Come back in time to Ross House

This lovely log house began life on the Zion Line as a Methodist Church in about 1865, but in 1913 was moved to land originally owned by the Township founder, James Ross, on the south shore of Muskrat Lake, where it was re-purposed as a comfortable home by the Code Family. It was moved to Forester’s Falls in 1995, and was the impetus for the founding of our museum.  Many artifacts are on display here tracing the social life of a busy, friendly village.

The Exhibit Hall

The Exhibit Hall once served as the village’s fire hall for decades. It was donated to Ross Museum in 1995. Inside are many fascinating displays tracing the history of the Whitewater Township, and whose heritage we are now responsible for preserving. There is a school room, a general store counter, a barber shop, and much more.

St. Aidan's Church

This church was moved to Forester’s Falls from the village of Alice, in 1909, and painstakingly re-assembled brick by brick. It closed as an operating church in 1968, and was restored by the Museum, which holds public events.

The Drive Shed

The drive shed houses the implements of the past. An early walking plow, farming tools, logging equipment and a photo logging exhibit are a few of the featured areas of interest in the drive shed.

Attention Summer Students!

Do you have an interest in promoting local history and artifacts? Want to meet new people, learn about Whitewater Region and its fascinating past?

The Whitewater Historical Society and Ross Museum invites applications for post-secondary summer student positions.

Located in picturesque Foresters Falls Ontario, the positions will focus on Archives and Museum exhibits, tours and special events. Experience and interest in public relations, client service, digital and social media skills, communications and leadership, property and garden upkeep is an asset.

These two positions are a maximum of 16 weeks each and are anticipated to begin May 6, 2024. The hourly wage rate is $16.55 with a maximum of 40 hours per week.

Interested candidates should submit a written resume and cover letter (in MS Word or pdf format) by 5:00 p.m. Thursday March 28, 2024 to:

Janis Tomkinson, President, Whitewater Historical Society
Box 41, 2022 Foresters Falls Road, Foresters Falls, ON K0J 1V0
or by email to rossmuseumwhs@gmail.com

Student working in museum
Chair beside old wood stove

Exhibits & Collections

The Ross Museum has five buildings which includes the Ross House (a replica of an 1800’s home), the Exhibit Hall (the former Ross Township Fire Hall), the Drive Shed, the Resource Centre and St. Aidan’s Church.

When you visit Ross Museum, you will be surrounded by period furniture, antique china, pottery and kitchenware of an early settler at home. Next door in the Exhibit Hall, you will discover the old general store, schoolroom, barbers, and millinery shop.

Outside the gardens provide a scenic setting where natural, perennial and annual flower beds invite you to have a picnic lunch.

Chair beside old wood stove

Family History

Step into the captivating world of your ancestors and uncover the rich tapestry of their lives. Immerse yourself in the fascinating tales of customs, personalities, and historical events that are tucked away in your family’s history. At Ross Museum, we believe that family histories hold invaluable treasures, offering insights into a bygone era that may otherwise be lost forever. Explore our family history section and embark on a remarkable journey through time, delving into the vibrant descriptions of local customs that have shaped our heritage. Let the stories unfold, bringing your family back in time to the Ross Museum.

Old picture of road going into Lapasse

Resource Centre

Immerse yourself in the rich history of the Whitewater region at the Resource Centre, conveniently located across the street from the Exhibit Hall. Delve into a treasure trove of local family histories and stories that shaped this community. Our knowledgeable Resource Centre volunteers and dedicated Archivist are here to assist you. For any inquiries, please reach out to them at rossmuseumwhs@gmail.com.

View from Whitewater Lookout

Places of Interest

​The recorded history of Whitewater Region stretches back over 400 years, and artifacts collected from the banks of the Ottawa river have been dated at up to 5,000 years old. This exciting history simply cannot be shown in a museum, and so we have put together several web pages that you may print and take with you on a self-guided tour of the region. We ask that you respect local property laws and abide by the principle of taking only pictures and leaving each site as you find it.

Join & Support

Become a member to enjoy special member benefits and support ongoing heritage preservation efforts. Make a donation to help financially support general operations or a special project.

Chair beside old wood stove