Newsletter - May, 2010
President's Message
I am of mixed emotions as I write this my last Presidents report for the Kings Historical Society Newsletter. The end of my 3 year term as your Society President is fast approaching; May 25th is the date for our Annual General Meeting at which a new President will be elected. I wish the incoming President all the best. I find it hard to believe that three years have passed since I was elected, three eventful years indeed. I can categorize those three years quite easily, the first was a learning experience, the second was moving forward on pet projects and the third was dealing with unforeseen issues.As you may or may not be aware the past six months have been a very troubling period. In October we changed oil tanks and an oil leak was discovered. Since that date the board of directors has done little else other than to manage the environmental clean-up. What we faced were certain procedures that were necessary under Department of the Environment regulations. We had to, briefly, hire professions to carry away contaminated soil, drill test holes in a number of places both inside and outside the museum, and keep our fingers crossed that there was not too much contamination discovered above and beyond what was taken away. You can imagine our relief when the report came back saying that we were not facing any further cleanup other than what we had done.
Despite the good news contained in the final report we are still facing a major crisis in our finances over the next two fiscal years, 2011/2012 and 2012/2013. While the final costs for the environmental cleanup have not yet been received there is little doubt that they will come to around $30,000.00. We must come up with that amount over the next two years or we will be facing some very hard choices at budget time. If we do not want to face a possible reduction in the hours that we are open, in the number of full time staff that we employ, in the hiring of summer students, we must make up the short fall that will facing us come April of 2011.
To that end we will be launching a major fundraising campaign to coincide with our Annual General Meeting. All members of the society will be receiving a letter asking for a donation to help with the cost of the cleanup. I hope that you can help us in this major campaign to make certain that our museum operates as it has in the past.
I must make mention of the number of events happening this year surrounding the New England Planter 2010 celebrations. The museum will be involved in a number of activities the whole year. So if you are coming to Nova Scotia to partake in the Planter fun please stop in and visit us here at the museum, we would love to see you.
I will finish off by thanking everyone who in any way possible makes the Kings County Museum a special place to come and visit, from our large pool of volunteers to Bria and Cathy who makes things run smoothly day to day, to the Board of Directors who have made some touch decisions over the past three years that I have been President, we all work with one goal in mind, making the Kings Historical Society and the Kings County Museum work for you, the people who matter most. Thank you.
Maynard Stevens.
Sponsorship News That You Can Use
I am certain that most of you know of the Sponsorship Program that has been in place for a number of years. This summer a committee relaunched the program by revising and adding two new levels to the existing categories. Now instead of having just Gold and Silver levels you can choose from Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze. We are enclosing with this newsletter information sheets explaining the revisions that we made and just how easy it is for you to become a sponsor. Sponsorships are very important to the museum; as they provide a yearly renewal source of income that we can depend on when it comes to managing the finances and budgets of the museum. By becoming a sponsor you get recognition on our sponsorship board, mentioned both on-line and in our newsletter, and have the satisfaction that you are contributing to make the Kings County Museum fulfill its mandate, To preserve and promote the culture and natural history of Kings County. If you need further information, please do not hesitate to call the museum and speak to either Cathy or myself. Thank you in advance for becoming a Kings Historical Society Sponsor.Kings Historical Society Sponsorship Donors
We would like to thank the following "Sponsorship Donors" for their kind generosity to the Kings Historical Society and the Kings County MuseumGold: Bev & Erna Sawler, Susan Thomas.
Silver: Bud Atkinson, Eric Cox, John Franey, John Gammell, David & Sandra Houghton, Carroll Kinsman, Bill & Bernice Naylor and Barb & Jared Smith
Bronze: MacDonald Chisholm Trask Insurance and Waterbury Newton.
A Celebration 250 Years in the Making!
This year marks the 250th anniversary of the arrival of the New England Planters in what is now Kings and West Hants Counties (the former townships of Cornwallis & Horton, Newport & Falmouth.) Join your community in activities to mark this historic anniversary!Who were the New England Planters?
In the broadest sense the New England Planters were anyone who immigrated to Nova Scotia from New England in the period 1759-1774. Their descendants include Prime Ministers, authors, inventors, and thousands of people who still call the Annapolis Valley home.Nova Scotia - New England Planter Ancestry Registry
The Nova Scotia - New England Planter Ancestry Registry Committee of the Kings Historical Society has been formed to recognize the descendants of the New England Planters who came to Nova Scotia from 1760 - 1774. Some 8,000 people migrated from the New England Colonies to Nova Scotia after the proclamations of 1758 and 1759.We invite you to participate in our Nova Scotia – New England Planter Ancestry Registry. To qualify for a certificate of direct line New England Planter ancestry the following criteria must be met.
