King Seaman Church gets a New Coat of Paint

The King Seaman Church in Minudie got a facelift last month after the clapboards were repaired and it was completely repainted. Our hats off to the Minudie Heriage Association for doing such a fine job.

Creating Effective Ads and Promotional Materials for Your Heritage Site

In this article we will explore some of the more common and well used methods for creation of a well rounded and effective marketing package for your “brand,” i.e. the persona of your heritage and or cultural attraction.

To begin there are a few simple rules in creating a brand that you should keep in mind: 1) Branding is the art of being different, or rather the process of setting yourself apart from everyone else. 2) Successful brands create the perception that there’s no place quite like yours. 3) Successful brands don’t necessarily have to appeal to everyone. 4) A brand is not what you say you are, but what people think you are. So it is important to tap into those feelings.

When you have some idea of what your brand should be, then you must find where to focus your attention and where you should invest your promotional funds to get the “most bang for your buck.” Here are a dozen simple tips that should help you get started: 1) Narrow your focus. Trying to be all things to all people will simply not work. 2) Promote what is truly unique about your brand. Remember there are a lot of other sites like yours out there, being different will make the visitor remember you and help spread your message to others who may visit. 3) Sell the experience not the place. Remember that we live in Nova Scotia and there is beauty in every corner of our province. Visitors will soon get tired of pretty vistas and will look for something to do. Your brand should be able to give them that particular experience they want. 4) A good photo can speak a thousand words. Use good imagery to identify your brand. 5) Develop a social media marketing tool program. The days of brochures and rack cards are numbered. 6) Make your traditional marketing tools, i.e. brochures, rack cards, newsletters etc. available on your on-line resources. If the visitor prints off your promotional material that will mean that you will have to spend less on them. 7) Develop activity guides or “things to do and places to go” handouts to intrigue the visitor and to keep them in the area adding to the overall wealth of the economy. Our tear-away maps are an example of this. 8) Use the KISS principle: KEEP - IT - SIMPLE - STUPID. This involves keeping your promotional material as clean and as clutter free as possible. Too many graphics or visual elements are confusing to the eye and will not be as effective. 9) Avoid cute or clever ads. They seldom work and can look unprofessional. 10) Avoid using sandwich boards and limited the visuals on your signage. Sandwich boards are too small to read at speed and if your signs and too cluttered, the visitor will not get all the necessary information. 11) Develop graphic design and marketing packages and stick to them. Changing logos and visuals too often will confuse the returning visitor. Change your brand only if it seems not to be working. 12) And lastly, keep in mind that you will be more effective using one loud voice, rather than a hundred small voices. Make sure all your employees know your message and take the effort to engage other sites for cross-promotion, such as what we are doing here at the Cumberland County Heritage Network.

Nova Scotia Highlanders Regimental Museum Online

This past summer, the good people at the Nova Scotia Highlanders Regimental Museum in Amherst have been busy documenting artefacts to be presented online. Presently some 70 artifacts have been documented and can now be viewed on their website: http://novascotiahighlanders.tk/

The Nova Scotia Highlanders Regimental Museum would also like you to join them on their facebook® page: Nova Scotia Highlanders Regimental Museum

The Mad Hatter Autumn Dinner

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.

Malagash Days

The Malagash Salt Mine Museum is hosting "Malagash Days" on Saturday August 22, at the Malagash Community Hall starting with a Yard Sale at 9:00 a.m. Childrens' Games, BBQ, Music, and The Antique Tractor Display are all included in the days events.

