Cumberland County Heritage Network Society

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Seasons Greetings

Cumberland County Heritage Network Society wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and all the best for 2012.

Monday, December 12, 2011

Cumberland County Genealogy Society

January 17th 7:00 pm CCGS meeting to be held at the Trinity-St. Stephen's United Church,1 Ratchford St. Amherst, with guest speaker Lawrence Nicoll, President of CCGS Topic: Working with Internet resources such as: Ancestry.ca, FamilySearch.org, Canada census on Ancestry, Cdn Archives, automated genealogy and the different results. Search techniques to surmount indexing problems. Quick review of NB and NS vital stats on line. Everyone welcome to attend.

Friday, December 2, 2011

Cumberland County Museum & Archives Teacup and Stories Display

Cumberland County Museum & Archives presents our community's teacup and stories display which will be open to the public from November 27th until January 7th. A must see is the teacup tree!

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Parrsboro Band Hall

Congratulations to Parrsboro Band Hall on their new lighting. It is hoped to have the new system in place for the band's annual Christmas concert on Dec. 19.

Age of Sail Expansion

Scott Armstrong, Member of Parliament for Cumberland- Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley, on behalf of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and La Francophonie, was on hand Sunday November 20, 2011 to make an announcement in regards to the Government of Canada’s investment in the community of Port Greville. The Age of Sail will receive the Phase ll funding for the restoration and expansion of the Age of Sail Heritage Centre. Congratulations Age of Sail!!!

Howard Spence

The speaker meeting with Howard Spence has been postponed tonight until January 12 because of road and weather conditions. Thank you. Shirley Nickerson, Curator of the Cumberland County Museum & Archives.

Friday, November 18, 2011

Our survey results are in!

Survey Results from our Mystery Bus Tour
One hundred percent of the people that attended on Oct 15, 2011 enjoyed the Mystery Bus Tour! We did have some difficulty with the PA system on the bus being out of commission and our wireless system did pick up some static along the way. Our tour guide was able to speak loud enough that everyone could hear. We offered facts about Cumberland County and the different areas and had trivia questions with prizes for the winners. Our lunch meal was very leisurely and consisted of two slices of roast beef, two scoops of mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, peas, homemade carrots, coleslaw, roll with butter, homemade mustard pickles, coffee, tea, and water, your choice of dessert - either Lemon Meringue Pie, Coconut Cream Pie, Cherry cheesecake, or pineapple squares. It was enjoyed by all! Cumberland County Heritage Network Society gives a thumbs up to BayView Restaurant in Joggins, owned and operated by Margie Melanson, and Brenda - the cook, for their absolutely fantastic meal and excellent service with smiles!
Here are the comments from our day tourists:
The mystery stops certainly made it interesting
Wonderful day- great weather
It was very interesting and fun
Excellent
Very informative
Great to have lots of time at the stops
Good time of year not too hot
If a large crowd- need better intercom system
Excellent trip
Great not to have to wear seatbelts
All found the tour educational
Very informative - learned lots
Enjoyed the local facts
Found out things about Cumberland County I never knew
I'm inspired to brush up on Atlantic history
Trivia questions were posers
One hundred percent would be willing to attend another of our tours to different areas/ events/ or attractions and all would recommend a CCHN tour to another person(s).
It seems that the best way to reach our customers is through the newspapers, posters, radio and recommendations.
What type of tour would you be interested in:
1-Genealogy 3- Fossils 3-Music 4- Ships 5- Heritage 3- Acadian 3- Culture 5- Arts 6-History other: All, scenic
What did you like best about your tour today: Very well organized- I did enjoy Age of Sail & Parrsboro, meeting new folks with common interests and all the stops, all of it, all, everything was perfect, bus ride-learning time-scenery, the adventure of going on a mystery tour, food-travel-scenic sites, well organized-did not have to drive- enjoyed it all-thanks, the cherry cheesecake, a very congenial tour guide.

