About the Petawawa Heritage Society

Welcome to Petawawa Heritage Village, where we celebrate the early Canadian settlement and immigration story. Our archives and exhibits highlight the contributions of the French, Irish, Scottish and German founding families and trace back thousands of years to the traditions and teachings of the First Nations peoples.

We respectfully acknowledge that Petawawa Heritage Village is situated on the unceded and unsurrendered territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation, whose presence on and stewardship of this land, including the Kitchisippi (Ottawa River) watershed, dates back to time immemorial. As an organization dedicated to preserving history and heritage, we commit to ongoing learning, respectful collaboration, and meaningful action toward reconciliation with Indigenous communities.

 Step into the past—connect with the lives of those who came before. Your memories here will last a lifetime.

ABOUT THE PETAWAWA HERITAGE SOCIETY

Founded in 1999, the Petawawa Heritage Society (PHS) began with a small group of dedicated volunteers, including Al Crocker, Ann McIntyre, and Sharon & Jody Anne McDonald, aiming to preserve and celebrate Petawawa's local history and heritage. Presidents of the Society include: Ann McIntyre (2009 – 2019), Ron Ticknor (2020 – 2021), Grace Gendron (2022), Thomas Brushett (2023 – 2024), Sharon Rideough (2025), Julie Mallory (2026 – present).

Key Milestones

• 2003:      PHS becomes an incorporated, charitable organization.
• 2004-2005:      Acquisition and relocation of SS#3 Black Bay Schoolhouse; the first Heritage Festival held.
• 2006:      Work begins on a replica CP Railway Station, opened in 2009.
• 2006-2007:      First summer students hired; joined regional museum and tourism      networks.
• 2008-2010:      Opening of the Molson House, St. John Lutheran Stable &  Blacksmith Shop, Trapper Cabin, and Leder House.
• 2011:      Expansion includes Outdoor Oven, Pole Barn, Logging Shed,  Carpenter’s Shop, Wigwam, and a Heritage Garden.
• 2012:      Construction of new Washroom Facilities.
• 2016-2019:      Donation and restoration of a Village Church, and installation of Paved  Walkways to improve accessibility.
• 2018:      Construction of the replica General Store, styled after late 19th–early 20th century establishments.
• 2020:      Welcome Centre built from reclaimed lumber; new Solar Lighting  and Parking Lot Improvements added.
• 2021:      Michel House built in 1936 was  relocated from 6 Doran Road. The  building was also rented out to troops during WW2. 
• 2024:      Celebrated 25th Anniversary, replacement of the existing dilapidated fence with a new split-rail  cedar fence and a handcrafted veranda addition to the Michel House.  
• 2025: Indigenous Village was refurbished and a monument was relocated from CFB Petawawa to the Village

Today

• The Village now holds over 5,000 artifacts, all donated by the community.
• The site is  supported by local grants, volunteers, and organizations.
• It continues  to thrive as a center for heritage education, community events, and  historical preservation.