Nova Scotia Museums Guide
Nova Scotia History
With 28 provincial museums and interpretive centres, 13 National Historic Sites, and dozens of community-based museums, Nova Scotia's storied history offers plenty of historical adventures. Experience everything from the fisheries to fossils, and whales to woollen mills when you experience our history firsthand at our 10 living history museums where costumed interpretors bring to life days gone by.
Living History Museums in Nova Scotia
Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
Originally built as a military fort to protect the Empire from enemies, today the Halifax Citadel acts as a reminder of Halifax's storied past. Visit a place where the sounds of a modern, bustling port city are exchanged for the the skirl of bagpipes, and the blast of the noonday gun that is still fired daily.
Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site
Take a step back in history to a time at the Fortress of Louisbourg, North America's largest historical reconstruction to a time when the French and English crowns fought for control of the New World, and all of Nova Scotia was a battleground.
Port-Royal National Historic Site
Port-Royal was one of the first European settlements in North America, which has left a lasting legacy on the area that can still be felt today. Named in recognition of a French king, Port-Royal became the first European settlement north of Florida.
Travel back to the 19th century at Nova Scotia's largest living history museum, Sherbrooke Village. Our proud heritage is brought to life by costumed interpreters, including blacksmiths, potters, weavers and printers.
Le Village historique acadien de la Nouvelle-Écosse
"Discover the rich Acadian heritage at this early 1900s seaside village, situated on a beautiful 17-acre site overlooking Pubnico Harbour that was founded in 1653, making it the oldest Acadian region still inhabited by descendants of its founder. "
Memory Lane Heritage Village
"Visit Memory Lane Heritage Village, an award-winning living history village depicting life in rural Nova Scotia during the 1940s, and tour 16 restored buildings with period artifacts and antique vehicles including a 1928 Model A. "
Highland Village Museum
"Visit North America's only living history museum for Gaelic language and culture when you explore the Highland Village Museum in Iona. The breathtaking 43-acre site overlooking the Bras d'Or Lake features 11 historic buildings including a store, church, and carding mill."
Ross Farm Museum
"Discover what life was like on a Nova Scotia family farm over 100 years ago when you visit Ross Farm Museum. Experience yesterday's traditional farming methods, such as wool spinning and ox shoeing, and chat with costumed interpreters as you connect with Nova Scotia's rural heritage. "
Hector Heritage Quay
"The Hector Heritage Quay, located on the Pictou waterfront, tells the story of the 18th-century Scottish migration to the New World and of Pictou, the "Birthplace of New Scotland"."
"Learn the history of Nova Scotia's Quaker settlers when visiting Quaker House (c 1785) in downtown Dartmouth. Guided tours are given during the summer months by costumed interpreters, and a pioneer dress-up trunk is on site for children to enjoy. "
Cool Museum Exhibits
Take a walk the deck of a floating vessel at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic along the Halifax waterfront or at Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic in Lunenburg or board a locomotive at the Nova Scotia Museum of Industry in Stellarton. With a calendar full of workshops, tours, celebrations, and demonstrations, our unique and interactive museums offer amazing living history experiences throughout Nova Scotia.
Maritime Museum of the Atlantic: Take a guided ghost story and marine folklore tour with an interpreter and learn about the Halifax Explosion and Halifax's connection to the Titanic.
Cape Breton Miners Museum: Get in a coal car and go far beneath the surface of the Earth as a retired coal miner guides you through the deeps.
Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic: Board a salt bank schooner tied wharf-side and sit in the galley.
Sherbrooke Village: Spend two days living in the 1860s with the "Hands on History" program.
Fundy Geological Museum: Go on a Triassic-Jurassic Dinosaur Field Trip where Canada's oldest dinosaurs once roamed.
Le Village Historique Acadien: Let the inhabitants tell you their story and bring their customs and crafts to life as in the 17th century.
Highland Village Museum: Immerse yourself in the Gaelic culture and settlement in Cape Breton.
Nova Scotia Museum of Industry: Push, pull, lift, drop, and laugh and learn as you enjoy acres of exhibits and interactive displays that highlight how technology and people worked throughout Nova Scotia's history.
Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21: Discover the footsteps of one in five Canadians at Canada's last standing ocean immigration terminal.
Whatever your interests, there's an adventure to be had at each of Nova Scotia's 27 provincial museums with many special events taking place year-round.
Nova Scotia's Living History Sites