons in wheelchairs
  • Interpretive labels or panels in large font

Learn more about Inclusive Recreation and accessible services.