Burk's Falls and District Heritage Centre's
Burk’s Falls Heritage Centre's
The Burk’s Falls and District Historical Society is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of Burk’s Falls and the surrounding area.
Through historical artifacts, photographs, local stories and displays, the Historical Society provides an informative and engaging look at the people, places and experiences that helped shape our community.
Visitors are invited to explore two unique heritage sites: Wiseman’s Corner Schoolhouse Heritage Centre and Watt Century Farmhouse Heritage Centre. Each tells a different part of our local story, from early education and the challenges faced by rural families to pioneer life and settlement in the area.
Both heritage sites are cared for and staffed by dedicated volunteers who are committed to preserving our history for future generations.
Take some time to explore both locations and discover a little more about the history of Burk’s Falls and the surrounding communities.
Wiseman’s Corner Schoolhouse Heritage Centre
Step Back into the Classroom of 1892
Visit Wiseman’s Corner Schoolhouse Heritage Centre and discover what going to school was like for children in the area more than a century ago.
The historic schoolhouse served local families for over 45 years and today provides visitors with a glimpse into early rural education and community life.
The Story of the Schoolhouse
Before the present schoolhouse was built, children attended a log schoolhouse located approximately 2km northwest on Lot 9, Concession 11. The original school served the section for roughly 10 years.
By 1892, many of the children attending school lived along Concession 8 and faced a difficult journey to class. Students had to travel a 2km bush trail, with roughly half of the route crossing swampy terrain. For weeks each year, high water could make the road impassable.
Families in the south end of the school section began advocating for a more accessible location. The section was eventually divided and the school was relocated approximately 2km south.
The half acre property for the present schoolhouse was purchased in
1892 for $1.63, with the purchase also including
63 feet of lumber.
Visit the Schoolhouse
Today, Wiseman’s Corner Schoolhouse Heritage Centre preserves this part of our local history through artifacts and displays collected for visitors to explore and enjoy.
Step inside the one room schoolhouse and discover the story of early education, the families it served and what school life was like in a rural community more than 130 years ago.
Location & Contact
112 Midlothian Road
705-571-3308
Hours of Operation
July and August only
Fridays and Saturdays
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Watt Century Farmhouse Heritage Centre
Discover Pioneer Life in the Burk’s Falls Area
Visit Watt Century Farmhouse Heritage Centre and take a step back in time.
Filled with local stories, historical artifacts and displays, the farmhouse provides an opportunity to discover more about pioneer life and the early settlement of the Burk’s Falls area.
The Watt Family Story
John Russell Watt was born to Alexander and Euphemia (Gibson) Watt on March 14, 1856, in Lanark County.
In 1874, he came to Armour Township and settled on Lots 10 and 11, Concession 7, at Watt’s Dam near the Magnetawan River. The property was obtained through the free grant system during the reign of Queen Victoria in 1878.
The Watt Century Farmhouse is now the second heritage centre operated by the Burk’s Falls and District Historical Society, preserving local artifacts and stories and providing visitors with another window into the history of the area.
Visit the Farmhouse
Explore the farmhouse and discover stories and artifacts that reflect the lives of the people who settled, worked and built communities throughout the area.
Together, Watt Century Farmhouse and Wiseman’s Corner Schoolhouse help preserve different pieces of our shared local history and provide visitors with an opportunity to experience that history firsthand.
Contact
705-571-3308
Current Hours of Operation
August 23: Closed
August 24-26: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Fall Hours
Beginning August 27, Watt Century Farmhouse Heritage Centre will be open:
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays
11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
End of September, Watt Century Farmhouse Heritage Centre will close for the season.
Preserving Our Local History
The Burk’s Falls and District Historical Society and its volunteers play an important role in collecting, preserving and sharing the stories of our community.
Whether you remember the days of the one room schoolhouse, have family connections to the area or are discovering Burk’s Falls for the first time, both Heritage Centre's offer an opportunity to experience a piece of our local history.
Visitors are encouraged to explore both Wiseman’s Corner Schoolhouse Heritage Centre and Watt Century Farmhouse Heritage Centre and discover the unique stories preserved at each location.
For more information about the Historical Society, local history and upcoming events and celebrations, visit the Burk’s Falls and District Historical Society website.