Watch for our upcoming tours in 2012 so you can take part. You never know where you might end up!

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Calling all Teacups!

Teacup Exhibit – Does your teacup tell a story? Having tea with relatives & friends has always been a social way for people to catch-up with events & share important parts of their lives. Do you have a teacup with a special story on its purchase? Who gave it to you? Why mother left it to you when your sister Doris had her eye on it? (But you really were your mothers’ favourite & now you can tell all!) Starting November 19th you can drop off your teacup & share your story at the Cumberland County Museum & Archives. The teacup display will be open to the public from November 27th until January 7th

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Toy Bingo

River Hebert Heritage Models Centre/Museum is hosting their toy bingo on November 14th, 7 p.m. at the River Hebert Legion. Now is your time to join in and get some toys for the season!

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Pictures of the Tour

Here are the pictures that I promised. It was a dark and stormy night but the very brave (and cold) ventured out to what turned out to be an incredible night.


All nice, clean and raring to go.



Deep in the mine

It was a little on the scarey side but nobody screamed and ran out, even when the lights were turned off. Pitch black darkness and no one said a word for a minute. I can only imagine what was going on in their minds.

Until the next adventure...

Monday, October 31, 2011

A Dark Night Adventure

A Dark Night Adventure that took place on Oct 30th, 2011 was amazing!!! CCHN wishes to thank Roberta McMasters and the Springhill Miners Museum for hosting our adventure and Psychic Darlene who shocked everyone in attendance with her amazing abilities. Pictures to follow...

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

The Fundy Geological Museum

The Fundy Geological Museum will be holding their annual "O' Christmas Tree Closing " An evening of festive treats and sing along here at the Museum on Thursday, December 1, at 7 pm. All welcome!

New Associate Member of CCHN

Join us as we welcome our new associate member -

That Dutchman's Farm, 112 Brown Road, Upper Economy Nova Scotia

Phone: 902.647.2751

Email: cheese@thatdutchmansfarm.com

URL: http://www.denhoek.ca/

That Dutchman's Farm, producers of fine farmstead cheeses, is owned and operated by Maja and Willem van den Hoek. The cheese Willem produces is a "Farmstead Gouda." It is a true heritage cheese that has its roots in the Netherlands, reaching down into the early middle ages.

Over the years they have laid out an extensive network of walking trials and waterways connecting gardens and ponds. Hidden amongst this lives an interesting collection of animals and plants tucked away in special settings. It is a work in progress and well worth the visit to explore. Something for the very young (animals to visit) and the very old (park benches everywhere!) You can wander the farm yard and barns, explore the nature trails, meander through the flowers, herb and water gardens, meet the heritage and exotic animals and stop for lunch between Father's Day and Labour Day at their cafe which provides a spectacular view of the Cobequid Shores of the Bay of Fundy. It's the perfect setting to enjoy nature and take some time out. Admission charged.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Age of Sail Museum

The Age of Sail Museum will be hosting a Fall Roast Chicken Supper on November 5th. Call (902) 254-2079 Oralee 902) 348-2060 Ohra or email: gbsmsageofsail@yahoo.com for details.

Monday, October 17, 2011

Mystery Bus Tour Over!

The Mystery Bus Tour is over and a great time was had by all who attended! We had beautiful weather - sunshine and blue skies, although it was a bit windy for two of our stops but most did not seem to mind. We did not lose anyones hat.

I gave hints at the beginning of our tour as to where we would be going. We also had trivia questions with prizes for the correct answers. Guess what? I am still not telling where we did stop - as that is to remain part of the mystery!

I will tell those not in attendance that you did miss the very best homecooked restaurant meal which consisted of two slices of roast beef, two scoops of mashed potatoes, gravy, home cooked carrots, peas, corn, coleslaw, roll and butter with your choice of Cherry cheesecake, lemon meringue pie, coconut cream pie,or pineapple squares. It was an eaters feast! My congratulations to the BayView restaurant, owner -Margie Melanson and the cook Brenda which served it all up with smiles and chuckles!

