Timber!

When next you visit the Cumberland County Museum, you may notice something a little different… one less tree. To make way for a future remodelling and expansion of the Museum, workers had to remove a birch tree that had long stood at the south-east corner of the building. Plans for this remodelling include a new veranda as seen in the illustration below. For more information on the expansion of the Cumberland County Museum, please contact Shirley at: 902.667.2561.

New Town of Parrsboro Tourism Initiatives

The town of Parrsboro currently have a number of initiatives aimed at the tourism market that will place them squarely as the third major component of a fundy tourism “Triangle” that will also includes the River Hebert/Joggins/Minudie area and the Cape Chignecto/Advocate/Port Greville corridor.

In past years, Parrsboro have developed programs that include a tree donor program, signage program and has been a participant in the several TV commercials and tourism ads for the Nova Scotia Department of Tourism Culture and Heritage. This year, the town will see new street banners with the “Parrsboro Rocks” logo emblazoned on them, the installation of a webcam at First Beach and a new website. Updating town signage is also being considered.

Parrsboro has also hired Mary McPhee as a community development coordinator to work on ways to improve Main Street as well as including Parrsboro in the National Communities in Bloom Project.

For more information see: “Local tourism initiatives ramped up” The Citizen (story by Andrew Wagstaff) http://www.citizenweely.com/ or the Town of Parrsboro website: http://www.town.parrsboro.ns.ca/

Season Opening of River Hebert Heritage Models Centre/Museum

Heritage Models offical "Opening Day" celebration will be on Sunday, June 7th. Please join the good people of River Hebert and Joggins who will be celebrating this wonderful expression of local heritage. There will be guest speakers, a new model unvieled, musical intertainment, an appearence of the Joggins Dance Troup, and a light lunch to follow.

CCHN Member Profile:

River Hebert Hertitage Models Center/Museum

1868 Main St, River Hebert
Nova Scotia, Canada
B0L 1G0
Phone: 902.251.2442

Hours of Opperation:

Open daily from mid May to October 1
9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Admission:

Adults $4.00
Seniors and Students $3.00
Children 5 and under free
Special Rates for groups

Heritage Models is a museum that houses a remarkable collection of educational hand built miniature models and artifacts that depict the history, culture and heritage of the surrrounding area. The models are built 1 1/12 scale and exhibits the finest details.

The walls of the museum are hand painted in colorful murals that illustrates the past and bring the models to life in there original setting. 43 of the 45 models were built by local folk artist Reginald (Bud) Johnston. The community suffered a great loss when Bud passed away in 2007. His memory will live on through his love of the community and this wonderful legecy.
Three new additions to the museum are: A model of the "Grind Stone Quarry" in Lower Cove, an 8 foot wooden sculpture of Bud and a 9 foot wooden light house.

The museum contains an information center, gift shop, and a "Days Gone Bye Building" that displays historial artifacts, photos and documents. Washrooms and parking are on site.

Age of Sail Season Opening, May 30th

The Age of Sail Heritage Centre would like to invite you to their season opening this Saturday, May 30th.

Other events planned planed for this month at the Age of Sail Centre include their annual Memorial Service dedicated to those who were lost at sea from these shores. This will be taking place on June 28th at 2 pm. Refreshments to follow afterwards. Also, the Centre has secured a live Blacksmithing display, scheduled for Friday June 5th and Saturday June 6th fro, 1 to 5pm. Come and see this wonderful example of a fading art with blacksmith Michael Tennyson.


CCHN Members Profile:


Age of Sail Heritage Centre Museum



8334 Highway 209
Port Greville, Nova Scotia
Phone 902.348.2030
URL: www.ageofsailmuseum.ca

Hours of Operation:

Open May 30 to October 12.

Open 7 days a week in July & August, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. In June, September & October, closed Tuesday and Wednesday

Admission: Admission fee charged.

Located on the Ratchford River, on the site of the Red House Landing, this museum centre tells the story of the incredible shipbuilding history of the Parrsborough Shore. Home to over 700 tall ships and a leader in wooden vessels well into the 20th century, the museum shows through hands on displays and panels, various aspects of this rich history. Over 2000 artefacts and countless archives bring the history to life with the help of knowledgeable guides. Also on site is the 100 yr old Port Greville lighthouse and a functional blacksmith shop. The Port Hole Cafe & Gift Shop is located on site. This cozy maritime Tea Room is a great place to have a refreshing drink or even a light lunch made from the finest baking the Parrsboro Shore has to offer. Continuous addition of artefact, and on going expansion means always something new to see!

