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.

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

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.

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