I did manage to keep everyone awake afterwards as we made our way through the best views of the fall coloured trees and Chignecto Bay with the most beautiful backdrop of blue sky that I have seen in awhile.

Watch for future tours and adventures as this was our maiden voyage and in my opinion - we did not sink but rose to the occasion!

Friday, October 14, 2011

Malagash & Area Heritage Association Tea & Craft Sale

The Malagash Area Heritage Association is holding a Tea & Craft Sale on Saturday October 22, from 9:30 am until 1:00 pm at the Malagash Community Hall, 1926 North Shore Road, Malagash. Raffle table, Grocery Basket, and a special draw for two nights accommodation at Cambra Sands and a fifty dollar gift certificate for The Jubilee Cottage. Sandwiches, desserts, tea and coffee. Admission 50 cents, with proceeds for the Salt Mine Museum. Please call 257-2142 for further information.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Media Press Release

Media Press Release
Date: Oct 13, 2011
Author of Media Release: Shirley Nicholson
Title of Author: Curator/Manager
Email of Author: ccmuseum@ns.aliantzinc.ca
Phone Number of Author: (902) 667-2561

For Immediate Release

Topic: Book Release – Maccan. A Glimpse Into the Past

On Saturday, November 5 and Sunday, November 6, 2011, the Cumberland County Museum will host the official book launch of Chris F. Cameron’s latest book Maccan. A Glimpse Into the Past, and 20% of sales both days (and future sales) will be donated to the Museum. Cameron lives in Edmonton, Alberta, and is a former resident of Maccan. “As a former Maccaner, it is especially pleasing to have the first signing of my latest book at a venue that is committed to preserving County history.”

The 8” by 10” size book provides the reader with a glimpse of a once vibrant community. Like so many communities, Maccan contributed to the development and history of Cumberland County and, as progress came, so did change. With fourteen chapters, two appendices, the 202 page book contains photos, maps, charts and mercantile information on businesses, coal mining, shipbuilding, churches and the railroad. It contains a 17 page chapter of photos and text on the Maccan Power Generating Plant. A Chapter on School Days will spark memories of a by-gone era when local children attended a three room school in Maccan from grades Primary to Grade Six. Maccan had a river shipyard and was a Port of Registry as listed in the Ship Registration Index held in Ottawa. The names of some of those ships built at Maccan are listed.

“Having grown up in Maccan, I remember some of the ‘old-timers’, and walking in many of the original buildings which have long disappeared. Maccan played an important role in the area and that role should not be forgotten.” Cameron devotes a chapter on some of the people of Maccan who contributed to sports, military, politics, business, coal mining; people such as war hero Lloyd Hurley; missionary Maud Harrison; coal mining entrepreneur William Patrick; the Maccan Royals baseball team; and Father of Confederation Jonathan McCully.

About Chris F. Cameron

Having had a diverse 40 year career first in the Military which included a tour of duty as a Peacekeeper, and later in the Federal Public Service, Cameron retired in 2008 as a Special Advisor to a Science Director General. He was the recipient of many awards, including a federal Departmental Merit Award. He has always been interested in history, and the preservation of history. Cameron was instrumental in securing a Monuments Board of Canada bronze plaque at Verchères, Quebec to commemorate Calixa Lavallée, the author of Canada’s National Anthem. He is enjoying his retirement which gives him time to enjoy painting, photography, genealogy, and writing. “I am happy to be able to give part of my proceeds to help the Cumberland County Museum which is an important resource in displaying and preserving local history.” He is planning to write another book, title unknown, but it will be history. “Prairie winters are long, and writing is a good way to get through them.”
To Be presented at the Cumberland County Museum and Archives, 150 Church Street, Amherst, NS


Date: Saturday, November 5,
and Sunday, November 6, 2011
Time: 2:00 to 4:00 pm each day