New Website for the Fundy Shore

CREDA and the Fundy Shore Tourism Destination Area have launched a new website that specically targets the coastal route along the Upper Bay of Fundy between Amherst and Parrsboro. It contains profiles of the communities along routes: 302, 242 and 209, and highlights the attactions in those areas.

Go to: www.fundyshore.net to view.

We at the CCHN would like to congradulate CREDA and the FSTDA on their fine work.

North Cumberland Historical Society Annual Meeting

The North Cumberland Historical Society Annual Meeting June 19 at 7.30 pm. Members are asked to bring an object for a "Show and Tell" part of the meeting.

News from the Wallace and Area Museum

Remsheg Rug Hookers, a group of artists based at the Wallace and Area Museum are opening a display of their works today and will be on view until June 2.

This is theWallace and Area Museum Society's 25 anniversary. Theme for this summer's display is the - Top Twenty Five Artifacts collected in the Past Twenty five years. Display official opening June 7, 2 pm

Wallace and Area Museum Society's Annual Meeting, June 9th at 7pm

CCGS Awarded the Dr. Phyllis R. Blakeley Award for Archival Excellence

Cumberland County Genealogical Society has been awarded the Dr. Phyllis R. Blakeley Award for Archival Excellence.

The presentation was made at the Council of Nova Scotia Archives (CNSA) Spring Conference Award Supper on May 21, 2009 in Halifax for their production of the Down Memory Lane, Seniors’ Video Documentary Series which included interviews, pictures and family trees of forty one Cumberland County seniors. Susan Hill accepted the award on behalf of the Society from Pauline MacLean, Past-President of CNSA.

The Dr. Phyllis R. Blakeley Award was established by the Council of Nova Scotia Archives in 1988 as a memorial to Dr. Blakeley's many contributions to the world of archives, and as recognition for current work accomplished within that tradition. The award is presented annually to a CNSA member institution or organization displaying outstanding accomplishments in the archival field.

The award is intended to recognize exemplary projects which have focused in some way upon archival holdings; or have promoted the concept and value of archives; or have displayed excellence relating to a specific archival function (accessioning; appraisal; arrangement and description; and public service) and which have lasting archival value.

The winner receives the Dr. Phyllis R. Blakeley Award plaque, suitably engraved, to be retained for one year for display purposes; plus a Certificate of Recognition and a $200 gift certificate from the Society of American Archivists publications catalogue.

An institution or an organization which is a current member in good standing of the Council of Nova Scotia Archives can apply.

Who was Dr. Phyllis R. Blakeley? In 1982 Dr. Phyllis R. Blakeley, CM, D.Litt., LL.D. (1922-1986) became the first female Provincial Archivist in Nova Scotia. Her forty-year career, primarily as an archivist, but also as an historian, author, editor, educator and community worker, touched two generations of Nova Scotians and exemplified the highest standards of excellence in archival endeavour and integrity. The acquisition, preservation and dissemination of regional history through the creation of local archives was an area of particular concern to her, as was the development of high standards for archival processing work.

We at the CCHN would like to congradulate the Cumberland County Genealogical Society on their achivement.

Interpretation Training Course at the Joggins Fossil Centre

Training & Development Experience Interpretation Canada (IC) Training Module I

Course Dates & times:

1. Thursday 4th June 9:00am - 4:30pm
2. Friday 5th June 9:00am - 2:30pm

Location:

Joggins Fossil Centre, Joggins, NS

This two-day intensive certified training event is a must for all heritage and natural site interpreters. Topics covered include:

• Interpretive Principles and Planning
• Definition of Interpretation
• The Principles on which Interpretation is based
• Audience-based Interpretation
• Theme Statements
• Objectives and Outcomes
• Program Planning: the steps
• Structuring Programs
• Review and Helpful Hints

TheInstructor will be Peter Pacey. Peter is a heritage interpreter and trainer, as well as a theatre producer and performer with 30 years experience. He sits on the Board of Interpretation Canada National and writes a regular column in InterpScan. The cost is only $110 per person for the two days, inclusive of refreshments, lunch, course materials and certification. Registration is now open. places are limited to 25.

Please call 902-251-2727 ext 226 or email operations@jogginsfossilcliffs.net to book your place.

