Pictures for the Amherst Encampment Part 2, Dinner and Dancing

The good folks of the Amherst Encampment "kick up their heals" at the Cumberland County Museum and Archives.

Dinner is served... rustic style by candle light.

Pictures from the Amherst Encampment Part 1

An early morning at a 1775 Loyalist Encampment, a visitor trying out a period chair.

Loyalist soldiers receiving their ammunition for the day’s “action.”

The ladies of the camp making breakfast.

Soldiers mustering for the march to Amherst Town Hall.

The march to Amherst Town Hall.


Offices of the company demanding to see the Mayor, Mr. Rob Small.


Mayor Small giving the company the Key to the Town

The Mayor inspecting the troops.

Let's Talk About Local History: An Introduction to Historical Property

The Cumberland County Museum and Archives in conjunction with the Tantramar Senior’s College is pleased to present An Introduction to Historical Properties entitled “Let’s Talk About Local History.” Come and explore the different properties of Cumberland County and find out what makes them unique and special to deem them the title of “Historical Properties”. Instructors, Linda Reid and representatives from the Nova Scotia Historic Places will share their knowledge on the wonderful architectural design and classification of historical properties.

BUT YOU MUST REGISTER NOW!
REGISTRATION DATE: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29TH
TIME: 3 TO 5PM
LOCATION: TRINITY ST. STEPHEN UNITED CHURCH HALL
1 RATCHFORD STREET, AMHERST

“Let’s Talk About Local History” An Introduction to Historical Properties:
Location: Cumberland County Museum and Archives, 150 Church Street, Amherst
The Two Days Will Include:

Day One: Friday, November 6, 2009 from 9 am to 12pm. Classifications of historical properties in Cumberland County.

Day Two: Friday, November 13, 2009 from 9am to 12pm. Learn the details about registered historical properties dispelling the misconceptions concerning registered properties.

For more information call Shirley Nickerson at 667-2561

"Looking Back" An Introduction to Genealogy

The Cumberland County Museum and Archives in conjunction with the Tantramar Senior’s College are pleased to present An Introduction to Genealogy entitled “Looking Back.” Come and explore the different avenues you can use while researching your family genealogy. Instructors, Dianne Bacon and Shirley Nickerson will share their knowledge in genealogy researching.

BUT YOU MUST REGISTER NOW!

REGISTRATION DATE: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29TH

TIME: 3 TO 5PM

LOCATION: TRINITY ST. STEPHEN UNITED CHURCH HALL, 1 RATCHFORD STREET, AMHERST

“Looking Back” An Introduction to Genealogy: Location: Cumberland County Museum and Archives, 150 Church Street, Amherst. The Two Days Will Include:

Day One: Friday, October 23, 2009 from 9 am to 12pmBeginning the road to Genealogy Handouts Genealogy sources and how to use them. Online sources and how to use them

Day Two: Friday, October 30, 2009 from 9 am to 12pm Genealogy Research

For more information call Shirley Nickerson at 667-2561

Calendar of Events from the Wallace and Area Museum

• October 5th, “Read by the Sea” poetry reading at the Wallace and Area Museum. For more information please call: 902. 257.2191
• October 19th, launch of Laurie Glenn Norris’s book “Cumberland County Facts and Folklore.”
• October 28th, “Walk in the Dark.” Come and enjoy a spooky time at the museum. Call 902.257.2191 to pre-register.

Nova Scotia Fibre Arts Festival

The Cumberland County Museum and Archives, in conjunction with the Fibre Arts Festival, are re pleased to present “The 2009 Cumberland Show of Hooked Rugs.”

Cumberland County is privileged to have a variety of rugs hookers throughout its communities and each year the Cumberland County Museum and Archives pay tribute to these talented individuals.

The 2009 Cumberland Show of Hooked Rugs will feature such communities as Springhill, Northport and Amherst.

