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Nova Scotia Museum
Location Nova Scotia, Canada
Type decentralised museum
Visitors 549,500 (2015)

The Nova Scotia Museum (NSM) is not just one building! It's actually a big group of 28 different museums spread all across Nova Scotia, Canada. Think of it like a large family of museums! These museums help people learn about Nova Scotia's amazing history, nature, and culture.

The NSM takes care of over 200 historic buildings, old ships, and about one million cool items and specimens. They work with local groups to share these treasures. Every year, more than 600,000 people visit these museums to explore and discover new things about Nova Scotia.

History of the Museum

The Nova Scotia Museum officially started in 1868. But its beginnings go back even further to 1831. That's when a group called the Mechanics Institute in Halifax began collecting interesting items.

The first person in charge of the museum, called a curator, was Rev. Dr. David Honeyman. Later, from 1899 to 1940, Harry Piers took over. He helped the museum's collection grow a lot, adding many more interesting things for everyone to see and learn from.

What the Museum Does

The Nova Scotia Museum does more than just keep old things safe. Its staff and volunteers work on many exciting projects.

  • Restoring History: They fix up old buildings and artifacts to make sure they last for a long time.
  • Creating Displays: They put together cool exhibits about Nova Scotia's culture and natural world. These displays help visitors understand the past and present.
  • Bringing History to Life: Sometimes, they even participate in historical reenactments. This means people dress up and act out scenes from the past!
  • Helping Scientists: The museum also gives special permits to scientists. These permits allow them to collect and study fossils and other old artifacts. This helps us learn even more about Nova Scotia's ancient past.

Museum Locations

The Nova Scotia Museum is made up of many different museums. They are located all over the province. Each museum focuses on a different part of Nova Scotia's story. It's a great way to explore the history and nature of the area.

  • Important Note: The hours for these museums can change, especially on holidays. It's always a good idea to check the Nova Scotia Museum website for the most up-to-date information before you visit.

Museums on Cape Breton Island

Cape Breton Island has museums that share its unique history and culture. For example, the Highland Village (Baile nan Gàidheal) in Iona teaches visitors about Scottish Gaelic culture in Nova Scotia.

Museums on the Eastern Shore

Along the Eastern Shore, you can find museums like Sherbrooke Village. This is a living history museum in Sherbrooke. It shows what life was like in a small Nova Scotian village in the 1800s.

Museums in Fundy Shore & Annapolis Valley

This region is home to several interesting museums. The Fundy Geological Museum in Parrsboro is a great place to learn about dinosaurs and ancient geology. You can also visit historic homes like the Prescott House Museum in Starr's Point.

Museums in Halifax Metro

The capital city area has some of the biggest museums. The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic in Halifax explores Nova Scotia's strong connection to the ocean. The Museum of Natural History, also in Halifax, teaches about the province's animals, plants, and natural world.

Museums on the Northumberland Shore

This area features museums that highlight Nova Scotia's industrial past. The Nova Scotia Museum of Industry in Stellarton shows how people worked in factories and mines long ago. There are also historic mills like the Balmoral Grist Mill.

Museums on the South Shore

The South Shore has museums that tell stories of fishing, farming, and early settlements. The Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic in Lunenburg is a popular spot. It teaches about the fishing industry and the sea. The Ross Farm Museum in New Ross is a working farm that shows how people lived and farmed in the 1800s.

Museums in Yarmouth & Acadian Shores

In this region, you can explore Acadian culture and local history. The Acadian Village of Nova Scotia in Lower West Pubnico shares the history of the Acadian people. The Firefighters' Museum of Nova Scotia in Yarmouth displays old fire trucks and equipment.

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