-30-
The Cumberland County Museum Collects, Preserves, Interprets and Promotes, The Material And Documentary Past, Of Cumberland County, For The Education And Enjoyment Of Present And Future Generations.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

October 2011

There is alot happening this month in Cumberland County,NS

Every Friday is "Family Friendly Fridays" at Joggins Fossil Cliffs, with free admission for children under 12.
Until Oct 31st, Joggins Fossil Cliffs hosts a Steam Train Exhibit.
Oct 4th to Nov 5th Cumberland County Museum and Archives hosts "From The Heart" Needlework Display by Elizabeth (Liz) Anne Hickey.
Oct 1st and 2nd, Ship's Company Theatre presents "Patsy Cline- She's Got You".
Oct 10th - The Age of Sail Museum will be closing for the season.
Oct 11th to Saturday Oct 15th - Cumberland County Museum and Archives hosts events in conjunction with the Fiber Arts Festival.
Saturday Oct 15th - Cumberland County Heritage Network Society's Mystery Bus Tour - register before Oct 13th.
Oct 24th - Joggins Fossil Cliffs hosts a Celebration of United Nations Day.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

The Cumberland County Museum and Archives would like to thank the following companies for their generous donations to the Four Fathers Dinner & Auction which takes place Sept 17, 2011

Sears Canada
Jost Vineyards
Scotia Hyundai
Tim Horton’s
Marshland Inns
Ski Wentworth
Bacon’s Par 3
Amherst Golf Club
Casey Concrete Ltd.
Tantramar Chevrolet 2008 Limited
Acadian Printing
A shore Thing
NS Liquor Commission
Cumberland County Heritage Network Society is hosting a Mystery Bus Tour for Oct 15, 2011. Register early as seating is limited. Contact us at: 902-667-8126 or by email: museumproject.08@gmail.com The price is $45.00 per person which includes 5 stops, lunch, afternoon snack, bottled water and a tour guide.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Ottawa House-by-sea will be closing Sept 18th for the season. We welcome visitors when we are there after closing date but have unscheduled hours. Thank you to all staff, Board, Volunteers and visitors. See you next season!

Friday, August 5, 2011

River Herbert Heritage Models Center/Museum
Hours: Open daily from mid May to Oct1 (9am to 5pm)
Admissions- Adults $4.00, Seniors and children $3.00 5 and under free
Closing Sept.30, book for appt. only

The Creamery Square Heritage Center
Hours- Open May 21 to Oct. 10 (10am to 6pm) and daily (Sat 9am to 6pm)

Amos Seaman School Museum
Hours- July 1-Sept by appt. only call 902-251-2422
Off Season contact Helen Sims at 902- 732-2000
or email minudieheritage@gmail.com
Admissions- Donations accepted

Fundy Geological Museum
Hours- Summer hours May 21st- Oct 8th- daily 9:30 to 5:30pm Mon- Fri
Admissions &7.50 adults
Children under 5 free
Children $4.25 (age 6 thru 17 years)
Seniors $ 6.25
Family $ 12.00 ( 1 adult and children under 18 years)

Nova Scotia Highlanders Regimental Museum
Hours- Mon-fri 9am to 12pm
and 1pm to 5pm or by appt.
Admissions- donations
Open temporarily due to renevations

North Nova Scotia Highlanders Regimental Museum

The North Nova Scotia Highlanders Regimental Museum is now reopened temporarily, with taking small groups into the museum.
The museum, which depicts the History of the Second World War regiment as well as the 86th Nova Scotia Regiment of the First World War.

Thursday, August 4, 2011

St. Denis Church in Munudie

Hosts the Acadian Blessing of the Crops Festival on August 14, 2011, the festivities will begin at noon with a barbeque, bake sale,and yard sale at the Amos Seaman School Museum. Following this, there will be a magnificent feast and reception.