Each community is represented by beautiful and unique pieces of art that range in a variety of shapes and sizes. This show will feature such works as a small child’s “Sheep Pull Toy” to a 4 foot wall hanging that depicts a “Family’s Genealogy”.
While most of the works of arts on display will remain in the collection of the artist, some of these amazing works of arts are for sale.

The 2009 Cumberland Show of Hooked Rugs can be seen at the Cumberland County Museum and Archives, 150 Church Street, Amherst can be seen at the Cumberland County Museum and Archives, 150 Church Street, Amherst from Tuesday, September 29, 2009 to Saturday, October 31st. Times of exhibit: Tuesday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday 12 pm to 5pm. Admission is $3.00 per person. For more information please contact Shirley Nickerson at 667-2561.

“From the Heart” Needlework Display

The Cumberland County Museum and Archives, in conjunction with the Fibre Arts Festival, are pleased to present “From the Heart” Needlework Display, featuring local needlework artist and first time exhibitor
Elizabeth (Liz) Anne Hickey.

Amherst born Elizabeth Anne Hickey’s love for Needlework began in 1974.

“I was watching Jeanette (Hebert) Gagnon working on a needlepoint piece and you could say I was hooked. I asked Jeanette if she would mind teaching me and she did,” stated Elizabeth. “But I taught myself to do the Counted Cross-Stitch.”

Over the past 35 years, Elizabeth has become a very talented Needlework Artist and each year she creates many wonderful works of art that she openheartedly presents as gifts to her love ones, friends and co-workers. Her love for others are depicted in such pieces as Welcome, County Settings and a Map of Nova Scotia created in the blue and white tartan. “I just hope people enjoy my gifts as much as I enjoy making them” says Elizabeth.

But there are two pieces that will always hold a very special place in my heart. Elizabeth has created two 57cm. by 43cm pieces; one of a “Young Girl” and the other of a “Young Boy”. These pieces depict Elizabeth and her brother Douglas. Douglas passed away from Tetanus at the age of 10. “I intended to give these pieces as a gift to my mother however she passed away before they were completed. So now they have a place of honour at Home Again Dry Cleaners our family business; where my parents and I worked together.”Elizabeth’s unique “Needlework Display: can be seen at the Cumberland County Museum and Archives, 150 Church Street, Amherst from Tuesday, September 29, 2009 to Saturday, October 31st. Times of exhibit: Tuesday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday 12 pm to 5pm. Admission is $3.00 per person. For more information please contact Shirley Nickerson at 667-2561.

Book Signing: Cumberland County Facts and Folklore

“Cumberland County Facts and Folklore”
By Laurie Glenn Norris

What could

Oscar Wilde and a triploid blue-spotted salamander;
Leon Trotsky and the Joggins Fossil Cliffs;
Alex Colville and lobster claw pipes;
Feist and Buckley’s Mixture

possibly all have in common? Cumberland County, of course!

It’s one of Nova Scotia’s oldest and largest counties and its personalities, history, geography, natural life and legends are second to none. It’s the birthplace of Anne Murray and Feist, and in 1995 its charming village of Pugwash had a hand in winning the Nobel Peace Prize. Its shores are touched by the majestic Bay of Fundy and the beautiful Northumberland Strait, its landscape was carved by glaciers and its prehistoric climate created and preserved fossils that today are worthy of World Heritage Site designation. From Amherst to Advocate, Minudie to Malagash, Port Howe to Port Greville, the beauty of its forests, crystal clear lakes and rivers and its pastoral scenery are a delight.

Cumberland County is a Nova Scotian treasure for visitors and locals alike. So sit back and discover Cumberland County through the amusing anecdotes, fun facts, and incredible trivia on this area’s rich history and culture in Cumberland County Facts and Folklore.

Laurie Glenn Norris was born in River Hebert, Cumberland County, Nova Scotia, and raised in the tiny community of Lower Cove, on Cumberland County's Fundy shore. She holds undergraduate degrees in anthropology and education and a master's degree in art history, works at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery in Fredericton, New Brunswick, has taught Renaissance art history at the University of New Brunswick, and is on the board of the Writers' Federation of New Brunswick. Despite all, Laurie still speaks with that special Cumberland County twang. She shares her home overlooking the Mactaquac Headpond on the St. John River with six cats and husband Barry.