Willard Morse Mitchell Art Exhibit at the Cumberland County Museum and Archive

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 exhibit will feature over 100 pieces from Mitchell’s “Amherst and Quebec Period”. Many of which are displayed in frames designed and handcrafted by Mitchell; with a majority of the pieces having its history displayed on the back. The uniqueness of his miniatures plus the valued historical history has given W. M. Mitchell worldwide acclaim. However to the residents of Amherst, Cumberland County, New Brunswick and the Maritimes; W. M. Mitchell is known for more than his magnificent works of art. Mitchell was well-known as an architect, wood carver and teacher. Mitchell designed many of the beautiful homes in Amherst, including the lovely Hewson House known as the “Victoria”. Examples of his wood carving are depicted in his framed art work and furnishings on display at the New Brunswick Museum. Mitchell also taught painting at the Mount Allison Ladies College in Sackville, N.B. Willard Morse Mitchell was a diversified artist and person whose legacy will live on forever. So we invite you to visit the museum and help us celebrate the unique and amazing world of one of Amherst’s greatest “Artist, Carver and Architect” Mr. W. M. Mitchell.

The Willard Morse Mitchell Art Exhibit’s opening reception will be held on Tuesday, August 25th at 7 pm. everyone is welcome to attend.

Do you know about... Beaubassin

An Acadian Homestead, painting by Nova Scotia Museum artist Azor Vienneau

Today there is little sign of the village of Beaubassin that once lay by the Missaguash River at the boarder of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Green hayfields and pasture lands have now replaced this once thriving community, but almost 340 years ago it was a much different place.

In 1672, Jacques Bourgeois and other settlers from Port Royal traveled up the Bay of Fundy and found a rich land, perfect of settlement on the largest salt water marsh on the Atlantic coast, a marsh we know today as the Tantramar. The community quickly prospered due to the hard work of the Acadians; the marshes were dyked and drained and farms soon dotted the land and spread beyond to other communities along the Isthmus of Chignecto such as Minudie, River Hebert, Nappan, Maccan and Aulac. Over the years Beaubassin grew in importance and eventually became the centre of local government in 1684. In 1696, and again in 1704, the settlement was attacked and burned by New Englanders. However, on each occasion, the village was immediately rebuilt. But then in 1750, the wars between the French and English were reaching a climax; the village was destroyed for the final time which foreshadowed the eventual expulsion of the Acadians.

Acadians Dyking the Marsh, painting by Nova Scotia Museum artist Azor Vienneau

In the summer of 2004, Parks Canada acquired some 107 acres, on today’s Fort Lawrence Ridge - including part of the historic village of Beaubassin. On July 7, 2005, it was designated a National Historic Site.

This summer Parks Canada is continuing their archaeological dig on the site of Beaubassin and have began to uncover new insights on the people who lived there. The dig continues Thursdays to Sundays until August 16th. If you would like to participate, call Fort Beausejour-Fort Cumberland National Historic Site of Canada at 506-364-5080

Minudie Heritage Association Barbecue

The Minudie Heritage Association will hold a barbecue at the River Hebert Co-op from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm on August 8th.

Eatonville Day-use area & the Three Sisters Interpretive Centre

We would like to congratulate Cape Chignecto Provincial Park and the Cumberland Regional Economic Development Association on the opening of Phase III – Eatonville Day-use area. This new addition to Cape Chignecto Provincial Park will showcase some of the parks most stunning geological features and some of the most outstanding scenic vistas anywhere on the Bay of Fundy. At the newly built Three Sisters Interpretive Centre located on site, the visitor will be given information on the historical, cultural and geological significance of the area. There are two user-friendly trail loops that will offer the visitor an entire day of fun. One 2.5 km loop will take you Anderson’s Cove, Entonville Harbour and on to the famous Three Sisters sea-stacks. The other 2.7 km loop leads to Squally Point which is an actual raised beach created thousands of years ago. There are rest and picnic areas along the trails and seven viewing platforms giving the visitor spectacular views of the Upper Bay of Fundy.

Events at Ottawa House

The Ottawa House By the Sea Museum will be hosting a small art exhibition by Springhill artist Sandra Green.

On August 9, Ottawa House will be holding their annual pancake and sausage brunch from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. Come enjoy a delicious meal of pancakes, sausage, tea and coffee.

On August 12, the Museum will be holding their annual Lady Tupper Tea. Enjoy the wonderful fair of bakers and cooks of the Parrsboro area. Sandwiches, sweets and tea will be served.

