Learn
Rent an in-classroom activity kit

Toys & Games
Filled with 20+ toy and game replicas inspired by the 1850s. Each toy comes with a brief history and step-by-step instructions (aimed at Grade 3's comprehension) for use. Designed to be used as different stations in your classroom so each student has the opportunity to experience games and toys of centuries before. This lesson has a heavy focus on the Art and Physical Education curriculum!

One Room Schoolhouse
Etiquette, rules, and more. This lesson explores life for settler children in a one-room schoolhouse. In terms of curriculum the lesson is focused on Social Science (2018). Transform your classroom into a one-room schoolhouse with 30 slates and pencils. The objective of the lesson is for students to analyze the developments made in teaching and learning over the century.

All About Wool
This lesson approaches the topic of wool and fibres and how settlers created natural solutions to their problems. The curriculum focus is heavily based in Science and Social Science. Many of the activities teach students to understand the difference between synthetic and natural fibres. Learn how to make your own thread by using one of the seventeen (17) drop spindles and lucets to create fabric like the settlers once did.

Quill Pen Writing
Time to ditch the pencils and pick up a feather! Test out your spelling and storytelling with 30+ quill pens and ink!

Pioneer Clothing
Immerse your classroom down to the last thread. This box includes 13 boys vests and 16 girls skirts and aprons, all in various sizes. Supplement this box by suggesting to your class to wear dress pants and blouses!
Book Your NEW & IMPROVED Backus Box Here
$25 for a two-week rental per Backus Box.
Each box contains a set of historical tools, games or activities. It also comes with lessons, worksheets, maps, and more. All have been carefully curated to fulfill the Ontario Curriculum for Grade 3 classes. Each box fulfills cross curricular connections from the most recent Grade 3 Ontario curriculum, and they are outlined in the lesson. When applicable there are rubrics/mark schemes to allow for easy marking. Each lesson will likely take at least a full class time, if not longer, to complete.
Read our Cancellation Policy
If you are unable to pick up or return your Backus Box on the scheduled date, or if you decide to cancel your reservation, please call the Carriage House Office immediately at 519-762-3072
Cancellations should be made at least two weeks before the scheduled pick-up date.
This is essential. We often have a waiting list of teachers anxious to use the boxes.
A cancellation fee ($25) will be charged for all cancellations not reported two weeks in advance.
Check out more Rental Information
Backus Boxes can be booked at any time throughout the year, however, to ensure your class priority we recommend that you book several weeks prior to the date of your intended use.
As we often have a waiting list for rentals, Box reservations will be accepted
until 4 p.m of the week prior to your date of visit.
Rent Backus Box Request Form
Booking an education group

Plan Your Visit
Museum tours can be booked at any time, however, to ensure your class priority, we recommend that you book several weeks prior to the date of your intended visit.

Confirm Your Visit
Your visit is not confirmed until you have received a confirmation email. If you have not received an email within one week of booking, please email info@backuspagehouse.ca or call 519-762-3072.

Pay for Your Visit
Please pay online down below or bring a cheque or major credit card for the full amount agreed upon on the day of your visit. Cheques should be made payable to Tyrconnell Heritage Society. Invoices can be provided.

Plan for Arrival
The Backus-Page House Museum is open from 10:00am - 4:00pm. Alternate times can be arranged based on your needs. Activity times are based upon your arrival and departure times.
Pricing
Full Day(6 activities)
$11 per student
$220 minimum charge
Free for supervisors
Half Day(3 activities)
$5.50 per student
$110 minimum charge
Free for supervisors
Half Day(with 1 make and take)
$6.50 per student
$130 minimum charge
Free for supervisors
Free Parking
Book Your Visit Here
Bookings will be accepted until 4:00pm of the week prior to your date of visit.
Book by Phone
519-762-3072Mail in Booking Form
Download booking form (below) and email completed form to info@backuspagehouse.ca info@backuspagehouse.ca
Download Booking Form View Code of ConductView Code of Conduct
The Provincial Code of Conduct applies to everyone visiting the Backus Page House Museum. Please ensure that your students and supervisors are aware.
Additionally the following is unacceptable:
- Conduct which is harmful to the exhibits and displays is prohibited
- Food or drink outside the designated eating areas
View Supervisor Requirements
A minimum number of supervisors of 1 : 6 is recommended.
Supervisors are required to:
- Remain with their students at all times
- Be responsible for discipline at all times
Groups will not be admitted to activity stations without supervisors. If a group becomes disorderly during an activity, the group's supervisor may be asked to remove the group.