AMHERST, N.S. — Amherst’s rich African Nova Scotian history is about to get a boost.
The Sand Hill Historic Walking Trail Exhibit will be unveiled on Feb. 1 at the Cumberland County Museum as part of the launch of African Heritage Month in Cumberland County.
The exhibit will run through Feb. 28.
During the 1800s, Sand Hill had one of the largest black populations in Cumberland County and the concentration of skilled labours, educators, musicians, cooks, millwrights, entrepreneurs, blacksmiths, farmers and tradespeople were second to none.
“The exhibit is yours to discover,” said Darlene Strong. “Exploring the past, formerly known as the Highlands, is now home to the Golden Mile; all of which overlook beautiful downtown Amherst and will take you past the homes of politicians and preachers, midwives and masonry workers, sports figures, a stage coach stop, churches, one-room school houses and more; reflecting significant landmarks in the predominant black community.”
Strong is encouraging schools and the community to engage in meaningful conversations around the exhibit and learn more about the historic trail and the benefits of connecting heritage to recreation and other activities in the community.
The exhibit also showcases landmarks such as the former Highland View Hospital built in 1904 due to a typhoid fever outbreak, the Old Stage Coach Stop owned by the Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s great uncle, Douglas Gay, open spaces such as Dickey Park and the Amherst Stadium that promote sports and recreation.
Museum chairwoman Lisa Emery said the exhibit also benefits local and regional partnerships, growth in the business and tourism sector and promotes heritage, culture and healthy living for families and the community at large, all while enjoying the natural environment.
“Every year the museum hosts works of art and literature produced and displayed by Darlene Strong,” Emery said. “This year we look forward to hosting the Sand Hill Historic Walking Trail Exhibit and hope that many locals will come to see and learn the history of Sand Hill and Amherst.”
