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Heritage

Guysborough County's unique and colourful history is one fraught with tales of prospectors, soldiers, privateers, explorers, and pioneers. The area's many museums and historic sites capture this history. We encourage you to explore our heritage at www.guysboroughcountyheritage.ca




Old Court House Museum - Located in Guysborough and operated by the Guysborough Historical Society, the court house has been preserved and restored by the society as a museum, and more recently as a tourist information centre. Opened in 1976, the museum has displays on early Acadian settlements, collections of local domestic tools, maps, and local histories. Genealogical records are also available for research.


Historic Sherbrooke Village - Established in 1969, Sherbrooke Village depicts a typical Nova Scotian village from approximately 1860 to pre-WWI. With approximately 80 buildings, 25 of which being open to the public, Sherbrooke Village Restoration has created the largest Nova Scotian museum site. A village that was historically based on the economy of shipbuilding, lumbering and gold mining, Sherbrooke Village brings it back to life and provides a unique opportunity for the public to participate in its natural and authentic setting.




Heritage Goldenville - Established in 1996 "to preserve the heritage of Goldenville and present it to the public," this museum is located west of Sherbrooke just off Route 7 in what once was the Presbyterian Church. It is dedicated to presenting a complete history of Goldenville's rich mining past, the church, and the community with exhibits and artifacts, displays and interpreters designed to "bring to life" in a period setting.

 



St. Mary's River Education and Interpretive Center - Located in Sherbrooke, the St. Mary's River Association's mission is to enhance, protect and promote the famous St. Mary's River as a healthy ecosystem for Atlantic Salmon and other native animals and plant species. The Centre offers exhibits related to salmon angling on the St. Mary's River as well as displays on other species in the watershed with the goal of educating visitors on the area's rich history.




Nova Scotia Lighthouse Interpretive Center - The Port Bickerton lighthouse is the closest lighthouse to Sable Island and showcases many pictures, memorabilia, and stories about the lighthouses of our coastal communities. The Lighthouse Beach Park also provides nature trails, and a boardwalk to a beautiful beach and surfer's haven.



United Empire Loyalists Site (c 1783) - Enjoy the peaceful 2km walking trail in Stormont leading you to the harbour's edge where the United Empire Loyalists landed in 1783. Historic panels interpret this historic arrival and life in this picturesque area. Picnic area and benches available.
 Black Loyalist Site - On the Goldbrook Road in Goldboro is a monument to the 900 Black Loyalists who arrived in Country Harbour aboard “The King's Rangers” in 1784. 300 died the first winter. A phenomenal storm of 1817 further added to the population decline. After much harbour-side erosion, the remains of those buried in the Redhead Cemetery were moved to the Bayview Cemetery. May they rest in peace.



Goldboro Interpretive Centre - Located adjacent to the Goldboro wharf, the centre provides tourists a place to rest and enjoy the beautiful scenery, a chance to learn about the area, or to buy locally made crafts. Interpretive displays highlight the developments of the local natural gas industry, as well as the local history of mining and fishing.

 



Communities Along the Bay - Along route 316 is the small Acadian settlement of Larry's River, home to the Communities Along the Bay Multi-use Centre. The centre was established in 2002, to provide visitors an experience of history and culture. The centre can also be used for a rest spot while enjoying the spectacular view of the rugged coastline.


Tor Bay Acadian Society - Although small in number, and isolated in the villages of Larry's River, Charlos Cove, Port Felix and Lundy, our hearts show our Acadian identity and heritage. It is important that we show the world that Acadian souls are still here and trace their roots to Port Royal and Grand Pré. Like the rocks of this coastline, we are here to stay.

 

Commercial Cable Rehabilitation Society - In Hazel Hill, just west of Canso, is a large shuttered brick building that was the telegram transmitting facility and offices of the Commercial Cable Company established in 1884. The operation was one of the most technologically advanced of its time. News from Europe and other parts of the world was transmitted via this line. It is hoped this building will be restored in the near future. Next to the building is a small park with interpretive panels relating the cable company story.

 



Canso Island National Historic Site - Located in North America's Oldest Fishing Port, the town of Canso is home to the Canso Islands National Historic Site of Canada. The visitor centre displays dioramas, artifacts, models and a video to show the public what life was once like for the dwellers of Canso Islands . Boat tours are also available from the visitor centre to the island.




Whitman House Museum - Canso is also home to the Whitman House Museum where you will discover memorabilia preserving the historic traditions and culture of the people in this typical seaside community. Displays include panoramas of Canso by folk artist Mel Schrader, period furniture, photographs, and other memorabilia. The “widow's walk” upon the rooftop of the museum provides a breathtaking view of the town.

 
Out of the Fog Museum - Located in Half Island Cove, this museum is dedicated to the way of life on a light station. Exhibits from the museum demonstrate the operations of the light station, which for centuries guided our county's fishermen to safety.







Prince Henry Sinclair Monument - In Halfway Cove is a monument acknowledging the landing of Prince Henry Sinclair of the Orkney Islands who is believed to have made the first transatlantic crossing in 1398, almost a century before Columbus. Erected in 1996, the monument is in a scenic picnic area with interpretive panels and offers a panoramic view of Chedabucto Bay. You can also visit a second monument at the Boylston Provincial Park.

 



Afrikan Canadian Heritage Friendship Centre - Located at Guysborough Academy and established in 2001, the centre holds a collection of photographs, publications, and newspaper articles documenting the trying history of resilient African Nova Scotians.

 

 
Mulgrave Heritage Center - Mulgrave has a vision of creating a facility to capture and expand upon its rich connection to the sea. As a former transportation link between Cape Breton and mainland Nova Scotia in the 1950's, the Scoita Ferry brought supplies by rail and ferry. The ferry brought significant financial and cultural importance to the region.

 

Guysborough County
Heritage Association

Discover the lure of Guysborough County's unique and colourful history  more
Federation of Nova Scotia Heritage
Promoting and preserving Nova Scotia's rich heritage more
 
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