* Submit a completed direct line ancestry form to our committee.
*Each application must complete the information form provided which includes, name, mailing address, certificate name(s) and permission to publish all information provided in future publications.
*Our committee will verify the genealogy.
*Cost is $50.00 for the first certificate and $10.00 for each additional direct line certificate such as children and grandchildren. Cheques should be made payable to the Kings Historical Society, we also accept master card and visa.
This is a new project of the Kings Historical Society and Community & Family Committee. Over the years we received queries from New England Planter descendants who wished to verify their roots. As a result of these requests we formed the Nova Scotia – New England Planter Ancestry Registry Committee and now offer a certificate for direct lineage to the original Planters who arrived in Nova Scotia between 1760 and 1774. This registry is open to all descendants of the New England Planters and the package containing instructions and forms is available upon request to Kings County Museum, 37 Cornwallis St, Kentville, NS, B4N 2E2 or email at museum@okcm.ca
Fifth Planters Conference: The Next Generation
June 17th to 20th at Acadia UniversityThe tentative schedule for the Fifth Planters Conference is out! We are proud to present an exciting collection of papers again, and look forward to welcoming you to the conference in June. In coordination with the conference, the Atlantic Living Heritage Society is organizing a camp of late-18th Century civilian re-enactors on Acadia's campus, and Acadia's Art Gallery will feature an exhibit of Planter documents and artifacts. Visit this web site for a schedule and registration information: libguides.acadiau.ca/planter
Are you a Planter?
To find out, visit the Planter 2010 web site at planter2010.com/history.html and look for your surname.A New Genealogy Tool on the Web
Tourists and researchers now have a new way to find genealogy locations in the province on the World Wide Web. "Routes to Roots" (novascotiaroots.com) is an innovative online tool to help people plan their vacation around family history. People can find information about the family name that interests them by visiting one of the “Routes to Roots” participating archives, museums and other "Routes to Roots" on the Web.In Memoriam
Since the publication of our last newsletter we have lost several individuals who were friends of the Kings Historical Society. On behalf of the membership of the Society condolences are extended to the families of:
Charlotte Martin (1975-2009)
Anne Longley (1946-2009)
Eileen Bishop (2009)
Harry Bill (1942-2010)
With the indulgence of our readers I would like to add a personal note about working with Eileen Bishop. I regret that I was unable to attend Eileen's funeral earlier this year but when I received a copy of the program I found that it was a true reflection of her personality. The solo Eileen had chosen for her service was "My Way". Her approach to life was truly unique and done her "own way". She had a long association with the Kings Historical Society and this is how I came to know her. Eileen was an avid writer and contributed many stories to the Vignette series published by the Society. She helped in many fundraising endeavours from playing the piano at Heritage Fashion Shows to selling historical booklets. She was often a familiar face at our teas and socials. A true lover of our local history she worked over the years to track down several artifacts of importance to the people of Kings County and encourage the owners to donate them to this museum.
A postlude is defined as an organ voluntary (or musical selection) played at the end of a church service, a concluding piece, or final chapter. For her postlude Eileen chose "Apple Blossom Time". She was an ardent supporter of the spirit of the Apple Blossom Festival, and the historic importance of the Festival. Later in life she took part in several exhibits relating to the Festival held at the museum and often worked as a volunteer on Grand Street Parade Day. The lyrics to “Apple Blossom Time” begin with the line, “I’ll be with you in apple blossom time”, and this May (our first without Eileen) I have no doubt that she will.
Bria Stokesbury
Curator
Kings County Museum
Volunteer of the Year 2010
This year we nominated Maynard Stevens to represent us at the Volunteer Award Dinner for the Town of Kentville. Maynard has been very active in the Kings Historical Society and the Kings County Museum, supporting us wherever needed. Maynard has been president of the Society for the past three years and has been a leader in many aspects of the museum, from fundraising to working as a guide in the museum. On behalf of the Kings Historical Society and the Kings County Museum, we would like to congratulate Maynard Stevens for being our recipient of this award. Thanks Maynard for all the time and effort you have given us.Newsletter via e-mail
We are making progress and are changing the way we sent our newsletter. We are sending the newsletter through the regular mail, same as we always have. For those who are into technology, we are sending their newsletter by email. About a third of our members will be receiving this newsletter by email, which will save the Kings Historical Society the cost of mailing it out. This is our first attempt at delivering via cyber space; let me know how it works. If you wish to be added to our email list, let me know at museum@okcm.caKings County, Nova Scotia Quiz Book
What popular ice cream flavour was invented in Wolfville and who were the inventors?This is just one of the many questions found in our Quiz Book. The cover of the book has a beautiful color photograph of Paddy’s Island by Vitaly Fainisky. The Kings County, Nova Scotia Quiz Book contains trivia on a variety of local topics such as agriculture, military, sports, health, people, entertainment and many more. This 117 page volume makes a great gift for history and trivia buffs.
