Researching at the Colchester Historeum in Truro, Nova Scotia
What do you do in your spare time? Maybe you have a sport you’re into, complete crosswords, catch up over craft beers at local breweries or lift weights at the gym. Most of us have at least one, if not many activities that we leap to as soon as we have a day off.
One of my preferred pastimes is learning about history. Usually that involves a trip to an archive or museum to investigate a history mystery that is occupying my research. Or simply exploring a new-to-me historical site just for the sake of it. Depending on the day, I may be headed around the corner or hours away. We are lucky in Nova Scotia to have so many beautiful towns full of history. It’s easy to pack up for the day and hit the road.
That’s exactly what I did a few weeks ago. Myself and a couple of friends piled in the car and headed off to my ‘hometown’ of Truro.
Motivations for my visit
Why were we all headed to Truro on a Tuesday? I wanted to research the first house that I had lived in.
The first five years of my life I resided in a small community outside of Truro. Just barely big enough to even be mentioned on a highway sign. The house was on a huge piece of land in almost the middle of nowhere. On the lot stood an old farm house, a hen house, a pig sty and a barn with a tractor. Most of these buildings were weathered. The basement had a wood stove which had to be filled (yes, actually physically filled) to keep the house heated. Big windows looked out to the backyard. Wooden pegs held the walls together.
Fast forward to the present day, I am a historian who has focused much of my work on Nova Scotia. Why not learn a bit more about the community and house that I started life in?
The journey there
We woke up early in the morning, stopped for coffee and then headed out! After about an hour, we were almost there.
As we made our way off the highway and past the busy strip of businesses, the town quickly became charming. Beautiful old homes peaked over the streets alongside trees with yellowing leaves. Brick buildings left reminders of industrial factories. Sunny with the slightest crisp in the air, it was the perfect day for a visit.
Luckily there was plenty of free parking located in the downtown, including a lot directly beside the Colchester Historeum. I parked in a space beside the museum that was designated “community parking”. I did not have to pay a dime to leave my car there all morning (shocking for my fellow city folk, I know). We left the car, took some pictures and headed inside.
About the Colchester Historeum
The Colchester Historeum is run by the Colchester Historical Society. Since 1976 the Society has been hard at work to preserve and exhibit the history of Colchester County, Nova Scotia. The Historeum has two branches, the museum and the archives. Currently open on Tuesdays and Thursday, you can either drop by the museum to tour the exhibit or make an appointment to research at the archives. Why not do both?
Researching at the Archives
When we arrived, there were two staff members that greeted us. One directed me to the archives, which was on another floor of the building. The museum is accessible, with a ramp available outside and an elevator inside. I headed to the elevator, patiently waiting for it to take me to the archives.
One I reached the second floor, the archivist I had been corresponding with welcomed me. She had already retrieved the materials that I had requested and explained what she pulled. I signed a release form, allowing me to take photos. Photos are restricted to personal use only, meaning that they are not allowed to be posted online or in publications without explicit permissions. Once I signed the document, I was all set to look through the materials. I had an hour with the records.
The archives have a public area with tables for visitors and computers for staff. Behind the wall is their storage area (boxes can be seen above the wall on the left that divides the space).
Above where I was seated was a beautiful piece tying the landmarks of Truro together.
Beside me there was also a seating area. The whole space was filled with art and plants.
I was lucky enough that there was both a collection written about the area available for purchase at the museum as well as documentation about the families who lived in the house. Though a history of a home can be time difficult to trace, genealogy can help fill in the blanks.
On a strict time limit, I took photos of all the documents for later reading.
The Museum
Once my race to take photos of all the archival photos was completed, I thanked the researchers and headed back downstairs. Next was meeting up with my friends and checking out the museum.
The museum is open concept. The core exhibit is on the main floor, with temporary exhibits taking turns on the third floor. When we visited, sadly there was not a temporary exhibit available (thanks COVID).
The main exhibit’s space is used creatively. Artifacts are displayed in cases with corresponding plaques along the walls. In the center of the space, banners with photographs tell stories of important individuals, cultural practices, events, economic changes, businesses and buildings. The back right hand side of the space has a map printed on the floor.
Panels and banners are presented in English and French. Many of the smaller descriptions in displays are available only in English.
I started first on the left side of the museum, making my way around the outskirts of the room. The first display that grabbed my eye featured a photo of a soldier. Photo “windows” at the Colchester Historeum are made by donation. This one was added in 2015 and is titled “A Friend of Burnley “Rocky” Jones”.
Below there was a uniform, medals, hats and a gas mask from the Second World War. Medals, badges and patches from Canadian uniforms include men and women’s groups such as the Royal Canadian Auxiliary Forces and the Canadian Women’s Army Corps. The gas mask was manufactured in 1943.
