Admiral Digby Museum, Digby
Once in Digby, learn about the town’s history as a fishing village and Loyalist settlement by visiting the Admiral Digby Museum. Named after Admiral Robert Digby who arrived in Digby in 1783, the Admiral Digby Museum features collections of furnishings, photographs, maps, paintings, artifacts and archives that portray Digby’s history to its visitors. Open June 15-October 15, Tuesday-Sunday 9am-5pm. Admission charged.
Age of Sail Heritage Centre, Port Greville
Located in Port Greville, approximately 14 miles west of Parrsboro, the Age of Sail Heritage Centre is a family-oriented attraction that brings life to the region's timber and shipbuilding history. Inside the centre, numerous pictures, videos, models, artifacts and hands on exhibits educate and inform visitors, while outside the centre visitors have the opportunity to view a replica of a blacksmith's shop. Open Tuesday-Sunday between June 1 and September 30, 10:00am-6:00pm.
Anne Murray Centre, Springhill
A household name throughout the world, vocal artist Anne Murray grew up in the small coal-mining community of Springhill, Nova Scotia. Her prestigious career has earned her more musical awards than nearly any other female singer in history and stars on the both the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Nashville's Walkway of Stars. Anne Murray has sold close to 50 million albums and has rightfully earned the title as "Canada's Songbird." Within the Centre, see a mix of awards, photos and other memorabilia as well as audio-visual highlights of her life and career and a display of Ms. Murray's family tree, dating back to 1621 and showcasing her Acadian roots. The Anne Murray Centre is located in downtown Springhill and is open mid-May through Mid-October, 9am-5pm daily. Admission charged.
Apple Capital Interpretive Centre, Berwick
In Berwick, learn about Nova Scotia's "Apple Capital" and explore the history of the region's apple industry with a visit to the Apple Capital Interpretive Centre.
Bangor Sawmill Museum, Meteghan
The Bangor Sawmill, a restored 19th century water-powered turbine lumber sawmill, is one of the last functioning mills of its kind in North America. Situated along Nova Scotia's Meteghan River, the Bangor Sawmill is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10:30am-4:30pm, from Juy 1 to August 31. Admission charged.
Bear River First Nation Heritage & Cultural Centre, Bear River
Bear River, near Digby, is a scenic, glacier valley that has been inhabited by Native Mi'kmaw people for thousands of years. To increase awareness and appreciation of the life and traditions of the Mi'kmaw people, the Bear River First Nation Heritage & Cultural Centre was opened in 2004. Visitors are immersed in Mi'kmaw culture as they learn about the history, admire original arts and crafts, witness authentic re-enactments or take part in various hands-on workshops. The Bear River First Nation Heritage & Cultural Centre is open May 17-October 17. Admission charged.
Blair House Museum, Kentville
A part of the Kentville Agricultural Reseach Centre, Blair House interprets the history of both the agricultural centre and the Annapolis Valley's apple industry through various displays of photographs and historical artifacts. The grounds surrounding Blair House feature beautiful gardens of azaleas, rhododendrons and a picturesque pond. Open Monday-Friday year-round. No admission charged.
Churchill House and Marine Memorial Room, Windsor
Built by Ezra Churchill, of E. Churchill & Sons Shipyards, for his son as a wedding present in 1860, Churchill House is located in Hansport, NS, less than ten miles from Windsor. Take your time to stroll through the home and note the fascinating details within each room. The Marine Memorial Room, the mansion's former nursary, was established to commemorate the seafaring era. Open June 15-August 31, 9am-pm. Donations accepted.
Debert Military Museum, Debert
Located in Debert, NS, visit the Debert Military Museum on site of the former Camp Debert. The second largest camp in Canada during WWII, Camp Debert was one of three communication centres for Canada during the Cold War and is home to Atlantic Canada's only "Diefenbunker". Open May 18-August 30, 10am-4pm. Diefenbunker tours are available for a small fee.
Firefighters’ Museum of Nova Scotia, Yarmouth
Imagine the clang of the fire bell, the smell of smoke and the hot steam surrounding you. The Firefighters’ Museum of Nova Scotia chronicles the history of firefighting through out the province. View photo, recollections and thousands of artifacts. The museum’s collection includes vintage pumpers, hose wagons and ladder trucks, antique toy fire engines, uniforms and an extensive assortment of shoulder crests, patches and badges from around the world. Two popular exhibits within the Museum are the 1863 Amoskeag Steamer, one of the oldest surviving steamers in Canada, and the 1935 Chev Bickle Pumper. One thing is for sure, you do not have to be a firefighter to appreciate the memorabilia at the Firefighters’ Museum of Nova Scotia. Open year round. Daily July and August. Admission charged.