CumberlanCounty Genealogical Society

Is hosting a conference at Trinity St. Stephen's United Church from August 19th-21.
It gives people a chance to meet and work with other genealogists and compare notes, along with guest speakers, the conference will feature book sales and vendor tables,as well as a chance for people to gather information on their own personal history. On the last day of the conference there will be three different bus tours will be available, visiting the Fundy Shore or just across the border into New Brunswick. Hope to see you there.

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Age Of Sail Heritage Museum

Museum Hours of Operations for 2011:

May 29th-October 11th 10:00am-6:00
(closed Tues &Wed in June)

Cafe hours- June6-Oct5 (same hours as Museum)

Operated by: The Greville Bay Shipbuilding Museum Society
Contact:Orha Colins- 902-348-2060
or
Oralee o'Bryne (Curator) 902-254-2079
P.O. Box 14
8334 on Highway 209
Port Greville, NS BOM 1T0
Ph: 1-902-348-2030

Friday, July 29, 2011

Yard Sale

Malagash Area Heritage Association is having a yard sale on Saturday August 6th starting at 9:00am at the Malagash Community Hall. Please call 257-2407 or 257-2142 to make arrangements for dropping off any donated items. Proceeds for Salt Mine Museum.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Nova Scotia Museum Virtual Tours

Click here to check out the virtual tours of The Age of Sail Museum, Cumberland Genealogy Society, Cumberland County Museum and Archives, Nova Scotia Highlanders Regimental Museum, Wallace & Area Museum, Ottawa House By The Sea Museum, Creamery Square, River Hebert Heritage Models Center and Museum, Minudie Heritage Association, Springhill Miners Museum, Malagash http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifSalt Mine Museum, Fundy Geological Museum.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

The Age of Sail Museum

On September 3rd, 2011,the Age of Sail Museum, Annual Labour Day Supper at the FPW Firehall 4:30pm-6:00pm, Museum goes to fall hours, Thursday-Monday 10am-6pm
September 4th 2011, The Age of Sail Museum, Annual Ecumenical Outdoor Church Service and pancake breakfast at Colins field, Antique engine show at the museum (free admission) 9:30am.

Cumberland 2011 Genealogy Conference

Friday August 19, 2011,
12:00-6:00pm Registration & Welcome
1:00-2:00pm Gwen King- Do's and Don'ts of Genealogy Research
2:30-3:30pm Dr. Allan Marble- The Accommodation and Care of the Poor and Harmless
Insane in Nova Scotian 1758-1958
6:30-8:30pm David A. Lambert- Research New Englanders-Useful for those who are
descended from Planters and Loyalists
Saturday August 20, 2011-
9:15-10:00am Registration 7 Welcome
10:00-11:00- Ronnie-Gilles Leblanc- An Acadian Topic??
OR
12:00-1:30pm
1:30-2:30pm- Dr. Allan Marble- The great Influence Pandemic of 1918-1920, the Nova
Scotia Experience
or
Janice Fralic-Brown- Finding and using records pre-1864
3:00-4:00pm- George F. Sanborn Jr.- The problem of Names in Highland Scots Research
OR
Rev. Eldon Hay- Chignecto Covenanters
6:00-8:00pm- Banquet (Turkey Dinner)
David A. Lambert- New England Soldiers who fought in the Maritimes
during the French & Indian Wars
Sunday August 21, 2011
9:30 am- 3 bus tours leaving 16 Church back parking lot, Amherst

Sponsored by the Cumberland County Genealogical Society, Amherst, NS and Municipality of the County of Cumberland

Ship's Company Theatre

On August29th, 2011, Ship's Company Theatre Concert Series presents The Hupman Brothers

Cumberland County Museum

On August 27th, 2011, Cumberland County Museum hosts "Community Trading Post' #7, 8am-noon

Ship's Company Theatre

On August 22nd, 2011, Ship's Company Theatre Concert Series presents Rose Cousins

The Age of Sail Museum

On August 20th, 2011, The Age of Sail Museum hosts a Car Wash & BBQ Fundraiser, from 11am-3pm.

Shi'ps Company Theatre

On August15th, 2011,Ship's Company Theatre Concert Series presents Erin Costelo.

