A Community-Built Museum
The Ottawa Scouting Museum opened to the public on December 6, 1997, after nearly five years of planning, collecting, and preparation by dedicated community volunteers and local businesses.
The museum opened debt-free, thanks to the generosity and hard work of the many individuals and organizations who helped bring the vision to life. Today, that same community spirit continues to guide the museum.
The museum is not affiliated with any local or national scouting council and does not receive city tax dollars for its operations. The museum building is owned by the City of Ottawa and leased to the Ottawa Scouting Museum Association under a 25-year lease.
Explore The Museum
Scouting History
Ottawa's Rich History
Ottawa's Rich History
The museum's collection celebrates the colorful and proud history of Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Camp Fire Girls through memorabilia, uniforms, photographs, publications, awards, equipment and other artifacts.
Ottawa's Rich History
Ottawa's Rich History
Ottawa's Rich History
One of the highlights is a recreation of a room from the W. D. Boyce home in Ottawa, based on a historic family photograph of Boyce in the room. The exhibit also features artifacts and photographs that tell the story of Ottawa and its connection to the broader history of scouting.
Visit the Gift Shop
Ottawa's Rich History
Visit the Gift Shop
Take a little piece of the museum home with you. Our gift shop features scouting memorabilia, history-inspired items, unique gifts, and other treasures for Scouts, former Scouts, history enthusiasts, and visitors of all ages. Every purchase helps support the museum and its ongoing efforts to preserve and share the stories of scouting and Ottawa history.
Lectures and Events
Visit the Gift Shop
There’s always something new to discover at the museum. Throughout the year, we offer history lectures, educational programs, movie screenings, and special community events that bring people together to learn, share and have a little fun.
Room Rentals
Room Rentals
Looking for a welcoming space for your next meeting, gathering or community event? The museum offers room rentals for meetings, activities and special events in a unique setting surrounded by local history.