And finally, on August 15, Ottawa House will hold their annual wine and cheese event at 7:00 pm.

News From the Age of Sail Heritage Museum

The Age of Sail Heritage Museum has just announced their plans to build a 66’ x 22’ schooner replica which will be located between the blacksmith shop and the main building. Visitors will access the replica through the back door of the main building and will feel as though they are walking through the belly of the schooner.

The staff and board of the Age of Sail Heritage Museum would also like to announce the official ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly built boat shed. All are welcome to attend on August 1st at 2:00 pm.

Blessing of the Crops in Minudie

Blessing of the Crops Festival on Sunday, August 9th. Mass begins at St. Denis Church at 2:00 pm. The Celebrant will be Father George Smith. Mass will be followed by a reception at St. Aquinas Church Hall in Joggins. All are invited to return to Minudie for an evening concert featuring Blue Horizon. For more information contact Sharon Gould at 667.3923.

Malagash Salt Mine Museum Photo Display and Contest

The Malagash Salt Mine Museum will be hosting their Photo Display and Contest on Thursday, August 13, 2009 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Display your favourite photos or enter them in the contest! Judging will be done by the public. Those interested in entering the contest, please call the Museum at 257.2407 for a complete list of rules. Admission $2.00 and refreshments will be served. Proceeds will go to the Museum.

Schedule of Events for the Wallace and Area Museum

Schedule of Events for the Month of August:

July 30 A talk on the street. “Main Street Wallace (part two)” The history of Wallace and the buildings over 200 years.
August 2 “Tour the Stores” a chance for visitors to see in four of the museum’s store rooms.
August 5 “Mary Kennedy Tea” The social high point in the museum calendar. The tea in honor of the ‘mother of Museum’, benefactor John Kennedy. Enjoy tea and music in the gardens.
Flower arranging competition. 2:00 to 4:00 pm.
August 15 Children’s Day. A night at the Wallace and Area Museum” For children 5 to 12. Contact the museum for registration and information.
August 20 Remsheg Rug Hookers Annual “Hook in.”
August 20 Annual Talk by Author, Educator and Historian, William Hamilton. Topic: “The Loyalists of Remsheg.”

Schedule of Events for the Parrsboro Band Association

Schedule of Events for the Month of August:
August 1 Band performs at Port Greville’s Fireman’s Field Day, 1 pm
August 3 - 7 Junior Drama Camp by Ship’s Company Theatre
August 5 Notre Dame de Grass: a “newgrass” concert, 8 pm
August 8 -9 Struts Models modeling workshop, 9 - 5 pm
August 9 Halifax String Quartet, 8 pm
August 8 Elastic Big Band performs at Advocate Harbour’s huge annual Bazaar at noon
August 10 – 14 Intermediate Drama Camp by Ship’s Company Theatre
August 12 Film: Raising Arizona, 7 pm
August 15 Gem Cutter’s Ball, 8pm (subject to change)
August 17 – 22 Senior Drama Camp by Ship’s Company Theatre
August 19 Film: The Man Who Would Be King, 7 pm
August 25 – 29 Jazz Camp co-promoted by the Parrsboro Band Association and Upstream Music
August 29 Band performs at Economy’s Blueberry Festival, (subject to change)

Two New Member Facebook Pages

To expand their reach, the Age of Sail Heritage Centre and Nova Scotia Highlanders Regimental Museum have created FaceBook pages:

Age of Sail: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=64118700769&ref=search

NS Highlanders Museum: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=93373895193

Please note that the good folks at the NS Highlanders Museum have a new email adress:
nshmuseum@eastlink.ca

Links to all member blogs and facebook pages can be found on the right of this page.

The 20th Anniversary Events at the Anne Murray Centre

The 20th anniversary events will take place on July 25, and include: A music seminar in the morning and afternoon at the Nova Scotia Community College campus, Main Street, Springhill. This will consist of four music workshops conducted by industry professionals and geared towards budding artists. These have limited seating and are $10 per workshop or all four for $30. Tickets are available through the Anne Murray Centre.

