History at Memory Lane Heritage Village

The age-old ice breaker “If you could time travel, when would you choose to visit?” continues to be used in a variety of settings from classes, conferences, summer camps, and work places as a way to get to know those around you. But if you actually had to choose, beyond the standard answers of Ancient Greece or Egypt, what would you choose?

For me, there is no question that if I was to abandon a modern era of technology and medical advances, I wouldn’t travel too far back – but to an age that there are still those living from.

I would dive in to the 1940’s. The high-waist buttoned pants, victory curls, and the classics cars make the decade seem like a dream.

Needless to say, real time travel wouldn’t be so “no-strings-attached”, but there is a place where this approach is possible for a day. Where could I possibly be talking about?

For those of you reading, locals and travellers alike, Memory Lane Heritage Village may be off your radar. Yet Nova Scotia is full of hidden gems, this one being one of my all-time favourites.

About Memory Lane Heritage Village

Memory Lane Heritage Village is a 1940’s inspired living history museum. Included in its rural Nova Scotian styled town are 18 buildings, each distinctly different than the next. This isn’t your typical museum, it’s a living history museum – meaning that it is an immersive experience, a museum aimed in brining you back to a specific period through its atmosphere.

My Visit

Last summer, on a bright and sunny day, I made the impulse decision to wake up early and drive to Memory Lane Heritage Village. About an hour’s drive away from Halifax, there is lots of signage as you get closer to the village, directing you to the parking lot.

Admission and the General Store

The parking lot is situated right in front of the General Store (aka the main entrance). Upon entering the store, I was greeted by a woman wearing a 1940’s styled dress. A pleasant surprise is that the store and all items in it are taxed with the same sales tax as the 1940’s – no sales tax at all! This is an added plus when buying souvenirs. As per tickets, there are two options when buying. You can purchase either a general admission ticket ($8.00 at the time, kids and seniors pricing differs), or you can combine a meal from the cookhouse ($18.00). Sadly as I had visited on a spur of the moment and had plans for later in the day, I had to opt out of the delicious sounding lunch.

School House

Next began my venture through the village. The first stop after the General Store was the School House. It was neat to go back to a time without computers in the classroom. A small house with a stove to keep students warm in the winter, the main room is filled with the old school styled wooden desks and maps of a world which would drastically change in the following decades. Keep an eye out throughout the village for war propaganda, which makes the need to aid the war effort apparent.

United Church

Spewing beyond the School House was the United Church. With a detail inscribed doorknob, this quaint yet beautiful church opens. The stained glass windows in the back bring in a gentle light. In a typical church style with pews aligned on the sides, a piano sits at the front. The music for special events at the village is typically played within these walls.

Thought I cannot go into detail of all the 18 buildings in this short blog post (I could, but 18 pages would follow), I would like to point out some other favourites which stood out to me.

Animals at the Village

The garden and barn, located next to each other, gave me more insight into rural living. Memory Lane Heritage Village has live and roaming animals such as chickens – and my favourite – kittens. Though I did not see any kittens in the barn (there were 2 kittens at the village that summer), I met up with this little one roaming around the grass when I came closer to the Fisherman’s Storehouse. Charlotte hung out with me for a little while, going on her way to play around the grounds after some cuddles.

There are two residences in the village – the Webber House and Prospector’s Cabin.

The Webber House

The Webber House is a middle classed family home. Though there are some more modern characteristics, you are welcome to sit in the living room and listen to wartime radio coverage, cruise into the kitchen to check out the pink fridge, or venture upstairs to peak in to the bedrooms. You might pair some similarities with your own home, such as the “Sorry” board found in the child’s room.

Prospector’s Cabin

The Prospector’s Cabin is a different style entirely, looking as though it should be set deep within the woods. A charming rustic atmosphere covers the small cabin throughout the living room, kitchen and bedroom.

Industrial Buildings

There is a variety of more work or industrial related buildings in the village, such as the Fisherman’s Storehouse and the Wood & Metal Shop. These are located right before the cookhouse, which serves a 1940’s styled buffet with soup, beans, bread and some treats like cookies or gingerbread. All are made from scratch, and can be paired with a coffee or tea.

Toward the end of the venture is the Village Garage. I recommend taking a closer peak to see what types of tools or materials were saved during and after the war effort. Speaking of Garage, don’t forget to take a ride in the fully functioning period car located by the Esso fuel pumps.

At the end of the loop, you end up once again at the General Store to exit. There you pass the gift shop again, and can say goodbye.

Final Thoughts

Though a little bit of a drive from some main attractions, Memory Lane Heritage Village is well worth the hour drive outside of Halifax. It should be mentioned that the Eastern Shore Archives are located within the bounds of the village, making it a good spot for historical research as well. Needless to say, I will be back, next time in period dress or my full-fledged Rosie the Riveter cosplay.

P.S. – Here is my Rosie the Riveter outfit from last Halloween:

Sources:

https://heritagevillage.ca/home/index.php/home

Check out the Memory Lane Heritage Village website for pricing, hours open, events, village map and more details!

You may also be interested in:

History over Hot Drinks: Open Book Coffee

“Egyptian Mummies & Eternal Life” at the Museum of Natural History

Visiting Georges Island, Nova Scotia