The Age of Sail Marathon

On August 14th, 2011,The Age of Sail Marathon, Port Greville.

Cumberland County Museum

On August 13th, 2011, Cumberland County Museum hosts "community Trading Post"-#6, 8am-noon.

Ship's Company Theatre

On August 8th, 2011, Ship's Company Theatre Concert Series presents Down-East Fiddle Show.

Tatamagouche

Fables hosts a "Dark & Stormy" summer evening, Tatamagouche on August 8, 2011.

Ship's Company Theatre

August 3rd-28th 2011, Ship's Company Theatre presents "The (Post) Mistress

Joggins Fossil Cliffs

Until August 31, 2011, Joggins Fossil Cliffs hosts a Rug Hooking Exhibit by Deanne Fitzpatrick.

"Family Friendly Friday's"

Every Friday is "Family Friendly Fridays" at Joggins Fossils Cliffs, with free admission for children under 12 for the month of August 2011

The Parrsboro Citizen Band

The CCHN would like to congratulate the Parrsboro Citizens Band on it's annual band day of more 50 years now. Thank you to all the volunteers who helped during this event it was a great success and could not have done this without all of your help. To all the listeners who came out to enjoy the great music we hope to see you next year.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Trading Post at The Cumberland County Museum and Archives

There will be a Trading Post/Community Yard sale at the Cumberland County Museum and Archives on July 30, 2011 from 8:00am - 12 noon. There are still tables available to rent for $8.00 each. Call 667-2561 too book your table today! There will also be a table of unique "old" books at this yard sale, so come on out! There is sure to be something for everyone. Hope to see you there!

Friday, July 8, 2011

Malagash Area Heritage Association's 13th Annual Sandcastle Festivel

The Malagash Area Heritage Association is hosting the 13th Annual Sandcastle Festival on Saturday, August 6, 2011 from 11:00 am until 4:00 pm at the Blue Sea Beach (660 Blue Sea Road, Malagash). Prizes will be awarded for the most original creations in the Commercial, Family, Teen and Under 12 categories. Please call 257-2407 for further information and entrance fees.

Malagash Area Heritage Association Country Supper

The Malagash Area Heritage Association is holding a Country Supper on Saturday, July 23, 2011 from 4:00-6:00pm at the Malagash Community Hall (1926 North Shore Road, Malagash). There will be casseroles, beans, salads, homemade rolls, bread and pie. The cost is $10.00 for adults, $4.00 for children under the age of 12, and preschoolers eat free. All proceeds go toward the Malagash Salt Mine Museum.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

10th Annual Minudie Day

The 10th Annual Minudie Day will be held on Sunday, July 10th beside the Amos Seaman School Museum in Minudie (turn left onto Barronsfield Road after the bridge in River Hebert and follow signs to Minudie). Events start at noon and include: a barbeque, strawberry shortcake teas, craft & bake tables, yard sale, displays of antique tractors & machinery, children's games & races, fish pond, pony rides, face painting & tattoos, and also entertainment throughout the day. To book a table or for more details call 251-2422 or email minudieheritage@gmail.com

Thanks!

The Cumberland County Museum and Archives would again like to thank our sponsoring partnerships for helping us in making the Old Fashioned County Fair a success. We would also like to thank everyone who came out and supported us during this event. It was great seeing everyone there and make sure to keep an eye out for more events coming up at the museum!

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Old Fashioned County Fair

The Cumberland County Museum and Archives would like to thank their sponsoring partners of the Old Fashioned County Fair:

Town of Amherst
Amherst Sobeys
Amherst Superstore
Dayle’s Department Store
Harrison’s Home Hardware
Shur-Gain Feeds 'n' Needs
Cumberland YMCA
Acadian Printing
Bargain Bennie’s Furniture & Appliances
Kent Building Supplies
Carter’s Sports Cresting Ltd.
Canadian Tire
Jungle Jim’s Amherst
Super 8 Hotel Amherst

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Old Fashion County Fair

Only 4 days left until the second annual Old Fashion County Fair! There will be plenty of activities for the whole family all day long! There are still spaces available in the CUMBERLAND COUNTY TASTIEST PIE CONTEST! Sign up today by calling 667-2561.

