A Brief Overview of the Antigonish Heritage Museum

"We have many Chairs of History but few historians of chairs."
Marie Elwood, Material History Bulletin

As a community museum, the Antigonish Heritage Museum strives to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of Antigonish Town and County. It is housed in the former CN Rail Station building, located at 20 East Main Street in the town of Antigonish.

The Museum opened to the public in June 1991. It became a reality through the efforts of the Heritage Association of Antigonish and its dedicated volunteers. For several years, the Association was based at 42 West Street, using facilities provided by the Municipality of the County of Antigonish. At this location, Association members began the process of collecting, which is the primary function of any museum. Artifacts, books and archival materials were solicited and, through the generous support of community members, the collection expanded.

As interest in local history grew, volunteers attended heritage community workshops and events to develop museological skills and to learn more about the role of a community museum. This also provided an opportunity to network with others involved with similar institutions across the province. The need to improve storage and handling capabilities was soon recognized as a priority by the Association.

With the termination of passenger rail service on the local line, Antigonish's railway station building became available. It was purchased by the Town and offered to the Heritage Association for use as a Museum. The move to improved facilities was made in short order, and local residents, tourists and researchers quickly seized the opportunity to learn about the history and people of this area. Since its opening, the Museum has welcomed visitors from all corners of the world, who have come to experience first-hand what makes Antigonish Town and County a special place.

Exhibition is the most visible expression of a museum's functions. In this way, collections are made accessible to the public. The Antigonish Heritage Museum features two main display rooms with exhibits that depict the history and material culture of the area. The Pioneer Room houses older farm and household implements. Textiles, tools, photographs, documents and a wide range of interesting and unique objects are found within the collection.

The Museum also contains a Resource Room with many valuable reference works and research aids to assist students, researchers and genealogists. Research is an important aspect of the museum's function. This process begins the moment material comes into the collection. It starts with a basic interview with the donor to find out as much as possible about the object. It is not enough to collect artifacts only, it is important to gather information as well. The Museum is more than a storehouse--it is a source of information about the community's past.

As part of its commitment to public education, the Museum offers a guest lecture programme held in conjunction with the Heritage Association's monthly meetings. Presenters speak on a wide range of topics that include local history, material culture, music, language, and our natural environment. These gatherings are held on the second Monday of each month and are open to the general public. Each year, outings are arranged to bring topics of special interest to the broader community. School and other groups are encouraged to visit.

A museum must never become static. It must strive to change displays, develop educational programmes and implement improvements to preservation methods. By realizing these objectives, a museum makes a vital historical and educational contribution to its community.

The Antigonish Heritage Museum operates year-round and receives major funding through the Nova Scotia Museum Assistance Program, Antigonish Town Council and the Municipality of the County of Antigonish.

Membership in the Heritage Association of Antigonish can be obtained by contacting the Treasurer of the Association or staff at the Antigonish Heritage Museum. Yearly cost $7.00 is per individual and $10.00 per family.