It’s about time that you were introduced to Amherst’s newest volunteer organization, Amherst Area Heritage Trust.
Last year, a loosely-knit group interested in Amherst and Cumberland’s unique history and heritage decided to get serious about recognizing our wonderful old houses, streetscapes, and, of course, some of the oldest history in Canada. To do this, we realized that a formal designation would go a long way toward moving us forward. So, in January 2018, we registered under Nova Scotia’s Joint Stock Registry as non-profit, member-supported volunteer organization.
Amherst Area Heritage Trust has dedicated itself to preserve, protect, and promote this area’s built-heritage and history, however and wherever we can.
After less than a year, we have 40 very active members and a Facebook page that gets 1,500+ views per week. Check us out at Amherst Area Heritage Trust and like us if you can. The more people who follow us, the more leverage we will have to make things happen. And that’s what we are all about – getting things happening in our community. We will soon have a webpage soon too.
Has anybody seen people walking around town accompanied by a guide in period costume? That’s the heritage trust. We offer walking tours! Or horse and carriage tours! That’s Amherst Heritage Trust at work.
Then, of course, you may have read that the Department of National Defence is ready to divest itself of our iconic Col. James Layton Ralston Armoury, the place where thousands of Cumberland people signed up, practiced, and marched off to two World Wars; the place that for more than a century has been a centre for community activities and hometown pride. Did you know that the Armoury was home to the famous North Nova Scotia Highlanders who lost 486 members in the Second World War?
Who’s working to prevent the disappearance of this wonderful red sandstone façade, built to mirror the downtown of 1915? That’s Amherst Heritage Trust as well.
Did you know that the artifacts held in the military museum at the armoury are likely worth more than $1 million?
The group is also creating an inventory of Amherst’s older buildings which will contain the dates, the names of owners and builders, architectural details of note, and lots of stories. One of our organization’s goals is to collect architectural, cultural and industrial information pertaining to this area.
Did you know that there are 150+ buildings that merit a place in this inventory?
And, we will be publishing books, pamphlets, and brochures in the very near future. The first is likely to be a Then and Now- a publication focusing on local sights a hundred years ago or more, paired with photos taken from the same perspective today. Several of our members have extensive post card collections while others have strong photographic skills.
Our vision is to create a community in which heritage structures and sites are recognized, valued, and promoted as only one of many factors positively enhancing our community’s quality of life as well as providing both social, economic, and environmental benefits for everyone. We look to a time when these assets are cherished and well protected through a combination of regulatory, fiscal, and technical supports and the option of best practices where the conservation, management and care of heritage assets are taken for granted.
Amherst Area Heritage Trust meets the second Wednesday of the month at the armoury on Acadia Street. The doors open at 6:30 and meetings start at 7 p.m. Our activities will include creating exhibits, initiating projects and running special events for the education and enjoyment of our members, the local community and the general public.
Leslie Childs is chairman of the Amherst Trust Society and is a member of the Amherst News Community Editorial Panel.