Message from the Director

This summer we were blessed with beautiful weather and during the cold days of next winter it will be nice to reflect on. Long days of hot sunny weather are perfect for going to the beach but not necessarily coming to the museum which is perhaps why we saw a few less visitors this year. Nevertheless our heritage interpreters did an outstanding job and for those who did come, were treated to a really great tour. The museum community will miss Liam Caswell and Courtney Mrazek as this was their last summer before going onto further studies.

We have begun to meet with city staff to discuss a new Management and Operation Agreement. At this point we are waiting to see a copy of the draft and are told that the agreement is  with their legal department. Continuing to be stewards of the Dartmouth Collection and the two historic houses- Evergreen and Quaker, are two of the most important functions for the Society. The continuation of which will ensure that the community memory is handed down to future generations as they become inspired by the vast array of fascinating stories that make up our history. Gloria McCluskey’s last motion in Council requesting a staff report that would outline ‘information about the plans for the new museum in Dartmouth” marks an end to her long and fruitful career in Municipal politics.

In the meantime, the Dartmouth Heritage Museum is working with the Dartmouth Historical Association to bring about an exhibit on the 1917 Harbour Explosion beginning next summer. Under the Young Canada Works Internship grant program, we will be hiring a Collections Assistant Intern beginning November 1st. This is an 18 week term and the work will
largely take place in the warehouse completing a variety of tasks to help organize, store and record information about the collection.

I would like to welcome two new Board members to our ranks– Beth Vallis and David Newlands who bring experience, good cheers and a willingness to help.