Fundy Geological Museum, Parrsboro
At the Fundy Geological Museum discover the ancient world of dinosaurs that roamed the land millions of years ago. See some of the oldest dinosaur bones in Canada, the world’s first reptiles, ancestors of the frog, giant dragonflies and more. Next examine mineral treasures such as beautiful amethyst and agate gemstones, revealed by the washing of the giant Fundy Tides. Open year round: June 1-October 15, 9:30am-5:30pm; O/S Tuesday-Saturday 9am-5pm. Admission charged.
Glooscap Heritage Centre, Truro
A new attraction in the Truro region, the Glooscap Heritage Centre first opened in May 2006. Visit the centre to hear legends of Glooscap and learn about the fascinating Mi'kmaw culture. Have your picture taken beside a 40ft statue of Glooscap, immerse yourself in a multimedia presentation in which Glooscap guides your through the trials, tribulations and survival of the Mi'kmaw people, view 10,000 year old Aboriginal tools and traditional quillwork, beadwork, clothing and artifacts and learn to speak a few Mi'kmaw words. Admission charged.
Haliburton House Museum, Windsor
Haliburton House Museum was once home to Thomas Chandler Haliburton, North America's first widely-recognized writer of humour. Haliburton's character "Sam Slick" made such sayings as "its raining cats and dogs", "quick as a wink", "facts are stranger than fiction" and "early bird gets the worm" famous throughout the world. Although many of the original contents were auctioned, the house, as it is today, is decorated with period furnishings including some of Haliburton's possessions, such as his desk. Thomas Haliburton was born and lived in Windsor, NS.
Kings County Museum, Kentville
The seat of justice and the municipal government for over 75 years, the Kings County Museum was built in 1903. Visitors to the museum can view many collections depicting the cultural and natural heritage of the region and the original courtrooms and furnishings have been maintained as a permenant exhibit as well. Open year-round 9am-4pm. June/September: Monday-Friday. July/August: Monday-Saturday.
Lady Vanessa, Digby
The Lady Vanessa is a former 92-ft scallop dragger that has been restored and transformed into a private museum that highlights the local fishery. Open May 15-October 15. Admission charged.
Lawrence House Museum, Maitland
Set on the shores of Fundy, so shipbuilder William D. Lawrence could watch over his shipyard, Lawrence House Museum pays tribute to this once-thriving Maitland industry and is an example of the grand homes once lived in by Nova Scotia's shipbuilders and captains. While visiting Maitland stroll through the 23 rooms of Lawrence House and view many of the heirlooms collected by the Lawrence family during their world travels and learn of the largest full-rigged ship ever built in Canada, launched from Lawrence's shipyard in 1874. Open June 1-October 15, Monday-Saturday, 9:30am-5:30pm. Admission charged.
Mastodon Ridge, Shubenacadie
Visit Mastodon Ridge and have your picture taken with a lifesize replica of the 89,000 year-old mastidon whose bones where discovered in the region in 1991. Also, while onsite, watch a short audio-visual presentation on Nova Scotia's past, visit fossil discovery centre or perhaps play 18-holes of mini-golf. Open May 15-October 15, 9am-7pm daily. Admission charged.
Memory Lane Railway Museum, Middleton
Displays within the Memory Lane Railway Museum include model railways, antique station items, railroad equipment, miniature tools and historical books as well as manuscripts and photographs. Just outside the museum stroll through the gardens and visit the trolley railway. Located in Middleton, NS, the Memory Lane Railway Museum is open year-round, Monday through Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm and Saturday 10:00am – 2:30pm
New France - "The Electric City", New France
Located 27km from Weymouth, New France was settled by the Stehelin family in 1892. New France was dubbed "The Electric City" as it had dynamo-powered lights, including street lights, 30 years before nearby Weymouth. Today visitors to the region can visit the site, walk trails and review interpretive displays. Open May 21-October 6. No admission charged.
North Hills Museum, Granville Ferry
Located in Granville Ferry, along one of Canada's most historic roads, North Hills was bequeathed to the Province of Nova Scotia in 1974 after the passing of Robert Patterson, a retired banker and collector. Before being renamed by Patterson, North Hills was first known as Rumsey Farm and later as the Amberman house. Inside this vintage farmhouse (c. 1764), which overlooks the Annapolis Basin, discover beautiful oak, mahogany and walnut furniture, 18th and 19th century English porcelain and 18th century glassware. Open June 1-October 15: Monday-Saturday 9:30am-5:30pm, Sunday 1:00pm-5:30pm. Admission charged.
Ottawa House Museum By-the-Sea, Parrsboro
Set on the shores of the Minas Basin, just two miles from Parrsboro, Ottawa House By-the-Sea was once the summer home of Sir Charles Tupper, former prime minister of Canada and Father of Canadian Confederation. While visiting Parrsboro, stop at Ottawa House and wander through the furnished period rooms and view artifacts that depict Parrsboro's seafaring, lumbering and social history. Open daily June 1-September, 10am-6pm. Admission charged.
