Billings Estate Museum

Région touristique : National Capital Region

The Billings Estate Museum was the home and property of the Billings Family, one of Ottawa's founding families. Five succeeding generations inhabited the architecturally unique Billings house, Ottawa's oldest residence, from 1829 to 1975. Designated by the National Historic Sites and Monuments Board, the imposing house is the centrepiece of the Museum which also includes outbuildings, an historic cemetery, fragrant and colourful flower beds, heritage plantings and centuries-old pathways on a lush green site of 8.4 acres. Museum exhibits illustrate the intertwined stories of family and community life over 200 years and showcase the diverse collection of over 24,000 artifacts owned by the Billings Family. An extensive programme of special events, school programmes, adult learning workshops and lectures, and other activities animate this landmark of local history throughout the year.

The Billings Estate Museum is owned and operated by the City of Ottawa.

Renseignements sur les collections

A varied collection of household furniture and furnishings, personal objects, tools and equipment, art objects, books, documents, photographs, building components/fragments and archaeological materials etc. representing the farming, business, household and personal lives, activities and interests of five generations of the prominent Billings family from 1813 to 1975. The collection also represents the development and history of the community of Billings Bridge prior to its annexation by the City of Ottawa. It is particularly unique in its size, scope, time span, research value and regional significance. The Canadian Cultural Property Export Review Board has declared 6,000 recently donated items to be "of outstanding significance and national importance".

Nombre approximatif d'objets ou de spécimens dans la collection : 24,378

Archives

A collection of 12,000 items including family correspondence, legal and financial papers, genealogy records, land agreements, printed ephemera, photographs, maps, plans, etcetera. It contains a wealth of information about the Billings family (throughout the world) and about the development of the community, and will be of great interest to researchers working in the areas of family and local history.

Cartographic Materials • Prints and Drawings • Manuscripts • Textual Records
Autre : A family book collection of almost 3,600 volumes (primarily literary works)

Arts décoratifs

Household furnishings and personal belongings including a range of decorative arts objects such as bone china, tableware, Prattware figures, crystal chandeliers, gilt picture frames, Oriental rugs, embroideries, hand decorated linens, women's clothing, jewelery, silver flatware and dresser items, toleware, brass fireplace accessories, cast iron stoves and two melodeons (reed organs).

Ceramics, Porcelain or Pottery • Costumes • Furniture or Furnishings • Glass • Metalwork, Silverwork or Goldwork • Musical Instruments • Textiles or Tapestries

Beaux-arts

Some portraits of Billings family members; paintings and drawings done by family members; paintings and prints chosen by the family for their home.

Culture :
Canadian

Période :
Historical

Média : Painting • Prints and Drawings • Sketchbooks or Albums

Histoire humaine

Approximately 5,000 archaeological fragments recovered from the estate site, as well as the historic house, the surrounding outbuildings (gatehouse, smokehouse, icehouse, woodshed and garage) and their artifactual contents, the estate grounds with their historic pathways, gardens, trees and graveyard - all provide insight into local social history and land use.

Agriculture • Animal Husbandry • Archaeological Objects • Ceremonial Objects • Clocks or Time-Keeping Devices • Communications Devices • Costumes and Accessories • Currency • Furniture or Furnishings • Household Objects or Domestic Technology • Imaging : Photographs • Manuscripts • Maps, Charts, Plans or Blueprints • Musical Instruments • Religious or Liturgical Objects • Sports Equipment • Toys and Games • Transportation : Motorized ground : Non-motorized ground
Autre : hardware and architectural components/fragments; gravestones.

Services

Permanent, temporary and outreach exhibits highlighting family history over five generations, placed within the context of Ottawa's local history; guided tours of the house and grounds; special events and activities; curriculum-based school programs; adult education programs and workshops; outreach kits and presentations; volunteer program and student internships; facility rental program

Services de recherche

Information Centre • Library • Slide Library

Programmes Éducatifs

Participatory hands-on school programmes at the Billings Estate are based on the new Ontario School Curriculum. Grade three teachers should inquire about our programme "Pioneer Life", which traces the hardships and accomplishments of the pioneer Billings family.

Classes or Workshops • Internships • Lectures
Autre : Ask about our adult and seniors' workshops and seminars.

Information aux Visiteurs

Self-guided tours available in English, French and Japanese.

Bilingual Services • Films and Videos • Guided Tours : English : French • Children's Activities or Services : Nursing area or Change Table • Information Centre or Desk • Nature Trails, Walks or Gardens • Parking Facilities : Free : Bus • Gift shop • Special Needs Facilities : Parking : Signs : Washrooms : Wheelchair access • Washrooms
Autre : Afternoon Tea Service (summer)

Services de restauration

English scones and tea are available, served under a marquee tent, amongst the flower and herb gardens of the beautiful Billings Estate. Lemonade and ice-cream are also available.

Picnic Area • Reception Facilities

Autres services

Our estate grounds our perfect for small garden weddings, parties, family events.

Publications et produits

"A Brief History of the Billings Family 1812- 1975/Un bref historique de la famille Billings 1812-1975;" "Braddish Billings, Esquire: Early Ottawa Entrepreneur;" "Fanlight;" newsletter/« imposte», bulletin

Autre : video, exhibit handouts (occasional), historical booklets

Images en vedette

Carte

Emplacement

Adresse :	2100 Cabot Street Ottawa, Ontario K1H 6K1 Voir la carte
Téléphone :	(613)247-4830
Télécopieur :	(613)247-4832
Adresse postale :	Billings Estate Museum 2100 Cabot St., Ottawa, Ontario K1H 6K1
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