Hope to see you there!

Thursday, June 16, 2011

WWII Reenactment Weekend

This living history weekend on July 10th and 11th included: reenactors dressed in various Uniformed Units such as the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion and the First Canadian Division. The weekend included Demonstrations in Field Training, Weapon Safety, Patrolling, First Aid and a Saturday morning “Honor March” to the cenotaph.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Updated Calendar of Events

We've updated our calendar with plenty of interesting and exciting events for the year, including a 'Yard Sale, Bake Sale, and BBQ' at The Heritage Models Museum, and the Cumberland County Museum and Archives' 'Annual Plant Sale,' 'Trading Posts,' and 'Old Fashion County Fair.' Check out the calendar for more events and exhibit information!

Sunday, March 6, 2011

CCHN Executive Meeting Minutes – December 9th, 2010

Date: December 9th
Time: Noon
Location: Fundy Geological Museum, Parrsboro


Members present: Oralee O’Byrne (Chair Person), Helen Sims, Jeff O’ Byrne, Shirley Nickerson, Ken Adams
Regrets: Anita Price (ANSM)


Oralee called the meeting to order. The minutes will be read later as Anita joined us by speakerphone for a short time. Anita met with Jenna Boon after our last CCHN unfortunately during the course of the meeting the opportunity to discuss issues around the county in detail did not arise. However Anita commented that Jenna is aware that other partners in her geographic region will be important and as Ken noted she understands Cape D’Or and Fundy.

Anita gave us an overview of her meeting with the seven museum sites the previous week (she will also meet with the tourism minister) to discuss issues such as the ANSM being cut back to its 2006 level. Funding cuts could mean some museums may face closure and all should look to the economic drivers in their communities. The ANSM is encouraging a Christmas letter campaign to target local MLA’s and MP’s so they are made aware of the situation.

Shirley commented on the effectiveness of this as they had sent out a letter to the Amherst Downtown Revitalization Committee and had received funding plus an assurance that signage to the museum will be one of their first priorities. Anita noted that any action should be taken in advance of the cut backs in funding programs. Shirley had a conversation with Paul Collins recently and CMAP will not be cutting its funding to the community museums but probably the Provincial ones. The provincial government has not signed off on anything as yet but this could change meaning cuts may happen next year if not this year, commented Anita. However, cuts of 1-2% could mean staff reductions and changes to programming noted Ken, especially when cuts to education had already been announced. He asked Anita if she knew what the percentage could be and this could run as high as 10% but hopefully only around 4%. She also noted that heritage is only a small part of of the overall budget whereas education (cuts expected to be 22%) has a much larger section.

Anita attended a museums day organized by the CMA at the end of November where 150 participants of museums and art associations from across Canada met with senators to discuss the CMA program. It is hoped museums will become self sustaining and one initiative is that 25 million will be available to assist museums leverage private sector money, for example you would have to raise $15,000 to receive another $15,000. There was also the message from some conservatives that in order to gain something you would have to lose something. The next budget to be passed in the house could come into affect after April 1st, 2011. The ANSM is working on collective access and a pilot project is being developed.

Update on Virtual Tours Project - To date seven of the sites have paid their fee for the virtual tours project through the SDI funding. Josh has asked for four payments and 10% will be kept back until the project is finished. Shirley has not received the funding cheque as yet. Oralee suggested sending a reminder e-mail to those sites that have not paid. Josh will make the contact with the museums to set up appointments for filming. Ken noted there is no feedback on the visit to the county in the summer by Roger Brooks. Anita commented that the South West and HRM regions have discussed the Young Canada Works student grants and the fact the previous students can not reapply the following year. Helen noted that the criteria had changed drastically and that they are basically telling museums who they can hire which creates a problem when there only a few students available in rural areas. Anita said only about 6% of grants are approved and that the CMA has taken Heritage Canada to task over this but changes may not happen with this program. The YCW appears to be more interested in the students than the institutions hiring them. Museums need to know why they do not receive Provincial and Federal funding for students.

