HERITAGE HOUSE MUSEUM 11 OLD SLY’S RD., SMITHS FALLS

Lovingly curated and documented, Heritage House reproduces via eight period rooms the life of an upper-middle class family in Smiths Falls from 1867 to 1875. Look for touches like the cherry pitter in the pantry — Victorians were big on gadgets — and the grand piano draped in a fringed shawl, although its legs are immodestly bare. There’s also a rare two-storey privy, a short bed in the master bedroom (apparently folks of the time slept propped up on bolsters or pillows because lying flat was deemed unhealthy), good vintage photos, and an exhibit until mid-October of Lustre Ware porcelain and ironstone. Outside are pretty grounds with a view of the Rideau River. Mill owner Joshua Bates, who built the house, died within six months of its completion.

Hours: Open year-round; see website for details. Cost: Adults $3.50 and up.

Information: 613-283-6311, smithsfalls.ca/heritage-house-museum.cfm