www.museeacadien.ca
Come experience Acadian history dating back to 1653 in West Pubnico, the world's oldest Acadian community which is still occupied by the descendants of its founder. The Musée des Acadiens des Pubnicos, located in West Pubnico (Highway 103, Exit 31 to Route 335, 5 km) in the Yarmouth and Acadian Shores region, features an interpretative room using bilingual interpretive media including Window on Time (3-D graphic/assembly), Welcome panel, Important dates, Wall labels, historic photos-reproduction photographs and a soundscape featuring the sounds of Pubnico.
Tour our traditional Acadian garden bordered by aromatic plants and shrubs. Typically the Acadians would grow many root crops; vegetables, flowering plants, and herbs grew side by side. The plant selection would supply food and spices, medicine, dye, insect repellant, air refreshers, pain killers, and cosmetics. Plants and vegetables used in the garden were selected to represent the typical plants and vegetables which the Acadians would have had access to in 1653.
This Museum, an Acadian homestead from the 1800s, has "good bones" and great vibes, but the pulse of the museum resonates through the Acadian people and their stories. It has an impressive selection of artifacts that depict life as it would have been for our Acadian ancestors. The kitchen features the original hearth where iron pots and a kettle can still be seen hanging. Many utensils are on display as is the spinning wheel.
The Museum has on display over 300 cameras spanning 100 years of photographic history, including a very rare gas operated upright enlarger (c 1895). Also featured is a portion of an original sluice or conduit, which formed part of an elaborate drainage system, called "aboiteau". This permitted the early Acadian to turn saltwater marshland into fertile agricultural land by preventing tide waters from flooding the marshland while permitting rain water to run off. Restored to full operation the original Chandler and Price manual printing press of “Le Petit Courrier” is on display. A page from the first issue of “Le Petit Courrier” can be reproduced. In addition the founder's desk, books, and photographs pertaining to the era of “Le Petit Courrier” are placed in showcases.
The research centre "Les Archives Père Clarence d'Entremont", housed in the museum annex has an extensive collection of Acadian historical and genealogical documents. Also available are over 6,000 publications, with information dating to the 17th century, as well as microfilms, maps, photographs, etc. Researchers can also obtain facts from the available published edition of “Le Petit Courrier”. As the collection grows and more information is accessed, the Archives will provide a greater information base for the public. Our story is rooted in our families, most who have been here since the mid-1650s. Like our ancestors before us, we remain attached to our region, our children and our future.
Visit our website for details of our summer programs, demonstrations and events. Our bilingual tour guides are available to answer questions and to make your visit enjoyable. After your tour, visit our gift shop. Bus tours are welcome. Visa, MasterCard and Direct Debit are accepted.
Admission: Admission $3, F(12). Research fee $5.
Open June 3 – September 15: Mon–Sat 9am–5pm, Sun 12:30–4:30pm. Archives/research centre open Thur or by appointment.
Details
Features
Children's activities / Gardens / Heritage/historic / Meeting facilities / Public washrooms
Facilities/Services
- No smoking
- Bus tours welcome
- Gift shop
- Parking
- Picnic area
- Public washrooms
- Internet access
- Ici, on parle français
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