Queens County Historical Society

The Queens County Historical Society is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation, study, and interpretation of the human and natural history of Queens County, Nova Scotia. The society operates the Queens County Museum, which serves as a cultural and historical hub showcasing the rich heritage of the region.

Overview

The organization is registered under the business number 119107357RR0001 and manages the Queens County Museum located in Liverpool, Nova Scotia. The museum is housed in a building designed to resemble a large warehouse from Liverpool’s colonial era and provides visitors with immersive historical experiences, including a scale replica of the Privateer ship, the "Liverpool Packet," reflecting Liverpool's fame as the "Port of the Privateers" during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

Collections and Exhibits

The Queens County Historical Society curates extensive collections that highlight various aspects of the region’s history:

• Mi’kmaq Heritage: The museum features an extensive collection of authentic Mi’kmaq artifacts, such as baskets, quillwork, and stone tools, illuminating the indigenous history of Queens County.
• Privateering and Maritime History: Visitors can explore the replica of the Privateer ship and learn about privateering activities from 1775 to 1815.
• Local History: Exhibits include early medicine, tools of the lumberman, sports memorabilia, and wartime artifacts, representing the diverse historical narrative of Queens County.
• Simeon Perkins’ Diaries: Hand-written diaries chronicling life from 1766 to 1812 are on permanent display, offering insights into early settler life.

Additionally, the museum offers interactive experiences for children, including a "Tickle Trunk" filled with costumes for dress-up, enhancing educational engagement.

Mission and Activities

The society’s mission encompasses collecting, preserving, studying, interpreting, and exhibiting the cultural and natural history of Queens County. Through the Queens County Museum, the organization aims to foster community awareness and appreciation of the county’s rich heritage, which includes indigenous traditions, colonial influences, and maritime history.

Community Engagement

The Queens County Historical Society organizes events such as Perkins Tea on the Lawn, and commemorates significant contributions by staff and volunteers. The museum has a gift shop that offers unique local publications, souvenirs, jewelry, and other items connected to the region’s heritage.

Accessibility and Visitor Information

The Queens County Museum is wheelchair accessible and open year-round with varying seasonal hours. It accepts major payment methods and provides educational tours and programs that emphasize the historical significance of Queens County within Nova Scotia.

The Queens County Historical Society remains a cornerstone institution for preserving and celebrating the cultural legacy of Queens County, providing valuable resources and immersive experiences to residents and visitors alike.

[1] https://queenscountymuseum.com [2] https://novascotia.com/listing/queens-county-museum/ [3] https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g609111-d2285856-Reviews-Queens_County_Museum-Liverpool_Southwest_Nova_Scotia_Nova_Scotia.html [4] https://queenscountymuseum.com/caledonia-queens-county/ [5] https://www.queenscountyheritage.com