The jacket was worn by Frank Benbow Fox of Valley Station, Nova Scotia. Serving in both England and France, the Private spent time in the Canadian Army Medical Corps as well as the 4th Battalion (which my great great grandfather also served in). Library and Archives Canada has a page on Frank where his service file can be viewed as well as the recording of him in the 1901 Census of Canada and 1911 Census of Canada. According to the 1921 Census of Canada, Frank was living with his sister in Saskatchewan and was employed as a Minister. According to the Manitoba Historical Society, Frank attended the University of Ottawa Library School and later worked as a librarian for the Library of Parliament.
The banners in the museum tend to focus on specific individual’s stories or events. This banner focuses on African Nova Scotians. The first is Rocky Jones (larger photo), who was a civil rights activist and lawyer from the Marsh in Truro, Nova Scotia. Rocky eventually became a member of the Order of Nova Scotia, well revered for his contributions fighting racism and poverty. As is stated in the description for his autobiography, “the story of Rocky Jones is a reminder that human rights are not a gift, but a prize that must be fought for”. Rocky sadly passed away in 2013, though his legacy lives on in Nova Scotia.
Employment options were limited for African Nova Scotians due to radicalized segregation. One of the professions that African Nova Scotians were permitted to enter was the railway. Working as sleeping car porters on trains, the trip between Halifax and Montreal opened up positions for African Nova Scotians living in Truro (here’s a recommended reading to learn more about African Canadian railway porters). The first smaller photo is John Cylde, who worked for C.N.R. (Canadian National Railway), as did his brothers and father.He is holding a satchel that contains a letter written by Queen Elizabeth II!
This banner celebrates some of Nova Scotia’s first’s. The photo on the bottom right shows Dr. Edwin Howard Borden from Truro. Dr. Borden was the first African Nova Scotian to attend university! He completed a B.A. at Acadia University in 1892 and then a Master’s in 1894. After this, he continued his education internationally, earning both a PhD and an honourary Doctor of Divinity!
Another first from Colchester County includes Stan “Chook” Maxwell, who was the one of the first Black professional hockey player! From Truro, Stan had a distinguished career, playing in the Quebec and International Hockey Leagues! Starring on a variety of different hockey teams, he was also offered a contract to play baseball. Chook was inducted into the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame and the Truro Sports Heritage Hall of Fame.
The next highlighted section of the museum drew further attention to the county’s sports history. Laid out are trophies and banners, sports equipment and a Canada jacket.
One of my favourite parts of the museum was the children’s toys section. The exhibit includes toys such as a wooden sleigh and a well loved Teddy bear. So often children are forgotten in the historical narrative. It is touching to see items that were so clearly loved by their owners. The suitcase to the left has a print from the classic childhood story of Goldie Locks and the Three Bears. It belonged to Dorothy MacQuarrie of Truro. Inside the chest, there is a plush squirrel and bear. The squirrel is from Bass River, whereas the chest was once a local’s named Helen Layton.
The Historeum surprisingly also touches on local animal life, with some taxidermy birds and a wolf that patrons can take a peak at.
The theme of entertainment or leisure is continued, showing off historical fashion pieces such as the parasol, popularized in the 19th century and an example of a 1920’s men’s swimsuit. Photos and post cards show off summer days. A picnic is being set up on the bottom shelf with a wicker picnic basket, a picnic blanket as well as set up to eat ice cream from the brand Brookfield (this tub held “Vanilla Cherry” flavour).
Keeping with historical fashion, next is a dress featuring the Nova Scotian tartan. Did you know that the Nova Scotian tartan was the first provincial tartan in Canada? The design was created by Bessie Murray, President of the Halifax Weavers’ Guild in 1953. Intended for an agricultural exhibition, it became so popular that it was adopted by the province in 1963. Each of the colours on the tartan represent an aspect of Nova Scotia. The blue signifies the sea and sky, green for the evergreens and forests, white for the rocks and coastline, gold for the Nova Scotia Royal Charter, and small traces of red for the lion on the provincial crest.
Though having a ship’s wheel on the wall may seem a bit random in the museum, it was the first object accessioned when the Colchester History Society opened at its current location in 1976. Besides its significance to the history of the museum, the ship’s wheel was created by the Truro Foundry and Machine Company in 1892.
Afterwards, the exhibit takes a turn towards education! The Colchester Historeum’s second floor was used as a science lab and microscope below was used about 60 years ago.
An example of uniforms from the Colchester Academy can be seen below! Brown and a yellow gold represented the school in a variety of styles.
Basket weaving and selling was a primary source of income for Mi’kmaq communities in Nova Scotia as it is a traditional Mi’kmaw craft. Baskets were often made with wood, and could feature porcupine quills or sweetgrass. Quillwork gave baskets colourful and intricate patterns that were especially popular in the 19th century. Birch bark is also a popular material in Mi’kmaw culture, used to make containers such as the one in the bottom right of the display.
Basket Stands were often set up on the road between Halifax and Millbrook, and included locations such as the “Millbrook Basket Shop” (pictured in the back photo). In the photo is local basket weaver Michael Thomas from Shubenacadie.