Next, Anne Murray will make a visit to the Anne Murray Centre to meet and greet visitors. There is no charge for this event -- it's just a means for Anne to casually say hello to Centre visitors as part of the day's events and perhaps sign a few autographs.

Following the visit to the Centre, Anne will attend a private appreciation reception at the Dr. Carson and Marion Murray Community Centre (Main Street, Springhill) for event sponsors and long time supporters of the Centre. Unfortunately, due to a very limited amount of space, this event is invitation only and won't be open to the general public. It's being held to give Anne an opportunity to say thank you to those who have sponsored the Centre's 20th anniversary and/or donated to our facility over the years. It also gives supporters a chance to get to meet and talk to Anne in a more relaxed and casual setting.

After the reception and also at the community centre, there will be a concert featuring two of the biggest name artists currently in Atlantic Canada, Joel Plaskett and special guest David Myles. These excellent entertainers play a lot of folk rock and will put on a great show. Seats are all general admission. Tickets are $25 plus tax and can be purchased on line at: http://www.ticketpro.ca/ or they also have a limited number available at the Centre.

New Play for the 25th Anniversary Season of Ship's Company Theatre

Ship’s Company Theatre’s 25th Anniversary Season will feature the World Premiere production of the play Ferry Tales, commissioned by Ship’s Company Theatre in celebration of this significant milestone.

Ferry Tales - Book and lyrics by Carol Sinclair, composition and additional lyrics by david sereda, is a delightful musical that will enchant audiences with the lore of the beloved MV Kipawo, the last of the Minas Basin ferries. Sinclair’s beautiful writing is complemented by the lovely and nostalgic original songs by composer sereda. The World Premiere will open on the Ship’s Company Mainstage in Parrsboro, Nova Scotia on August 5th, 2009.

Artistic Producer and Director, Pamela Halstead, has engaged a stellar cast and an unparalleled creative team to bring to life this very special production as Ship’s Company proudly commemorates and celebrates 25 years of presenting live theatre in Parrsboro

What do you do when the tide goes out and the water is 50 feet lower than it was that morning? When a whale is beached at the ferry dock? When a baby is born on deck? When winter prohibits ferry service, yet love remains ardent enough to compel a young man to cross the bay by pole vaulting from ice pan to ice pan? Embrace the adventure and come aboard! The delightful musical, Ferry Tales, book and lyrics by Carol Sinclair, composition and additional lyrics by david sereda, will enchant audiences with the lore of the beloved Kipawo, the last of the Minas Basin ferries.

Pamela Halstead director

Holly Arsenault musical director

featuring:

• Deborah Allen
• Bill Forbes
• Frank MacKay
• Amy Reitsma
• Paul Tupper
• Mary Vingoe
• Gordon White
• Corey Mullins set design
• Jennifer Coe costume design
• Bryan Kenney with BruceMacLennan lighting design
• Con Byers research consultant

For more information call the Box Office: 1.800.565.SHOW or 902.254.3000

Or visit: www.shipscompany.com

Band Day at the Parrsboro Bandshell

On the 26th of July the Parrsboro Band Association will host their "Band Day" at the Parrsboro Bandshell. A full day of music beginning at 12:30 and featuring no less than five bands performing all afternoon. A BBQ and a strawberry shortcake dessert will be featured along with and a draw for 25 lb of lobster.

Featured bands are: Moncton's Codiac Band, Sackville New Brunswick's Citizen Band, Brass Impact, the Elastic Big band and of course the Parrsboro Citizen's Band

The Parrsboro Band Association will also have a birthday cake to help celebrate the 100th year of operation for the Parrsboro Citizen's Band since its' name change from the 32 yr old Parrsboro Cornet Band in 1909.

Fun at Minudie Day

The overcast sky and mosquitoes didn't dampen the fun at the Minudie Days which are held to celebrate the illustrious history of Minudie.