Built before 1867
Pictou County buildings among those dating to 1867 in exhibit
Local buildings among those featured in photo exhibit at Museum of Industry that saw in Confederation
Several Pictou County buildings are featured in a new photo exhibit by the Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia.
Witnesses to a New Nation: 150 Buildings That Saw Confederation, which opened at the Museum of Industry in Stellarton on June 8, features 150 buildings that existed in 1867 when the nation of Canada was formed, and are still standing.
Built of wood, sandstone or brick, the featured structures represent the building traditions of waves of European settlers as well as documenting a variety of building functions. Included are farmhouses and foundries, inns, a former bank and cherished homesteads.
The Dock in New Glasgow, The Pictou Iron Foundry, Rundle House in Stellarton, the Consulate Inn and McCulloch House in Pictou, the former Delaney Homestead, and the Cameron Farm are some of the Pictou County buildings.
Nova Scotia’s built heritage and associated stories help residents understand the contributions made to the province and Canada by their owners, and the impact they made upon their communities. The buildings selected highlight the varied cultural groups who made Nova Scotia their home. Residences, churches, commercial and industrial structures, as well as public buildings are represented.
“The Witness to a New Nation exhibit is a heritage treasure that celebrates Pre-Confederation built heritage throughout Nova Scotia. It is fascinating to learn about the stories behind these buildings, which showcase the architectural beauty and history of our province,” said New Glasgow Mayor Nancy Dicks. “I am especially delighted to see so many Pictou County properties featured in the exhibit and congratulate all involved.”
The exhibit, which debuted at Government House in Halifax on June 3, will be on display locally until June 19.
Various presentations supporting the exhibit will be held between June 12 and 18 at the museum from 2 to 3 p.m. in the lecture theatre, free to the public.
Former New Glasgow Mayor Barrie MacMillan will share facts and rare artifacts from his personal collection related to “Our British Connection” on Wednesday.
On Friday, former Pictou East MLA Clarrie MacKinnon and Westville town crier George Dooley will speak about Westville’s evolution from farming to mining, with a performance by the Keltic Chords choir.
On Saturday, Pictou County Warden Robert Parker will share his memories about growing up in a Heritage Home, located at 1227 Green Hill Road. Present owner Margie Parker invites the public to visit the home from 3 to 5 p.m. for tea and a tour. No charge.
On Sunday, a walking tour of Pictou will highlight the Shiretown’s historic buildings, leaving the McCulloch House at 7 p.m.
Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia, founded in 1959, is a non-profit registered charity with a goal to conserve buildings and sites of historic significance, and to promote this important cultural component of Nova Scotia’s identity.
For more information, visit: www.htns.ca.