The exhibit then moves to railway history, with artifacts such as a lantern, clock, uniform and suitcases on display. The uniform belonged to Stanley Keddy who worked for the CNR for 32 years. By 1864, the train ran twice daily between Halifax and Truro. Costing $1.83 one way, you could get a deal and pay only one and a half times the fair if booking a departure and return trip.
With the railway stirring up more business in Truro, a larger variety of good became available to travelers and local residents. Corner stores and department stores offered candy, chocolate, tea, perfume, clothing, cigars and more. Cash registers like the one below were used to process payments. Factories in town such as Standfield’s provided both employment opportunities and stock for stores.
Examples of locally available products such as “Morse’s Tea” can be seen through this collection of tins. Behind are examples of ads for furnishings and clothing.
The final artifact in the exhibit is the “Borroughs Adding Machine”. Named after its creator William Seward Bourroughs, the machine could both add and print. This machine was likely used in a business or bank in the county.
Though there are lots of banners through the museum focusing on industry, ships, transportation, child and families, this banner with a school bus drew my attention. The people in Colchester County a hundred and fifty years ago were more likely to enter the work force than complete schooling. This slowly began to change as “free schools” were introduced in 1864. Pictured here are women taking the bus to travel to work from more rural areas in the county.
After reading through the final banners and peaking through the gift shop, our visit to the Colchester Historeum Museum and Archives had come to a close.
Final Thoughts on the Colchester Historeum
So what was my impression of the Colchester Historeum? Research wise, this process was very smooth and the staff were incredibly. You can book your one hour appointment in advance online. Checking the availability online made booking quick and simple. I have always had timely and friendly correspondence with staff. I was interested in purchasing a collection from the gift shop, which had already been put aside for me by my arrival.
Museum wise, I think the Colchester Historical Scoiety does a good job of sharing an overarching history about the county. I would be interested to see a display in the museum about the founding of Truro and the expulsion of Acadians from the land. Further information on minorities and how areas such as the Marsh, Island and Hill where African Nova Scotians have lived were developed as communities. And Mi’kmaq history and traditions. What about other minorities in the county? How have these communities contributed to Truro and what struggles did they face?
Another addition that I would recommend is more information on the county’s women. More stories about women as homemakers, community influencers and emerging into different types of work would be welcome.
Truro also has a long history as the “Hub of Nova Scotia”. With this title has come a large variety of business. I more in depth history about local businesses and factories like Stanfield’s would peak my interest. As the town recently built a new hospital, a history of the “old hospital” could fit nicely with an exhibit about infrastructure.
It is important to acknowledge that the Colchester Historeum has a limited space for its main exhibit. This is a struggle that many museums face. In response to this issue, many museums have an area for their permanent exhibit(ion) and then a space for a temporary exhibit. It is possible that I have missed temporary displays on these very topics. With this situation in mind, I do think its possible for the museum to continue to add more details about the county’s cultural history.
I quite enjoyed visiting both the archive and museum at the Colchester Historeum. Learning more about the house I spent my first few years in has been a goal of mine for awhile. I would certainly recommend a visit to anyone looking to learn more about the county and Nova Scotian history!
The Nook and Cranny
After loading our day with history, we were quite hungry. The museum staff recommended stopping at The Nook and Cranny.
We sat out on the patio. There is a craft brewery next door called Salty Dog Brewing which supplies a variety of beers for the restaurant. I ordered a pumpkin brew and chowed down on panko breaded halloumi fries. Good food and great company certainly made the occasion. I’ll be visiting The Nook and Cranny on my next Truro excursion.
It had been a long time since I last visited Downtown Truro. It’s charm surprised me. There’s so much more to explore around Truro in the summer (hey, maybe this will be a future post?). Truro is an underrated day trip or weekend getaway spot, especially with all of the history this hub of Nova Scotia has to offer.
What local museum is next on your to visit list? Will you be adding the Colchester Historeum?
You may also be interested in:
The North Carolina Museum of History
Mills Brothers Building Meets Wrecking Ball
Exploring McNab’s Island, Nova Scotia
Sources:
A visit to the Colchester Historeum.
https://colchesterhistoreum.ca/
https://colchesterhistoreum.ca/archives/
http://www.thenookandcranny.ca/
https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/military-heritage/first-world-war/100-stories/Pages/fox.aspx
https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/census/1911/Pages/item.aspx?itemid=1698892
https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/census/1901/Pages/item.aspx?itemid=1185009
Ancestry, 1921 Census of Canada, “Frank Benbow Fox”, Reference Number: RG 31; Folder Number: 160; Census Place: 160, Saltcoats, Saskatchewan; Page Number: 6
http://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/people/fox_fb.shtml
https://fernwoodpublishing.ca/book/burnley-rocky-jones-revolutionary
https://www.canadashistory.ca/explore/books/they-call-me-george
https://nsshf.com/inductee/s-chook-maxwell/
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