Heritage House
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Heritage House
Heritage House
The Heritage House at Point Ellice Museum was built in 1862 by Charles Wentworth Wallace and his wife, Catherine Work, as a family home. The Italianate style of architecture reflects the cultural exchanges of the period, and is shared by other significant local landmarks, including Emily Carr House.
As we preserve the heritage of this house, we also recognize the role of women and Indigenous knowledge in the cultural shaping of the region. The architecture and its evolving layers of significance are part of the collective story of this land, one that incorporates both settler and Indigenous histories.
O’Reilly Artifacts
The O’Reilly Collection contains over 16,000 artifacts, many of which were carefully kept by Kathleen O’Reilly and her family. The collection provides insight into the material culture of the Victorian era, but it also tells a story of the people who shaped and were shaped by this land, including Indigenous peoples.
Through educational programming, we are working to highlight how the artifacts connect to the broader narratives of colonialism, Indigenous displacement, and the resilience of Indigenous cultures.
Every Room Tells a Story
While the Heritage House beautifully showcases the O’Reilly family’s legacy, it also honors the workers and caretakers who played a vital role in maintaining the estate’s operations.
Visitors can learn about the household staff, including maids, cooks, gardeners, and carriage drivers, whose labor and expertise ensured the smooth running of the household.
Through interpretive displays and guided tours, the stories of these individuals are brought to light, emphasizing the important contributions of both paid staff and unrecognized workers, including Indigenous and Métis community members who engaged with the O’Reilly family in various capacities.
A Living Museum
Today, Point Ellice House continues to evolve as a museum and cultural space, managed by Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC).
The house is not only a preserved artifact but a dynamic learning environment, where educational programs, seasonal exhibits, and community events keep the heritage alive.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an architecture admirer, or simply curious about life in 19th-century Victoria, the Heritage House offers an immersive experience.
Every room holds a story, and every story adds depth to our understanding of the past.