Goulbourn Museum
Stittsville, Ont.
October 11, 2025
History
Nestled in the heart of Stittsville, Ontario, the Goulbourn Museum preserves the stories of one of the oldest military settlements in the region. Originally part of the Goulbourn Township, this charming museum showcases the life, struggles, and resilience of early settlers who built their community from the ground up.
The building was built in 1872 and served as the second Township Hall. The original Township Hall was a log structure (located on another property). This original structure was destroyed by a fire in 1872. The new structure was built beside the new St. Thomas Anglican Church, which was constructed in 1866. The land was previously owned by Thomas McCaffery. McCaffery was a local Blacksmith and Reeve (1860-61). Tragedy would hit the McCaffery family in 1882 when his son, Robert, was murdered.
Robert McCaffrey died on August 26, 1882.The murder was reported as a shooting, as his body was found in the woods near his home. One account suggests that McCaffrey was killed by a woman named Maria Spearman, in a context described as a love triangle and an “unwed pregnancy”. She went to trial only weeks later, on September 9, 1882, and was ultimately acquitted. Yet, the mystery surrounding what truly happened that night has never fully faded. The story retains some uncertainties: while McCaffrey’s death is documented, details about the exact motive, thorough investigation, or final legal outcome are less clearly reported in the sources. A sign has been installed at the scene of the murder, marking its historical significance in the community. The case stands out in the Township’s history because rural homicides in the late 19th century were comparatively rare and left a strong imprint on local memory (particularly given the personal drama suggested in this case).
The building was built in 1872 and served as the second Township Hall. The original Township Hall was a log structure (located on another property). This original structure was destroyed by a fire in 1872. The new structure was built beside the new St. Thomas Anglican Church, which was constructed in 1866. The land was previously owned by Thomas McCaffery. McCaffery was a local Blacksmith and Reeve (1860-61). Tragedy would hit the McCaffery family in 1882 when his son, Robert, was murdered.
Robert McCaffrey died on August 26, 1882.The murder was reported as a shooting, as his body was found in the woods near his home. One account suggests that McCaffrey was killed by a woman named Maria Spearman, in a context described as a love triangle and an “unwed pregnancy”. She went to trial only weeks later, on September 9, 1882, and was ultimately acquitted. Yet, the mystery surrounding what truly happened that night has never fully faded. The story retains some uncertainties: while McCaffrey’s death is documented, details about the exact motive, thorough investigation, or final legal outcome are less clearly reported in the sources. A sign has been installed at the scene of the murder, marking its historical significance in the community. The case stands out in the Township’s history because rural homicides in the late 19th century were comparatively rare and left a strong imprint on local memory (particularly given the personal drama suggested in this case).
Robert McCaffery's Gravestone
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The Plaque that is posted where Robert McCaffery was murdered.
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This was not the only tragedy that this township would see. Twelve years early, the township would suffer a devastating blow. In the summer of 1870, the region of western Carleton County — including today’s Goulbourn Township and the village of Stittsville — was gripped by an intense drought. A dry spell of approximately three and a half months left the forests, farms, and brush unusually flammable. At the same time, human activity was increasing: construction of the Canada Central Railway (later part of the rail network near Stittsville) involved clearing brush and trees. It is recorded that on 17 August 1870 a fire was set—likely by railway workers burning brush near Blakeney (in Ramsay Township) which quickly escaped into the adjacent bush.
Once ignited, the fire spread with terrifying speed. Fierce winds, tinder-dry fuels, and a patchwork of forest and farmland created the ideal conditions for a firestorm. In one recorded description, the wind-aided fire front expanded to 11 miles wide when it reached the Goulbourn/Stittsville/Bell’s Corners area. Residents later described the scene as “billows of flame until the whole west appeared like a sea of fire rolling down”.
One source states that in just hours the fire covered nearly 40 miles from its origin to its most-eastward point.
The village of Stittsville—at that time located at the crossroads of Huntley Road (now Carp Road) and the 12th concession (now Neil Avenue) in Goulbourn Township—was well in the fire’s path. At the time the village had a population of about 100, with a hotel, general merchant, blacksmith, tanner, club-rooms, post-office and fairground. The fire destroyed every building in the village except two churches to the south. On the surrounding farms, destruction was widespread: thousands of acres of forest and farmland, hundreds of farms burned or severely damaged. One account gives about 3,000 farms burned, 8,000 people losing their livelihoods, and “several hundred square miles” destroyed.