Launch and book signing dates:

• The launch of Cumberland County Facts and Folklore will take place on Sunday, October 18, 2009, at the Cumberland County Museum, 150 Church Street, Amherst, Nova Scotia (the Museum can be reached at 902-667-2561). Copies of the book will be available for sale during the launch and book signing.
• October 19, 2009, time TBA: Wallace and Area Museum, 13440 Route 6, Wallace, Nova Scotia
• October 20, 2009, time TBA: Cumberland County Genealogical Society, 16 Church Street, Amherst, Nova ScotiaDate and time
• TBA: Westminster Books, 445 King Street, Fredericton, New Brunswick.

18th Century Encampment comes to Amherst

The weekend of September 25th, 26th & 27th will prove to be a busy time for the residents of Amherst as an 18th Century Encampment invades downtown’s Prince Arthur Street.
This historical reenactment weekend will include Parades, Tent City, and Military Encampment, Dozens of Historical Characters, Military Drill & Musketry, Civilian Displays and 18th Century Dancing.

This event is produced through The Brigade of America Revolution and the public is invited to attend.

Admission is free!

In conjunction with the 18th Century Encampment, the Cumberland County Museum and Archives will be hosting the Outdoor Re-enactors Dinner. (Dinner by invitation only) This event will take place on Saturday, September 26, 2009. The Outdoor Re-enactors Dinner will start at 7pm followed by a Public 18th Century Dance Demonstration at 8:30pm. Location for the dinner and dance demonstration is The Cumberland County Museum and Archives 150 Church Street, Amherst N. S. Here the re-enactor will enjoy an outdoor dinner and tour of the museum before opening the evening to the public.
Starting at 8:30 pm, the public is invited to join the re-enactors for an Outdoor 18th Century Dance Demonstration.

A chance to witness 18th Century Dancing at its finest and everyone is welcome to test their skills and try this unique style of dancing.

The Cumberland County Museum and Archives would like to take this opportunity to invite you to join us and meet the 18th Century Encampment Re-enactors and learn why they have chosen to take part in this event. For more information please contact Shirley Nickerson at 667-2561.

Ottawa House Closed for the Season

The good folks at Ottawa House by the Sea are now closed for the 2009 season. We at the CCHN would like to thank them for their participation over the summer and wish them all the best for next year.

Menu for the Mad Hatter’s Autumn Dinner at the Cumberland County Museum and Archives

Now doesn’t this sound good….

· Rosemary corn soup with rolls
· Vegetable salad
· Orange glazed carrots, broccoli casserole and harvest beets
· Crab cakes with apple and pear chutney
· Blueberry grunt.

Served on Friday, September 25, 2009 at 6:00 pm at the Cumberland County Museum and Archives.

Tickets: $20.00 per person. Call 902.667.2561 to book your seat.

Heritage Model's Show & Shine

Heritage Models is having their 2nd Show & Shine on Sept. 27 rain or shine. Event will be held at Heritage Models in River Hebert NS. Registration will be at 9-noon

Car Show: 10am till 4pm (no rain date) DJ all day long with 50's and 60's music Live entertainment from 1 pm till 3 pm (Local artist) Trophies to be awarded at 3:15

FEATURING: Craft table-Yard Sale tables-Homemade pickles, jams and jellies, 50/50 ticketsPrize giveaways every hour for car participantsBBQ with lots of hot dogs and hamburgersPop, tea, coffee and water available.

