The building that houses the Rideau District Museum has seen a lot of history over its lifetime. In the 1850's it was home to 'Conley & Truelove', coffin shoppe and furniture manufacturer, and in the 1860's it made the transition to a blacksmith shop and saw the opening of a boat and carriage works upstairs.
Surrounded by rural countryside, a visit to the Drayton Festival Theatre offers a pleasant drive along quiet roads where common sights include farm-gate signs and roadside stands that will tempt you to stop and make an impromptu purchase of fresh produce, flowers and maple syrup. Occasionally you'll pass an Old Order Mennonite horse-drawn buggy that so eloquently reminds us of life's simple pleasures.
The Drayton Festival Theatre is located in a historic 1902 Opera House that contains 375 seats and boasts marvellous acoustics with a main floor and balcony. This celebrated building once served as the Town Hall and housed the Fire Department, Library, Jail, and Council Chambers. With such a varied past, this completely modernized facility is a must-see!