York-Sunbury Historical Society, Ltd.

The York-Sunbury Historical Society, Ltd. is a Canadian nonprofit organization established in 1932 and incorporated in 1934, dedicated to the collection, preservation, and interpretation of historical data, records, and artifacts relating to the Province of New Brunswick, with a particular focus on York and Sunbury Counties. The Society manages the Fredericton Region Museum, which serves as a gateway to the rich history and diverse heritage of central New Brunswick and the provincial capital region[2][5].

History and Mission

Founded in 1932, the York-Sunbury Historical Society initially operated in various locations before securing permanent headquarters in 1959 at the Officers’ Quarters building located on Queen Street in downtown Fredericton. The Society’s primary objective is to gather and maintain historical records and objects that highlight the development and cultural heritage of the area, aiming to educate and engage the public through exhibits and programs[2][5].

Fredericton Region Museum

The Fredericton Region Museum, originally known as the York Sunbury Museum, is operated under the direction of the York-Sunbury Historical Society. It boasts over 4,000 square feet of exhibit space and a collection exceeding 30,000 artifacts. The museum showcases the history of central New Brunswick, an area historically inhabited and influenced by Indigenous peoples, Loyalists, Acadians, and other European settlers. Among its notable exhibits is the Coleman Frog, a 42-pound legendary frog that lived in nearby Killarney Lake over a century ago[2][4].

The museum offers a variety of informative exhibits, educational programs, and events designed to enrich visitors’ understanding of the region’s past. It is supported by a combination of a small paid staff and numerous volunteers committed to its mission[2].

Activities and Publications

Besides curating museum exhibits, the York-Sunbury Historical Society publishes a local history periodical titled The Officers’ Quarters. The Society and Museum are involved in organizing community events, summer day camps, and other outreach activities to promote awareness and appreciation of local history[2][1].

Governance and Support

The Society is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and remains a nonprofit entity. It relies on support from members, donors, and volunteers to sustain its operations and programming. Contributions help maintain the museum and further the Society’s efforts in preserving the heritage of York and Sunbury Counties[2][5].

This summary reflects the York-Sunbury Historical Society, Ltd.’s role as a key steward of regional history through its longstanding management of the Fredericton Region Museum and its commitment to historical preservation in New Brunswick.

[1] https://yorksunburymuseum.wordpress.com [2] https://www.frederictonregionmuseum.com/about/society/york-sunbury-historical-society/ [3] https://yorksunburymuseum.wordpress.com/about/hours/ [4] https://www.frederictonregionmuseum.com [5] https://www.connectfredericton.ca/agency/detail/?agency_id=92845