All Proceeds going to The Heritage Models Museum

For more information please call Sarah Welton at (W) 902-251-2442 or (H) 902-251- 2472 or Merrill Murray at (W) 1-902-667- 3844 or (H) 902-667-1058

ADMISSION:"DONATION"

CCHN Calendar of Events for September

Age of Sail Heritage Museum

· Annual Labour Day Weekend Events: Saturday September 5th, Pork Loin Dinner 4:30 to 6pm FPW Fire Hall in Port Graville. Cost: $10.00 per person
· Sunday September 6th , Annual Outdoor Ecumenical Church Service 9:30am Colins Field 8098 hwy 209 Wards Brook fol lowed by Pancake Breakfast. Cost: $4.00 per person.
· North Shore Antique Engine Display at the Museum Sunday Sept 6, No Admission fee all day!
· Hosting the Cumberland County Heritage Network General Meeting on Sept 12th from 10:00 to 2:00.
· As of September 1st fall hours will be in effect: Open Thursday to Monday 10:00 to 6:00. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday until Thanksgiving.

Cumberland County Museum and Archives

· The Cumberland County Museum and Archives in conjunction with Local Art Collectors & the Wallace and Area Museum are pleased to present: the Willard Morse Mitchell Art Exhibit opening Tuesday, August 4th and running until Saturday, September 26th, 2009.
· The Cumberland County Museum and Archives are pleased to present “The Mad Hatter Autumn Dinner” on Friday, September 25th, 2009 at 6 pm at the Cumberland County Museum and Archives: 150 Church Street, Amherst, Nova Scotia. Tickets are $20.00 per per­son. There is limited seating so reserve your tickets today. Call 902.667.2561. Prizes will be awarded for both the men’s and women’s most unique hat.
· Book Signing: “The “Joggins, It’s History and It’s People. Saturday, September 19th at 2 -4
· Cumberland County Hooked Rug Exhibit in conjunction with the Nova Scotia Fibre Arts Festival. Opening Tuesday, September 29 until October 31st.
· Elizabeth Hickey “Needlework Display” in conjunction with the Nova Scotia Fibre Arts Festival. Opening Tuesday, September 29 until October 31st.

Ottawa House by the Sea/Parrsbrough Shore Historical Society

· Oak Island Mystery. Aguest speaker on the Oak Island Mystery at the Ottawa House Museum on September 12th at 2:00 pm.
· War Time Supper. The Parrsbrough Shore Historial Society will hold a war time supper at Trinity United Church Hall on September 10th from 5 to 7:00 pm.
· Dessert Tea. Ottawa House Museum will hold it's last dessert tea of the season on September 6th from 2 to 5:00 pm.

Parrsboro Band Association

· Sept 14th Citizens’ Band resumes rehearsals. 7:00 pm Anyone who has ever played is welcome to come out and join the fun.
· September 18th to 20th Playwrights Atlantic Resource Centre Annual General Meeting. All events open to public including a dance with the Elastic Big Band. On Friday night and readings Saturday and Sunday. See www.thehall.ca for complete details.
· September 26th South Cumberland Care Centre hosting a Variety Show. Details are to be posted on “The Hall” website. See the URL above.

Ship’s Company Theatre

· Ship’s Company Theatre’s production of FERRY TALES, book and lyric by Carol Sinclair, composition by david sereda, continues to entrance audiences with the lore of the Minas Basin and the beloved KIPAWO, the last of the Minas Basin Ferries. Wonderful perfor­mances delivered by a stellar cast bring to life early times along the Bay. Nostalgic and delightfully entertaining, this musical play runs until August 30th at Ship’s Company Theatre in Parrsboro.
· Ship’s Company Theatre will hold its Annual Art Auction at the Theatre on Saturday, August 29th. Works in a variety of media, by a multitude of artists and artisans from around the region, will be featured. Viewing begins at 1 p.m., with the auction at 2 p.m. Images of the artworks may be viewed at www.shipscompany.com.

Wallace and Area Museum

· 50th Anniversary of the Wallace Village War Memorial. A short service at the memorial on Saturday September 12, starting 2 pm. Reception and small display at Wallace and Area Museum to follow.

New Book on Amos "King" Seaman

Lord of the Land: The Reign of Amos "King" Seaman by Jamie Heap.