Ottawa House Restoration Project Benefit Dinner and Variety Concert

On Saturday May 30th, the Parrsboro Shore Historical Society will be having their annual benefit dinner at the Parrsboro Legion for the Ottawa House Restoration Project. The event, which begins with Happy Hour at 5 pm, will be followed by a roast beef dinner at 6 and a variety concert held at 7 pm. All proceeds will go to the Ottawa House Restoration Project. Tickets are available for $20 each at Sweet Brier Boutique and Parrsboro Home Hardware. For more information please contact Ottawa House at:

Phone: 902.254.2376
Email: ottawahouse@ns.sympatico.ca

"What Do You Think School will be Like" Essay Contest

“What Do you Think School will be Like” Essay Contest

Hosted by the Cumberland County Museum and Archives

Have you very wondered what things would be like in the future? Will here’s your chance to use your imagination and tell us what you think school will be like in 100 years!

Here How To Enter:
Use 8.5 x 11size paper
Entitle your essay” What Do You Think School Will Be Like In 100 Years”
Write your Name, Address and Telephone Number at the Bottom
Let your Imagination Soar
Have Fun, Be Creative!

There are 4 Ways to Enter
Return your entry to the Cumberland County Museum and Archives, 150 Church Street, Tuesday to Friday 9am to 5pm, Saturdays 12 to 5
Mail to the Cumberland County Museum and Archives, 150 Church Street, Amherst B4H 3C4
Email cumberlandcountymuseum@gmail.com
Or fax 667-0996

Entries must be received by Saturday, June 13, 2009
Essays Will Be Judged On: Uniqueness and Creativity.

Winners will be announced on Saturday, June 20th at the
Cumberland County Museum and Archive’s Annual “Museum Day”

The Top Three Essays
Will be Awarded Cool Prizes
Contest Open to Student From
Grades Primary to Six

Museum Day at the Cumberland County Museum

Museum Day

Date: Saturday, June 20, 2009
Time: 9am to 5pm.
Location: Cumberland County Museum

The day will include: children’s games, barbeque, museum tours, mock jail, silent auction, and yard sale... something for everyone!

With special guest appearances by: The Amherst Fire Department’s Trusty “Pumper Joe 2 ½” from 11am to 2pm. Children can take a ride in this wonderful little fire truck.

Of special note: the winners of the “What Do You Think School Will Be Like IN 100 Years” essay contest will be announced at the event.

Town of Amherst Community Fair

Town of Amherst Community Fair for Service Clubs/Organizations and Groups

Community and Economic Development is please to announce that a second Community Fair will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2009; at the Amherst Stadium. Form the responds to last years Fair and the interest shown by the general public our aim is to build on that success.

The purpose of a Community Fair is to bring together community clubs and organizations within Amherst. So the general public can learn about various groups; their mandates and how they are working to improve the quality of life in Amherst.

With your support and participation this event will be an informative and interactive experience. Residents will gain an insight into your club/group/organization by viewing your displays and speaking with a representative from your club/group.

This event will provide service clubs and organizations the opportunity to;

• Increase groups’ community profile
• Facilitate networking among community groups
• Socialize and exchange views
• Recruitment of potential new members
• Showcase community work/projects
• Fund raise (raffle tickets/special draws, etc.)

To learn more about the Community Fair and how your group can participate, contact Community and Economic Development at:

Phone: 902.667.6506
Email: djones@town.amherst.ns.ca

WowFactor! Training Event

Join us at the Joggins Fossil Centre for a WowFactor! Training Event

20th May 2009, 1:00pm

WOWfactor! Customer Service Training explores how people, place and process combine to create WOW experiences. Training becomes a self-discovery adventure as servers develop the ability to generate meaningful connections between their product and their guests. Workshop participants learn to recognize when and how guests are pushed and pinched away from WOW! and how to change this.

Staff who are new to the service industry receive key tips for achieving truly memorable and personally satisfying service delivery. Seasoned tourism staff emerges inspired & energized from these innovative, interactive sessions. All staff receives fresh insight into the complexities of service excellence and the motivation to WOW!

The cost is only $40.00 per person, including afternoon refreshments

Please call 902-251-2727 to reserve your places.

Wallace and Area Museum Season Opening

The Wallace and Area Museum will have their season opening on Friday, May 15th.

CCHN Member Profile:

Wallace and Area Museum

13440 Hwy 6Wallace, Nova Scotia
Phone: 902. 257.2191Fax: 902.257.2191
Email: wallacemuseum@aliant.zinc.ca
URL: www.wallaceandareamuseum.com/

Hours of Operation:

May 15 to October 1, Tuesday to Saturday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm.

