Billings Estate Museum, Ottawa

The Billings Estate National Historic Site in Ottawa is a cherished heritage museum. Situated on Cabot Street, it occupies the former residence of one of the earliest settlers in the region. Constructed between 1827 and 1829 by Braddish Billings, a Massachusetts native, this structure is the oldest wood-framed house in Ottawa. Braddish Billings, who arrived in the area in 1812, held the distinction of being Gloucester Township's first settler.

Braddish Billings flourished in the timber trade, which enabled him to construct the splendid Park Hill residence. However, as time went on, he shifted his focus to agriculture, and the house became the centerpiece of a thriving farm that supplied produce to Bytown. The Bytown and Prescott Railway conveniently connected the farm to the town.

The estate remained in the possession of the Billings family until 1975. Over the years, portions of the property were gradually sold to developers, resulting in the estate's current modest size. In 1975, the house transformed into the Billings Estate Museum, now under the management of the City of Ottawa. During the annual Doors Open Ottawa event in early June, the house stands alongside other architecturally captivating and historically significant buildings. Within the estate lies a historic cemetery, which houses graves dating back to 1820.

The museum's collection comprises more than 13,000 artifacts. However, only a fraction of these treasures are displayed at any given time. The Billings Estate Artifact Collection storage facility, located at the Routhier Community Centre, safeguards items that have never been exhibited, serving as a vital resource for preserving artifacts.