At least a few fatalities occurred: one early settler, Mrs Patrick Hartin (near Stittsville), died clutching a clock at Poole Creek while fleeing the flames. Another, Robert Grant, who saved his wife and six small children, only to perish when he returned to retrieve some valuables. On the number of deaths, reports vary – one estimate lists ~20 people killed in the region.
Once ignited, the fire spread with terrifying speed. Fierce winds, tinder-dry fuels, and a patchwork of forest and farmland created the ideal conditions for a firestorm. In one recorded description, the wind-aided fire front expanded to 11 miles wide when it reached the Goulbourn/Stittsville/Bell’s Corners area. Residents later described the scene as “billows of flame until the whole west appeared like a sea of fire rolling down”.
One source states that in just hours the fire covered nearly 40 miles from its origin to its most-eastward point.
The village of Stittsville—at that time located at the crossroads of Huntley Road (now Carp Road) and the 12th concession (now Neil Avenue) in Goulbourn Township—was well in the fire’s path. At the time the village had a population of about 100, with a hotel, general merchant, blacksmith, tanner, club-rooms, post-office and fairground. The fire destroyed every building in the village except two churches to the south. On the surrounding farms, destruction was widespread: thousands of acres of forest and farmland, hundreds of farms burned or severely damaged. One account gives about 3,000 farms burned, 8,000 people losing their livelihoods, and “several hundred square miles” destroyed.
At least a few fatalities occurred: one early settler, Mrs Patrick Hartin (near Stittsville), died clutching a clock at Poole Creek while fleeing the flames. Another, Robert Grant, who saved his wife and six small children, only to perish when he returned to retrieve some valuables. On the number of deaths, reports vary – one estimate lists ~20 people killed in the region.
The Great Fire of 1880. The area in red is the presumed fire according to newspaper reports of that time.
While the township has been devasted, it didn’t take long for its citizens to rebuild. Eventually the new township was built about 1.5kms south of the original crossroads. Stittsville would grow and the new Township Hall would become quite the community hub. Despite being the size of a one-room schoolhouse, it was home to council meetings, parties and dances. A small addition was made to the back of the building in 1928.
On June 26, 1964, the St. Thomas Anglican Church was struck by lightning, causing a major fire. The church was destroyed. Although the church was rebuilt, it was no longer on that site. However, the cemetery remained.
The Museum would open in 1990, thanks to the members of the Goulbourn Township Historical Society, who had acquired the use of the Goulbourn Township Hall as a space to store their expanding collection of artifacts and family histories. The adjacent building – the former clerks building built in 1961 – was also acquired and is now home to the museum’s administrative offices and collection storage.
On June 26, 1964, the St. Thomas Anglican Church was struck by lightning, causing a major fire. The church was destroyed. Although the church was rebuilt, it was no longer on that site. However, the cemetery remained.
The Museum would open in 1990, thanks to the members of the Goulbourn Township Historical Society, who had acquired the use of the Goulbourn Township Hall as a space to store their expanding collection of artifacts and family histories. The adjacent building – the former clerks building built in 1961 – was also acquired and is now home to the museum’s administrative offices and collection storage.
Rachel's Experience
Initial Thoughts
Upon arrival, my first impression of the Goulbourn Museum was that it held tremendous historical potential. The building itself stands as a testament to the township’s resilience and its deep-rooted connection to community heritage. One element that immediately stood out was the museum’s intriguing relationship with fire — not just as a physical danger of the past, but as a symbolic presence woven through its history. There was an unmistakable sense that this location had endured and risen from the ashes, carrying the energy of survival and storytelling within its walls.
Before beginning our full investigation, we also visited the cemetery beside the museum, and it proved to be an unexpectedly profound experience. There was a quiet stillness there that felt inviting rather than foreboding. The inscriptions on the headstones told stories of long lives, lost loves, and the early struggles of the township. Standing among them, I couldn’t help but feel that many of these souls had more to share — that there were countless stories waiting to be heard, just beneath the surface of the silence
Investigation Thoughts
During the investigation, it became clear that this location preferred to communicate through auditory means. The Ghost Box and Spirit Talker were particularly active, with consistent responses that appeared thoughtful and contextual. While the Dead Bell, REM Pod, EMF Trip Wire, and Sensor Ball did activate on occasion, the energy seemed far more focused on voice-based interaction rather than physical manifestation. It felt as though the spirits were genuinely eager to be heard — using their words rather than manipulating the environment to make their presence known.