The life and times of Maritime entrepreneur Amos King Seaman (1788-1864) and Minudie`s history (1686-1886) sheds new light on the new rural history`s focus on tenant and/or labourer alienation, under-employment and exploitation during late 18th and 19th centuries. Amos Seaman, the Grindstone King, was a successful entrepreneurial pluralist who farmed, lumbered, built ships, sold goods at his store, and participated in the lucrative import-export trade with Britain, the West Indies and the United States. In addition to his construction of ships, Seaman also built wharves as well as the province`s first steam-powered mill to support his diverse and integrated industries. Seamans personal wealth was exemplified by Grindstone Castle where he and his family lived. In addition to this opulent mansion, Seaman`s wealth also enabled him to maintain a second home,a town house in Boston, MA. He also built two churches and a one-room school house. Grindstones, which served a variety of domestic and commercial uses were the main commodities that Minudie`s King exported to Britain, the West Indies and the United States. A series of events unfolded that ended Seaman's reign over Minudie, NS. For more information, please visit: http://www.lap-publishing.com/

Mr. Heap's book is now being sold at the Cumberland County Museum and Archives and River Hebert Heritage Models/Museum.

Book Signing at the Cumberland County Museum and Archives

Situated on the Cumberland Basin, sits the community of Joggins, Nova Scotia. This small rural community which the First Nations people referred to as “Chegoggin” meaning “fish weir place” has recently gained world acclaim as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But like all great places Joggins has a past, a present and a future. Joggins present is the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its future is yet to be determined. But its past will live on in the memories, photographs and stories of those families whose life make up Joggins rich and unique history.

What was once a bustling coal mining town with theaters, hotels, general stores, blacksmiths shops, pool hall, indoor ice rink and so much more has witnessed its town status deplete much like its coal.

Much has changed in Joggins since the mid1700 to1900’s. Today this quiet community resembles just another rural community in Nova Scotia; but to those who know its history there is a whole lot more to Joggins than meets the eye.

This is the reason behind recently published local author; Gary Vickery’s book entitled “The” Joggins It’s History and It’s People

“I want people to see Joggins as it once was; its history” states author, Gary Vickery “The town I grew up in; the town I called home.”

Although born in Springhill; Gary moved to Joggins with his family at a young age and like a great number of Maritimers before him left to seek employment in Ontario. Gary returned to his home province with his wife Doris in 1978 and worked for 28 years as a councilor at the School for the Deaf in Amherst.

Through the pages of “The” Joggins; Gary takes his readers on a journey back in time to town where life was busy and growing up was fun. You will visit the many businesses, ride the railway and relive the “Fire of 28” all the things that made Joggins so unique. Gary’s style of writing and numerous pages of old photographs depict the history of this once busy coaling mining town and is a must read for Nova Scotians and history buffs alike.

“The” Joggins It’s History and It’s People” Book Signing Reception will take place on Saturday, September 19, 2009, time 2-4pm. at the Cumberland County Museum and Archives, 150 Church Street, Amherst, N.S.

Pictures from the Cumberland 250 Celebration

The Cumberland County Museum and CCHN Display

The good folks at Keillor House Museum

Shirley Nickerson, Cumberland County Museum, talking to an interested party

The New Brunswick Archives


A display from various Southern New Brunswick Museums

Age of Sail and Ottawa House Display

New Sign for Cumberland County Museum

The Cumberland County Museum and Archives have acquired two new signs that have been placed at the entrances to the Museum grounds. The Museum would like to thank the following people and organizations for all the fine work that went into the project: thanks to Judi Giroux for having the vision of seeing the project come true; the Nova Scotia Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage for providing funding; Bruce Hudson Design for designing the signage; BMH Signs & Machining Inc. for producing the signs and finally Dave’s Excavating and the Town of Amherst and volunteers for installation.

Pictured (left to right) is Shirley Nickerson, Curator of the Cumberland County Museum and Archives, Judi Giroux, project facilitator, and Rupert Nickerson