General Information

The Bishop home, at 948 Third Avenue West in Owen Sound was where Billy Bishop was born and raised during the late 19th and into the early 20th century. The house was was dedicated as a Museum in 1987 in memory of Air Marshal William Avery Bishop, VC, CB, DSO and Bar, MC, DFC, and others whose contribution served to protect our freedom. In September 2003, The Billy Bishop Heritage Museum became the first National Historic Site in Grey County and Owen Sound.

Upon entering the 21st Century, the home remains a testament to the humble beginnings of a national World War I aviation hero, his contributions to Aviation and the sacrifices of others for their Country. The artifacts and exhibits displayed are an important part of our history that preserves the heroism of Billy Bishop and other military personnel.

We have completed a refurnishing of the original hardwood floors at the Billy Bishop Home and Museum.  If you are planning a visit to the home, we do ask that outdoor footwear in the winter, as well as on wet spring and fall days, be taken off when you enter.  We do have slippers that have been generously knit and donated by volunteers, but if you have any problems walking without shoes, we do ask that you bring a pair of indoor shoes to wear.  Thank you for your understanding.

Location           

  The Museum is located at 948 3rd Ave. West, Owen Sound, Ontario. 

You can phone us at 519-371-0031.

Contact the Museum

Hours

• January Closed.
• February 2nd to April 9th: Tuesday to Friday 12 to 4 pm.
• April 13th to May 15th: Tuesday to Saturday 12 to 4 pm.
• May 25th to September 5th: Monday to Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm, Sundays and Holidays 12 to 5 pm.
• September 7th to October 9th: Tuesday to Saturday 12 to 4 pm.
• October 13th to December 23rd: Tuesday to Sunday 12 to 4 pm. 
• We are closed the following holidays:
  • New Year's Day
  • Family Day
  • Good Friday
  • Easter Sunday
  • Victoria Day
  • Labour Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas (see below)
• The Museum closes December 24th at 1:00 pm and reopens to the public with our regular hours in February.  We are open by appointment only in January.

Admission: New Rates as of January 1, 2010

• Adults:                  $5.00
• Seniors (65+):       $4.00
• Students (13-19):   $4.00
• Children (3 to 12):  $2.00
• Infant (2 and Under): Free Admission (Must be accompanied by an Adult.)

Group Rate: if there are 4 or more people in a group, adults, seniors and students will get $1.00 off their admission. 

NEW IN 2010:  Two Museums for the price of one Tuesdays! The Owen Sound Museums have started a new initiative.  All visitors to the Museums on Tuesdays will be able to get into two Museums for the price of one!   

Anyone who visits either the Billy Bishop Home and Museum – A National Historic Site or the Marine & Rail Museum and pays regular admission will be able to visit the other Museum FREE on the same day!

Groups

Group Rates available for pre arranged bookings for tour groups of 15 or more.
Please call the museum to book in advance at 519-371-0031.
(Be sure to check out our Curriculum Based Educational Tours)

Events

Yearly events are organized by the Billy Bishop Home and Museum. Click here to find out the lastest on our News page.

Group Tours, Community Workshops and Education Programs:

EDUCATION PROGRAMS PAYMENT AND REFUND POLICY: We ask  that a non-refundable deposit of $25 be paid upon booking with full payment due 2 weeks before the program date.  If a class  cancels up to 2 weeks before the event and has already paid, all but $25 will be refunded. 

This policy applies to both the in-classroom programs and the programs in the museum.

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND WORKSHOPS PAYMENT AND REFUND POLICY: We ask  that a non-refundable deposit of $10 be paid upon registration with full payment due 2 weeks before the event. In the event that the fee is $10.00 or less, full payment is due upon registration.  Program and Workshop fees are refundable up to 2 weeks prior to start date.  A service charge of $10 is applicable for every refund.  For programs under $10, no refund will be given.

PLEASE ALLOW 2 WEEKS FOR ALL REFUNDS TO BE PROCESSED.

(Hint: Check out Memberships for unlimited admission to the museum for a year!  Many programs and workshops are covered by your membership.)

Support

• Membership - You can now take out a membership for both Museums at a discounted price.
• Volunteers - Find out how to get into many Ontario attractions for free!'
• Our Sponsors - Many organizations generously help to support our Museum
• Sponsorships - Find out how your company/organization can become a sponsor.