Final Thoughts
The Goulbourn Museum proved to be a place rich in spiritual energy and layered history. One story in particular stood out — the murder of Robert McCaffery in 1882, a tragic and compelling chapter tied to the area’s past. While I would not classify the museum as “haunted” in the traditional sense of lingering ghosts, it is undoubtedly spiritually active. The energies here seem transient — coming and going — drawn to moments when someone is willing to listen.
This is a location where history speaks through spirit, where echoes of the past request to be remembered. The Goulbourn Museum doesn’t simply house artifacts — it preserves voices. And those voices, when given the chance, are eager to tell their stories.
Upon arrival, my first impression of the Goulbourn Museum was that it held tremendous historical potential. The building itself stands as a testament to the township’s resilience and its deep-rooted connection to community heritage. One element that immediately stood out was the museum’s intriguing relationship with fire — not just as a physical danger of the past, but as a symbolic presence woven through its history. There was an unmistakable sense that this location had endured and risen from the ashes, carrying the energy of survival and storytelling within its walls.
Before beginning our full investigation, we also visited the cemetery beside the museum, and it proved to be an unexpectedly profound experience. There was a quiet stillness there that felt inviting rather than foreboding. The inscriptions on the headstones told stories of long lives, lost loves, and the early struggles of the township. Standing among them, I couldn’t help but feel that many of these souls had more to share — that there were countless stories waiting to be heard, just beneath the surface of the silence
Investigation Thoughts
During the investigation, it became clear that this location preferred to communicate through auditory means. The Ghost Box and Spirit Talker were particularly active, with consistent responses that appeared thoughtful and contextual. While the Dead Bell, REM Pod, EMF Trip Wire, and Sensor Ball did activate on occasion, the energy seemed far more focused on voice-based interaction rather than physical manifestation. It felt as though the spirits were genuinely eager to be heard — using their words rather than manipulating the environment to make their presence known.
Final Thoughts
The Goulbourn Museum proved to be a place rich in spiritual energy and layered history. One story in particular stood out — the murder of Robert McCaffery in 1882, a tragic and compelling chapter tied to the area’s past. While I would not classify the museum as “haunted” in the traditional sense of lingering ghosts, it is undoubtedly spiritually active. The energies here seem transient — coming and going — drawn to moments when someone is willing to listen.
This is a location where history speaks through spirit, where echoes of the past request to be remembered. The Goulbourn Museum doesn’t simply house artifacts — it preserves voices. And those voices, when given the chance, are eager to tell their stories.
Cathy's Experience
I have driven this route to Ottawa along highway 7 for the past 15 years so much that I could do it with my eyes closed. For some reason when I was picking up Rachel, I was feeling anxious like I was missing something or something was off. As I picked up Rachel and we began our drive to Stittsville it hit me - 13 years ago I made a promise to visit a friends sister grave if I ever went to the Stittsville area .
We arrived early had dinner and Rachel said we have enough time to look for the cemetery I haven’t been there in 13 years but I was adamant that it was an older small cemetery and she was buried in the far back left corner. Just didn’t remember the name of the cemetery So we passed the first cemetery and I could feel a hard no. Then we saw the Goulbourn Museum and we pulled into the driveway on the wrong side. Low and behold there is a small cemetery - St Thomas cemetery. Rachel says “Okay let’s see if she is buried here”. So, Rachel asked her name. Omg, I went completely blank. I couldn’t even remember my friend’s name. I looked at Rachel like WTF is going on couldn’t remember her sisters name either. It took a couple of minutes then I remember her name (Angie. Nee Angela. But could not remember her married name. But knew her husbands name was in the head stone but not her maiden name). Rachel researched the name in the website and she found it. We got out of the car and proceeded to walk to the far back left corner and sure enough the second headstone was my friend’s sister. As I was walking closer, I noticed the small little quaint stone bench to sit on and said to Rachel “was a sweet place to sit”. Just after that Rachel’s Spirit Talker app said ‘Have a seat’. That whole thing was so surreal. I then took a picture and sent it to my friend. It meant the world to her. I believe she was pulling me there as fresh flowers, Mums, were placed at her grave and I was able to get that message to her sister and her mom.
Inside the small little museum, we set up our equipment. Funny that’s the only time the REM pod went off. There were some interesting things said while Rachel was doing the Estes. At times it was like she was having a conversation with herself. The one interesting thing, and little creepy, was on two occasions Rachel said “Look out the window”.