New Storefront
| This new store front interpretive facade was installed on the second floor of the museum in the spring by the design team of Victoria Marston and Wes Daniels. |
We Need Your Help
The genealogy department is currently working on a book called "Kings County Schools". We are trying to collect information on all the schools that existed before amalgamation in 1963. Nelson Labor has collected approximately eighty per cent of the pictures and histories so far. He has had some help from several people. However, there are still more pictures and information to collect. Below is a list of what we still need.
School histories needed: Fairview #17 Lower Wolfville #72 Long Point #18 South Scott’s Bay #81 Lakeview #27 Upper Gaspereau #85 East Black Rock #32 North River Road #87 Glenmont #46 Ross Corner #88 Scott’s Bay Road #50 Tremont #89 Lower Pereau #51 Mountain Home #94 Woodside #56 Long Beach #97 Upper Church Street #62 Horton Landing #98 New Minas #64 Dalhousie Road #107 Davidson Street #68 West Brooklyn #109
Pictures of the School Building needed:
Clermont #14 Lower Wolfville #72 Weston #19 North Grand Pre #75 West Hall’s Harbour #31 Australia #80 Steam Mill #43 South Scott’s Bay #81 Glenmont #46 Middle Pereau #82 Upper Pereau #52 Upper Gaspereau #85 Habitant #54 Rockland #92 Woodside #56 Mountain Home #94 Upper Church Street #62 South Tremont #96 Black River #67 Long Beach #97 Davison Street #68 Mountain Front #111 Greenfield #69
If you have any information or pictures please contact us, we would truly appreciate it. You may leave your information with Cathy at the museum or contact us at the phone number or e-mail address below. Linda R. Hart 681-2267 or Nelson Labor pnlabor@eastlink.ca , 765-2247
Township Books now on CD
The "Township Books" that we have been selling in printed form is now available on CD.Shortly after the arrival of the New England Planters, the Nova Scotia Legislature passed an Act for the registration of "marriages, births and deaths in every township where no parish was established". The Act was not rigidly enforced, however, and so the early records were not complete. In 1782 it was enacted that the registration should be made by the Town Clerks and because of the missed records in the twenty year interval, it was ordered that the Town Clerks should apply for lists of marriages, births and deaths recorded by the Clergymen in each township. This resulted in the Kings County Township Books that list a total of 5559 births, 1367 deaths and 1454 marriages dating from 1720 to 1885.
The "Township Books" in paper form, compiled by Lorna Evans, has been one of our best sellers since it was printed in 1996. The information on the CD is in two formats: Access database and a text file that can be converted to a Word program, spreadsheet or data base program. The cost is $25.00
Tombstone Photographs
The Community and Family History Department will now photograph tombstones anywhere in Kings Co. Details on web site.Unearthing the New England Planters
| This picture features the tombstone of Edward DeWolfe from the Old Burying Ground in Wolfville. He died on March 4, 1706. This image is featured in the section "Unearthing the New England Planters" portion of the "Celebrating the New England Planters 250 Years in 2010 Exhibit" currently showing in the museum. |
When the Haystack is Full of Needles
By Wendy Robicheau, Archivist, Acadia UniversityFinding Planter-related records in the Archives at Acadia University is the opposite of looking for a needle in a haystack – Planter records are everywhere! Ok, I admit it, I am actively looking through archival records created by the Planters and their immediate descendants. Why? This year marks the 250th anniversary of the arrival of the New England Planters in Kings County. A number of Planter-related events will happen over the summer, including a conference in June at Acadia University. The event will be hosted by the Planter Studies Centre (for more information, please visit libguides.acadiau.ca/planter).
To prepare for researchers who want to know what archival records are at preserved Acadia, I am reviewing our Planter-related holdings. Many of the records are legal documents, financial information, and business records, but there are a few diaries, letters and maps. For example, represented in the holdings are record books from the Townships of Cornwallis and Horton, roll calls for the Kings County Militia, merchant account books, and minutes and student lists for schools at Chipman's Corner and Upper Church Street. Families are represented too, with records from the Dennison family of Hortonville, Palmeter family of Medford, Ells family of Port Williams, and Starr family of Starr’s Point – to name just a few.
All of these records are being listed on the Library's catalogue; some are being digitized. I invite you to visit the Planter page (library.acadiau.ca/archives/find/planter.html) on the Archives’ Web site for more complete information and to search for records that will interest you. This proverbial haystack is full of needles!