Admission:

FREE (donations welcomed).

The rich history of Wallace area is collected and preserved in the 1839 home of shipbuilder James B. Davison. The museum property of over 90 hectares stretches two miles from the Wallace Bay to the old CNR rail line now the Trans Canada Trail. Visitors may enjoy the walking trails, the heritage gardens as well as lectures and demonstrations. The museum collection includes not only artefacts from the Davison family but also collections of Mi’kmaq baskets, antique toys, nineteenth century clothing, and histories of the Acadians, British Empire Loyalists and Mi’kmaq settlements.

Museums Across the Marsh

Following in the tradition of the very successful “Artists Across the Marsh” series, six museums with a connection to the Tantramar Marshes and its history are working together to present the first annual “Museums Across the Marsh” event on Saturday, June 6.

The event will be held between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. at museums from Dorchester to Amherst. These include the Keillor House in Dorchester, the Boultenhouse Heritage Centre (and with limited access to the Campbell Carriage Factory Museum) in Sackville, the Monro Heritage Centre in Port Elgin, Fort Beauséjour-Fort Cumberland National Historic Site in Aulac and the Cumberland County Museum and Archives in Amherst.

Purchase an individual pass for $4 or family pass for $10 at ANY of the museums. Receive a unique passport (good for admission to all locations) and have it stamped at each museum. Visit all museums to complete your passport and qualify to win a grand prize basket!
The day will include special activities at each museum, such as demonstrations, displays, tours or a look behind the scenes.

“We’re really excited to be launching this new collaborative event”, said Ron Kelly Spurles, Administrator for the Tantramar Heritage Trust that operates the Boultenhouse and Campbell Carriage Factory Museums in Sackville. “This area has such an incredible history with six great museums where visitors can learn in an enjoyable way. It really will be a great way to see all of these places at one bargain price, with one lucky person winning a very nice prize!”

For additional information, please call (506) 536-2541 or (902) 667-2561.

The Parrsboro Band Association

The Cumberland County Heritage Network wishes to announce the addition of a new tentative member to the Network, the Parrsboro Band Association (PBA). The Association is currently in the process of renovating and modernizing the (Old) Parrsboro Band Hall to convert it to a Regional Culture and Wellness Centre for South West Cumberland County as well as a centre that will offer community services, performing arts, tourism, and healthy activities for the region. The Hall will also provide the visitor with heritage component that will highlight the history of the Parrsboro Band and of the various uses of the Hall over the years.

The Parrsboro Band Association vision statement:

“To enhance the quality of life in our region, we will provide a centre that will further develop and invigorate the cultural, physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, social, and environmental life of our community.

We will create a state of the art, energy-efficient and environmentally responsible facility that will be a model for other communities in changing times by reclaiming this historic building and restoring it to the heart of the community.”

The Parrsboro Band Hall is located at: 44 King Street, Parrsboro, Nova Scotia

URL: http://www.thehall.ca/

Ottawa House Season Opening

The Parrsborough Shore Historical Society wishes to announce the opening of the Ottawa House By the Sea Museum this Victoria Day weekend.

CCHN Members Profile:


Parrsborough Shore Historical Society

Ottawa House By-the-Sea
1155 Whitehall Road
Parrsboro NS, B0M1S0
Phone: 902.254.2376
URL: http://www.ottawahouse.org/

Hours of Operation:
May 16 to September 15, Daily 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Admission:
Adult: $2.00; Child accompanied by an adult: FREE

Located in Parrsboro, at Partridge Island on the shore of the Minas Basin is a late 18th century structure known as the Ottawa House. Come "Meet the Owners", from the past to the present day. The name Ottawa House came from the period of time when The Honourable Sir Charles Tupper owned it as his summer home. The museum houses artefacts on early shipbuilding, lumber and furnished period rooms, as well as an archives/genealogy room. Enjoy the sea breezes from the veranda and watch for ghosts from the past.

Age of Sail Heritage Centre Season Opening

The Age of Sail 2009 season opening will get under way on May 30th.

CCHN Member Profile:

Age of Sail Heritage Centre Museum
8334 Highway 209
Port Greville, Nova Scotia
Phone 902.348.2030
URL: http://www.ageofsailmuseum.ca/

Hours of Operation:

Open May 30 to October 12.
Open 7 days a week in July & August, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. In June, September & October, closed Tuesday and Wednesday

Admission: Admission fee charged.