Although the museum was quiet. It was a fun investigation and our guide was so sweet. Maybe another visit is needed. Maybe we will get some visitors from the cemetery.
We arrived early had dinner and Rachel said we have enough time to look for the cemetery I haven’t been there in 13 years but I was adamant that it was an older small cemetery and she was buried in the far back left corner. Just didn’t remember the name of the cemetery So we passed the first cemetery and I could feel a hard no. Then we saw the Goulbourn Museum and we pulled into the driveway on the wrong side. Low and behold there is a small cemetery - St Thomas cemetery. Rachel says “Okay let’s see if she is buried here”. So, Rachel asked her name. Omg, I went completely blank. I couldn’t even remember my friend’s name. I looked at Rachel like WTF is going on couldn’t remember her sisters name either. It took a couple of minutes then I remember her name (Angie. Nee Angela. But could not remember her married name. But knew her husbands name was in the head stone but not her maiden name). Rachel researched the name in the website and she found it. We got out of the car and proceeded to walk to the far back left corner and sure enough the second headstone was my friend’s sister. As I was walking closer, I noticed the small little quaint stone bench to sit on and said to Rachel “was a sweet place to sit”. Just after that Rachel’s Spirit Talker app said ‘Have a seat’. That whole thing was so surreal. I then took a picture and sent it to my friend. It meant the world to her. I believe she was pulling me there as fresh flowers, Mums, were placed at her grave and I was able to get that message to her sister and her mom.
Inside the small little museum, we set up our equipment. Funny that’s the only time the REM pod went off. There were some interesting things said while Rachel was doing the Estes. At times it was like she was having a conversation with herself. The one interesting thing, and little creepy, was on two occasions Rachel said “Look out the window”.
Although the museum was quiet. It was a fun investigation and our guide was so sweet. Maybe another visit is needed. Maybe we will get some visitors from the cemetery.
Spirit Talker Words
Cemetery
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MY HAPPY PLACE
DON’T MESS WITH HIM JASMIN MAVIS SUPPLY BRAZEN BULL YOU FELT ME TAKE A SEAT I’M NOT AGGRESSIVE DOROTHY BOX SLEEPING HEAR ME FRUSTRATION 1600S LUCIFER BONES I CAN SEE YOU ALL FIVE |
VILE
WE WERE EXECUTED I LIKE THE DARK BARON ONE MY LUNGS COLLAPSED ELEVATOR HEAR US SEE ME SOUND I CALL THAT A NAP ACTIVITY WE ARE WATCHING YOU ALL PAIN DON’T RUSH OFF SCRIPT THE CHILDREN ARE PLAYING EMILIA |
Museum
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YOU ARE ADMIRED
AFRAID IT DISGUISES ITSELF MADAM OLIVIA FIND MY GRAVE WHISTLE ABRAHAM DEMISE CAPTAIN GET OUT THEY DID SPELLS LET US REST YOU ARE DETERMINED ARE YOU AFRAID? I WILL FLASH THE LIGHTS VORTEX WHISTLE MR ALLEN FLOORBOARDS FOLLOW US BEHIND YOU WE LIKE INVESTIGATORS EDITH YOUR SOUL IS ON MUTE IT’S ME MAKING SOUNDS MABEL I’M HAVING FUN DREAD NICE HAT MY NAME IS ROSE MACHETTE EVANS LIKELY WATCHING I JUST LIKE TO TALK IT’S THEM |
WARFARE
I ENJOY THE COMPANY WALKER I CAN MAKE IT COLD SHE WILL HURT PEOPLE TAKE PHOTO ARE YOU FRIGHTENED SKULLS WINDOW TIME DOES NOT EXISIT INSPIRATION I WAS BURNED TEENAGER MALICE WARFARE WIFE HUNG AGREE GOD HELP ME HELLO FAITH DONALD WALK LEFT TURNER DEATH TORMENT NO GET OUT YOU ARE OPTIMISITIC FAMILY WRONG AREA I ENJOY THE COMPANY I’M NOT PLAYING GAMES STRUGGLE THANK YOU FOR VISITING HOLY SPIRIT |
RADIANCE
NOT DEAD, JUST DISTANT ETHEL YOU ARE CREATIVE I ONLY WANT TO BE HEARD FAIL ANYBODY 4 LIGHTS WEAK THEY LEFT ME NECROMANCER BELITTLE HAPPENED HERE WHERE? FOOTSTEP CHAOS I’M WALKING AROUND CHILDREN SPIRIT’S DINING ROOM |