Visit Us
Seasonal Hours
We are open for tours Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 4pm
Admissions
Per Person $10
Student/Child Free
Groups of 6 or more Adults $7
Some events have gate admission, fees, or ticket pricing.
Mercantile
Come visit our on-site mercantile for gifts and keepsakes like:
- Local history books
- Historic Toys
- Historic Candy
- Greeting Cards
... and more!
Click the button below to purchase books online!
A Brief History
The Backus-Page House Museum is located within the grounds of the John E. Pearce Provincial Park, within a restored Georgian style house which was constructed in 1850.
It is one of the first brick homes built in what would eventually become Dunwich Township, now the Municipality of Dutton Dunwich.
The house was commissioned by Andrew and Mary Jane (Hamilton) Backus. The Backus family was one of several families that had obtained land from Colonel Thomas Talbot and settled in the area which quickly came to be known as Little Ireland (a namesake due to the Irish ancestry of the settlers).
The property that Andrew built his house on was given to him by his grandmother, Mary Storey, who received her original land grant in 1809.
The Backus-Page House and property was obtained by Jonas Page in 1925. Members of the Page family resided on the estate and farmed the property for over 40 years. Morley and Grace Page were the last of the Pages to live on the farm and they sold it to the Ministry of Natural Resources in 1968.
Ontario Parks currently retains ownership and has entered into a lease agreement with the Tyrconnell Heritage Society.
Wetland “Storey” Trail
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Backus-Page House Attractions
Agricultural Centre
The Agricultural Centre houses exhibits showcasing the rural and farming history of western Elgin County for our visitors. Funded by the estates of George Kimble and Theresa Cutler McPhee, Government of Canada, and community donations.
Guided Museum Tours
For Individuals, Families, Groups and Bus Trips
Tea Parties in the Museum
Field Trips for Schools & Home Learners
Accessible Information
Accessible formats will be kept on hand (eg. Tour scripts) or we will provide accessible formats of written information and other forms of communication available upon request in a timely manner. No fee will be charged for accessible formats.