Prescott House Museum & Garden, Starr's Point
In Starr's Point, near Wolfville, explore Prescott House and its surrounding grounds. Built in 1814 by horticulturalist and merchant Charles Ramage Prescott, who is remembered for introducing many popular varieties of apples to Nova Scotia, Prescott House is one of the finest surviving examples of Georgian architecture in Nova Scotia. Stroll though the house to appreciate its historic elegance and collections and meander through the beautiful gardens, perhaps stopping to picnic. Open June 1-October 15: Monday-Saturday, 9:30am-5:30pm, Sunday 1:00pm-5:30pm. Admission charged.
Randall House Historical Museum, Wolfville
Drop by Randall House to get a glimpse into Wolfville's past. Various artifacts from the 1760s through to the 20th century showcase the lifestyle of area residents. Randall House is open June 15-September 15. Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm. Sunday 12pm-5pm.
Shand House Museum, Windsor
Constructed by Clifford Shand for his bride in 1891, Shand House was build with all the modern amenities of the time including indoor plumbing, central heat and electric light. Inside the house also discover beautiful woodwork and furniture crafted at the Windsor Furniture Factory, which was owned, in part, by Shand's father. A terrific example of the upper-middle class Nova Scotia lifestyle in the late 19th century, displays within Shand House reflect Windsor's history as a major shipping port. Open June1-October 15: Monday-Saturday, 9:30am-5:30 and Sunday 1:00pm-5:30pm. Admission charged.
Sweeney Museum, Yarmouth
Inside Sweeney Museum discover various artifacts from companies owned by the late Lawrence Sweeney, a gentleman who represented the Yarmouth's fishing industry many years ago. The museum was designed to give visitors the feel of a working fishing dock and therefore many materials used were salvaged from the Yarmouth waterfront. Open May 15-October 20. Admission charged.
Trecothic Creek & Windsor Railway, Windsor
An interesting attraction, the Trecothic Creek & Windsor Railway is a 1/8-scale railroad, almost one-kilometre long, in a park setting. Locomotives include real steam/coal-fired as well as diesel, battery or gas engine. Open June 12-October 16 on alternate Sundays. Donations are accepted.
Uniacke Estate Museum Park, Uniacke
One of Canada's finest examples of a grand Georgian-style country mansion, Uniacke Estate is surrounded by beautiful gardens and picturesque woodlands. The mansion (c. 1815) was built for Attorney General Richard John Uniacke, an Irishman who made his fortune in this part of the province. Uniacke filled his home with family furnishings, including Georgian furniture, portraits and ceramics, many of which are still present today. Several walking trails are located on the grounds and lead visitors through traditional 18th-century English gardens and unspoiled Nova Scotian forests. While the museum is only open between June 1 and October 15 (Monday-Saturday 9:30am-5:30pm and Sunday 11:00am-5:30pm), the trails are open year-round from dawn to dusk. Admission charged.
Watson Smith & Sons Tinsmith Shop, Shubenacadie
The only original tinsmith shop in Eastern Canada, visit Watson Smith & Sons to learn the tricks of the trade and observe a production demonstration. Open June 15-September 15. Admission charged.
West Hants Historical Museum, Windsor
Set in a former Methodist church, the West Hants Historical Museum's mission is to preserve and protect the community's history and culture. Displays within the museum tell tales of West Hants, one of Nova Scotia's oldest communities, including its past household, industrial and shipping technologies.\ In addition to these displays, the West Hants Historical Museum is home to an extensive library and archives. Open June 22-September 4, Tuesday-Saturday between 9am and 5pm. Donations accepted.
Windsor Hockey Heritage Centre, Windsor
It is said that Canada's winter game, ice hockey, was born in Windsor, NS. Visit the Windsor Hockey Heritage Centre to learn about the beginning of the game, to see pictures of players and teams from the early years of hockey and to view artifacts that include original wooden pucks, handmade sticks, stock skates and early forms of protective gear. Open year-round. (During the summer months 10:00am-6:00pm daily.) Donations are accepted.
Yarmouth County Museum, Yarmouth
An award-winning museum, the Yarmouth County Museum strongly emphasizes the country's rich seafaring history. While visiting the museum, discover the third largest ship portrait collection in Canada, one of the largest costume collections in Nova Scotia, the largest non-institutional archives in the province and five distinct period rooms. As you stroll through the museum view over 20,000 artifacts that document regional heritage including china, glass, furniture, toys, tools, models and musical instruments. Other items of interest to be found within the museum's extensive collection include an electric chair, stagecoach, lighthouse lens, Runic Stone and Acadian loom. If you are in search of more specific information about Yarmouth County, visit the archives to look through various documents, newspapers, photographs and genealogical materials. In addition, the Yarmouth County Museum also operates to nearby Pelton-Fuller House and the waterfront's Killam Brothers Shipping Office. Open June 1-October 15; Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm and Sunday 2pm-5pm. Admission charged.
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