Located on the Ratchford River, on the site of the Red House Landing, this museum centre tells the story of the incredible shipbuilding history of the Parrsborough Shore. Home to over 700 tall ships and a leader in wooden vessels well into the 20th century, the museum shows through hands on displays and panels, various aspects of this rich history. Over 2000 artefacts and countless archives bring the history to life with the help of knowledgeable guides. Also on site is the 100 yr old Port Greville lighthouse and a functional blacksmith shop. The Port Hole Cafe & Gift Shop is located on site. This cozy maritime Tea Room is a great place to have a refreshing drink or even a light lunch made from the finest baking the Parrsboro Shore has to offer. Continuous addition of artefact and on going expansion means always something new to see!

Malagash Museum Yard Sale

Malagash Salt Mine Museum will hold it's annual yard sale on May 16th, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. All proceeds will go to the Museum. For more information please call: 902.257.2142.

Cumberland County Musuem Annual Plant Sale

The Cumberland County Museum and Archives will hold it's annual plant sale on May 16th at the museum. For more information, please call: 902.667.2561.

URL: http://www.creda.net/~ccmuseum/

Cumberland 250

Cumberland County Genealogical Society will be presenting their CUMBERLAND 250, Celebrating Our Heritage – Genealogy Presentations & Bus Tours at the Wandlyn Inn in Amherst, Nova Scotia on August 14th to 16th.

This wonderful celebration of our County heritage is being organized by the Cumberland County Genealogical Society to celebrate the 250th year of the founding of Cumberland County, Speakers at the events will include: David A. Lambert, Terry Punch, Bill Hamilton, Rhianna Edwards, Al Smith, Stan Balch, Art Brown and Ruby Bjarnason. Cumberland 250 will include a Heritage Centre featuring Down Memory Lane DVD viewing, booths by local museums and historical societies, and book sales tables. After the buffet turkey dinner on Saturday evening keynote speaker David A. Lambert of New England Historic Genealogical Society will discuss DNA use in Genealogy. The Cumberland County Genealogical Society will offer three bus tours of pioneer graveyards and local museums on Sunday. Early bird registration will be on May 15th, seating limited, register early. Payment can be made via PayPal.

For more information and registration see: www.cumberland250.ednet.ns.ca

Opening of River Hebert Heritage Models Centre/Museum

The season opening of the River Hebert Heritage Models Centre/Museum was held on May 10th. Despite of the inclement weather, many ventured out to enjoy the remarkable collection of educational hand built miniature models and artefacts that depict the history, culture and heritage of the River Hebert and surrounding area. On hand was author Jamie Heap who had a book signing of his latest work on Amos “King” Seaman.

Heritage Models will be open daily to October 1 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Admission:

Adults $4.00
Seniors and Students $3.00
Children 5 and under free
Special Rates for groups available

Mother's Day Brunch and Quilt Exhibiton at the Joggins Fossil Center

May 10, 2009:

The Joggins Fossil Centre had a wonderful Mother’s Day brunch at the centre which is now well into it’s second season of operation.

Featured at the Centre until Sunday may 17th, is an exhibition of the fine art of quilts. For more information go to: http://jogginsfossilcliffs.blogspot.com/

We at the CCHN wish the good people at the Joggins fossil Centre all the best in the months ahead.

The Cumberland County Heritage Network Blog

The Cumberland County Heritage Network (CCHN) is an organization designed to assist in the promotion and development of heritage sites throughout Cumberland County, Nova Scotia, Canada. This will be done though consultation and mutual support of our partners, assuring that all will share in benefits that will come with increased visitation to our beautiful county.

The mission of the CCHN is to assist member organizations in achieving their goals and responsibilities through networking, education and working together collectively to promote Cumberland County Heritage. We shall do this by concentrating on the following objectives:

• Provide members with a common meeting ground for discussion of issues


• Promote common interests


• Promote the sharing of resources between member organizations


• Promote accepted standards, procedures and practices among member organizations


• Liaison with and support the efforts of all tourism organizations within the county


• And to maintain linkages with other related organizations throughout the county, province and country.

With the aid of the Cumberland County Heritage Network, we will give you a vision of the past; insight into the lives of the men and woman who have shaped our heritage, culture and the nation which they helped built. From the four Fathers of Confederation who called our county home; to wives and children of the men who mined the coal that fuelled the industrial revolution; to the men that built the ships of Empire; and even further back to prehistoric past where the first life forms walked the Earth and gave rise to the first dinosaurs; here you will find it all, here in Cumberland County.