Oralee suggested a date be set for the CCHN AGM in the spring. The ANSM conference will be held in Tatamagouche from April 28th – 29th so Saturday May 7th 10am in Amherst at the Cumberland County Museum is the tentative date and location. The next executive meeting will be February 3rd with location and time to be set at a later date. Oralee thanked Anita for participating by phone and the meeting continued.

The minutes of the November 9th meeting were read and approved. Jeff asked if we could link to the United Steel Workers to help CCHN get money as they have a big voice. There was a brief discussion on the benefits of going to the newspaper to ‘drum up’ support. Shirley commented on submitting the minutes to the paper and Ken on doing an open letter to the constituents as well as the local MLA’s such as asking if they aware of possible cuts to their local museum which could mean a reduction of services offered. Shirley had statistics from the exit survey taken at Halifax airport showing that 3% of 1.9 million visitors had come to Nova Scotia for arts, culture and heritage and that 19% had visited a cultural heritage center during their visit.

Other Business – Don Agnew would be available to participate in a second JCP program and would qualify if we can put a new spin on the application such as marketing. Shirley also commented on the fact that the Cumberland County Museum was not considered a part of the Amherst Downtown Revitalization project as they are not part of that “downtown core” but that sending out a letter worked as they are going to improve the signage to the museum. A letter will be sent to the newspaper thanking the committee for that. It was agreed that Shirley would work on a JCP for Donald and Ken would do the letter to the constituents asking if they are aware of what heritage is available in the county and the number of staff including students are employed at these sites. It was also decided to invite the media to the AGM for around 1pm. Ken commented on the possible fall out and effects of funding cuts that may take affect in 2012 so Shirley suggested we also invite Scott Armstrong, MP and Brian Skabar and Jim Baillie our local MLA’s.

The CCHN members need to be more aware of what is happening and minutes need to be circulated more quickly to inform of issues such as possible funding cuts. We need to have a voice and articulate and clarify any messages we wish to send out. Shirley reminded us that the first letter sent to Brian Skabar was to mention that CCHN is not part of tourism publications and the reply was what did he want us to do and that he would pass on this information. We need to be clear on what we want as a fair percentage of the county have an interest in heritage. As Shirley noted branding is very useful as Nova Scotia by the Sea makes you think of heritage and Oralee commented that things started with Pier 21 and then spread out across the Province. Visitors come to NS to relax and step back into the past and we need to build our heritage from the ground up as our logo states, Helen noted.

Ken commented on his visitor numbers being down by 3%, possibly due to the delays with the new exhibit not opening till later in the summer. Oralee saw an increase at Age of Sail of about 15% but their revenue was down and that September was down which was unusual. Shirley noted that the registration of joint stocks is due and that we should remove those members from the list who have not paid their fees. Oralee suggested that when we send out the information for the AGM we note that membership ($25.00) is due by then. We will ask everyone to bring something for a pot lunch for the AGM. The contact for the CCGS is Susan Hill.

There was a discussion about the pass out to the schools with coupons for local sites and the possibility of purchasing or getting an IPOD donated for a prize. Delivery of these is not a problem as the school board does this but there is a cost and maybe CCHN could assist with this and Shirley suggested we pay for half of the printing. It was also agreed that CCHN be part of this program and this information will also be added to the AGM e-mail so that more museum sites can participate and visitors are entered into the draw at each site for the prize. Either each site would put in $10 or CCHN help with the funding for the prize. This will be discussed further at the next meeting.

Date of Next Meeting – The next meeting will be February 3rd with the tiem and location to be decided at a later date. The meeting was adjourned at 1:30pm.