Stewiacke Valley Museum
Upper Stewiacke, Nova Scotia

The Stewiacke Valley Museum is housed in the former Upper Stewiacke Community Hall. This registered heritage property has a colourful history and is an ideal setting for a museum depicting the life and history of the Stewiacke Valley.

Built in 1886, the hall was shared between the community and the Orange Lodge. The Lodge used the upper level until about World War I. This is one of only a few remaining former Orange Lodge buildings left in Nova Scotia. The building has been a central feature of the community since its construction. Community suppers, concerts, plays, dances, wedding receptions and youth group meetings were held here.

The community gave the building to the Stewiacke Valley Historical Society. The Stewiacke Valley Museum was officially opened in 1987.

Our Collection

We have an extensive collection of donated artifacts. They include photographs, documents, furniture, dishes, handmade quilts, woodworking and blacksmithing implements, handmade and other artifacts that interpret the cultural past of the Stewiacke Valley.
Some interesting items in our collection include a dog-powered churn, an early telephone exchange switchboard and handmade
farm implements.

Visit our old general store, one-room schoolhouse and woodworking shop. Join in the fun of an old-fashioned quilting bee as work continues on a quilt in progress. Come and explore the history, life and culture of the Stewiacke Valley.

Research Resources

We have a collection of resource materials available for researchers interested in local history and genealogy. A research area is set aside on the lower floor of the museum.
We invite you to use our research facilities. Our resources include:

The Stewiacke Valley Historical Society

Formed in 1983, the Stewiacke Valley Historical Society is one of the most active organizations in the valley. The Historical Society's goal is to preserve and chronicle the history and culture of the Stewiacke Valley.

The Historical Society operates the Stewiacke Valley Museum. The museum provides an opportunity to assemble and preserve, for coming generations, a collection of artifacts which reflect the history of the valley and the people who have lived there.

The Historical Society offers monthly programs on some aspect of the Stewiacke Valley. Programs are held the last Wednesday of each month (March through November). The public are welcome to attend.

The Historical Society arranges walking tours through local areas of historic and geographic interest.

How to Find Us

From Halifax or Truro, take Route 289 East, 18 km (10..5 miles) from Hwy 102, Exit 12.

From Pictou County, take Route 289 West, 27 km (18 miles) from Hwy 104, Pleasant Valley turn off.

Bus tours are welcome with advance notification.

Admission free

Donations gratefully accepted.

We have a number of books and other items pertaining to the Stewiacke Valley for sale.