For the first time in seven years, visitors to the Haliburton Highlands Museum will be able to learn all about, and see firsthand, the story of one of the community’s early settlers, the Reid family.
The historic Reid House, constructed in 1882, reopened for tours over the May long weekend. Located on the museum grounds in Glebe Park, the exhibit unpacks the history of the home dating back to its original owner, John Russell Reid II, who was a carpenter in town.
He moved to Haliburton in 1871 with his parents, John and Amy, who emigrated from London, England.
“The Reid family never would have imagined in a million years that their story would be told in a museum… but theirs and the museum’s paths are completely intertwined,” said Kate Butler, the museum’s director. “The earliest days of the museum were in this house. It’s been part of our story all the way along.”
Descendants of the Reid family lived in the house until the 1960s, when it was put up for sale by Jean Reid, widow of John Reid III. Haliburton Rotary fundraised to buy the property, located near where the tennis courts are in Head Lake Park, wanting to turn it into a museum. It opened in 1968.
The museum ran for a dozen years in its old location overlooking Head Lake. Then known as the Haliburton Highlands Pioneer Museum, each room was a tribute to a prominent family from the town’s early beginnings, Butler said.
When a new museum was announced for Glebe Park, opening July 1, 1980, the decision was made to bring Reid House along for the ride. The century home was transported by truck to its current location beside the main exhibit at 66 Museum Rd.
“Any time the house has a quirk or something unexplained, I have to think to myself that it was literally picked up, put on the back of a truck and driven over here,” Butler said. “The fact the house has survived all these years is amazing.”
Butler said the museum has remained in touch with members of the Reid family and is always looking for family heirlooms. One made its way back to the County eight or nine years ago – a rocking chair Jean Reid sold during one of her many garage sales that had found its way to Alberta.
Asked about her favourite piece in the exhibit, Butler said she likes the corner cabinet in the kitchen because of the memories it draws out of visitors.
“I hear so many stories from people who remember similar units their parents or grandparents had. That’s a huge part of what museums do – telling stories from the past that spark connection and conversation,” she said.
Reid House was last open for a full season in 2019. It was closed through much of the pandemic and, once restrictions lifted, staff found the building needed multiple fixes, including a new roof. That work was completed last fall, with the space reopening May 18.
Butler said there are some new items on display, including recycled pieces that have been in storage for several years. “The house looks fuller than it did before. Our goal is to make it look as lived in as possible,” Butler said, with two staging areas downstairs and more upstairs. “This summer, we’re just delighted to have Reid House open again. We know people have been curious to get back in there. Our focus for the summer is just to welcome everyone back.”
A popular site for paranormal investigators, Butler said there are plans for another supernatural event later this year.
“They have had some unexplained things happen inside the house. Apparently, the building has a lot of spirits in it,” Butler said. “We are still trying to figure out if the spirits here are connected to the house.” Reid House is open for tours through summer by donation Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
