Colchester Historeum celebrates 70th anniversary
As the Colchester Historical Society observes a significant milestone few volunteer organizations achieve, a community engagement survey is underway to help chart the future direction of the non-profit organization and the museum and archives it governs.
The CHS marks its 70th anniversary this month and will celebrate with an open house at the Colchester Historeum on Heritage Day, Monday, Feb. 19. Everyone is welcome to enjoy free admission to the museum and archives from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. A cake-cutting ceremony with refreshments and remarks by community partners has been set for 1 p.m.
President David Boehm said the CHS is committed to improving its services and outreach in Colchester County and the community engagement survey will provide valuable feedback.
“We hope members of the local community will take a few minutes to share what they value most about the Colchester Historeum and its programming,” Boehm said.
The survey link can be found on the Colchester Historeum website and will remain active until Feb. 20. Copies are also available by visiting the museum at 29 Young St.
Dr. Loran Arthur Dewolfe, a former educator, is credited as the founder of the Colchester Historical Society. On Feb. 22, 1954, he gathered 29 Colchester County citizens at the Nova Scotia Normal College to answer the need for a society dedicated to the preservation and promotion of local history.
Soon, with Dewolfe as its first president, the society began to meet every month. A meeting typically consisted of one or two historical “talks” given by members and a period of general discussion, explains archivist Ryan Mclellan.
“We continue to host Lunch and Learn events every month which fosters the tradition of the society’s founding members,” he points out.
A Lunch and Learn presentation on Wednesday, Feb. 21 — paying tribute to African Heritage Month — will see local researcher Nevin Jackson explore a few important, but lesser-known African Nova Scotians who have made significant contributions locally and abroad. Admission is by donation or free to CHS members.
The noon-time presentations have been drawing steady attendance allowing those who work in the downtown core the opportunity to enjoy their lunch along with an entertaining programme.
On display at the presentation will be a new genealogical collection on African Nova Scotians who once called Colchester home. The collection represents a research project on a visible minority community in Colchester County, assembled by Natalie Porter who was hired under a Canadian Council of Archives grant in August 2023.
The project now comprises 20 family surname binders which include information on more than 800 individuals. From approximately 18701970, the records have been gathered from vital statistics, census, funeral and burial records, obituaries, headstones, newspaper articles, directories, maps, archival holdings, and more. The surnames include Borden, Byard, Clyke, Elms, Gero, Jackson, Jewell, Johnson, Jones, Lucas, Oliver, Mentis, Paris, Sheppard, Talbot, Tynes, White, and many more.
“This new genealogical collection is a substantial starting point for continuous research about our African Nova Scotian communities and we welcome any additions,” Mclellan said. The binders are also accessible to the public anytime during regular open hours.
To engage families and encourage a love of history in younger people, the Colchester
Historeum has also introduced a Lego Building Challenge in which brick enthusiasts are encouraged to choose and build a historic or modern structure located in Colchester County. CHS board members and staff will choose the winners in two age categories and the builds will be on public display.
Staff are looking forward to seeing what buildings competitors select for their entries and it is hoped the challenge will become an annual event.
Crib and canasta gameplay from 1-3 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays respectively, are popular mainstay programs drawing new faces every week.
There is an ongoing opportunity to get more people involved in the Colchester Historical Society, by becoming a member, a volunteer or sitting on the board of directors.
“With so much going on it’s a great time to get involved as a volunteer,” adds Mclellan. “If you have the time, we will find a task to suit your interests and abilities.”