Museum

Our museum reflects life in Colchester County—from Five Islands to Kemptown, from Tatamagouche to Stewiacke—and includes a variety of ever-changing displays.

Curated from our collection of over 10,000 artifacts, our gallery offers a cross-section of our county's history. We strive for inclusivity, promoting Mi'kmaq, Acadian, African Nova Scotian, as well as Planter heritage.

This page highlights some of our most recent changes.

This real Planter-era headstone marked the gravesite of Sarah Putnam, a daughter of William and Dolly Putnam, who died at the age of 13 on March 4, 1792.

The headstone was found in 2024 at a deceased stonemason's shop for repair. It was discovered to belong at an abandoned family cemetery in Meadowvale, Colchester County.

In agreement with the Stewiacke Valley Museum and community members, the Historeum was granted permission to exhibit this very rare Colchester artifact. Through it, we share the story of Sarah and her family, and the history of stonemasonry in 18th-century Nova Scotia.

This exhibit features the work of photographer J. E. Sponagle (1882-1961), who operated in Truro for over 50 years.

In 2023, Sponagle's personal collection, consisting of over 700 photographs, was donated to the Historeum's Archives by his descendants, making this exhibit possible.

Colchester County has a rich history of shipbuilding, from the north shore of the Minas Basin in Great Village and Economy, to Tatamagouche in the north, and along the Shubenacadie River. This display highlights some prominent ship captains and features some unique artifacts related to the sea.

Many of these artifacts, including a six-foot-long half hull model ship, were recently donated by the Great Village Historical Society.