Family Fun at the Nova Scotia Museum of Industry in Stellarton, Nova Scotia
Family Fun at the Nova Scotia Museum of Industry in Stellarton, Nova Scotia
Going to the Museum of Industry in Stellarton, Nova Scotia has been on my bucket list for a very long time.
When writing the scripts for the Kentville Valley Ghost Walks I wrote about the McKay car. This car was built in 1912 by the Nova Scotia Carriage and Car Company in Kentville, right about where the municipal building is today.
In fact, my sister’s husband’s great-grandfather, Archie Pelton (and later mayor of Kentville) helped Dan and Jack McKay to build this remarkable car!
I knew I had to see it in the flesh, and I finally got my chance!
Game over. I could now go home happy!
But, wait! there is so much more!
When we approached the Museum of Industry, Thomas (10) joked and pointed to the sign on the outside wall saying there would be fun inside, but they weren’t wrong!
From the moment you walk into the door, there are hands on activities for kids (and kids at heart) every step of the way.
Five minutes into our museum visit, Daniel (12) says,
“Mom! I’m having so much fun already!”
Out of all the museums in the Nova Scotia Museum system, this ranks up there at being one of the most fun.
Here’s why…
It’s Hands On
The kids loved the museum because every few steps there was something for the kids to pull, press, push, touch or do. For busy kids, this is a MUST!
The Layout
I am so structured, I love a place that tells me which way to go (just like Ikea!) This way, I don’t stress about maybe missing something. I can concentrate on the exhibits and go with the flow. It’s so well organized!
It’s Like Walking Through Time
The exhibit focuses on Nova Scotia industries, and especially the jobs that people do. This is shown across time starting with manual labour, to water power, coal and steam power, finally to electricity and computers.
You really get a sense of how industry changed over time, and how it influenced society, all by learning about the jobs people did!
It Makes you Nova Scotia Proud
Because the Museum of Industry focuses on Nova Scotian industry, you can see all the things that were made in Nova Scotia. Cars, pressed glass, chocolates… you name it!
The History!
My husband, being a history professor at Acadia, loves museums, and this one was no different. One of his courses is the history of science, so he spent a lot of time gathering information and photos for his classes.
He said his favourite part was how they placed the Industrial Revolution of the 1700s into a Nova Scotian context.
The Discussions
Following our visit to the Museum of Industry, we had a lot of lively conversations and discussions as a family.
Was there anything that surprised you that was made in Nova Scotia?
Historically, Nova Scotia was the hub of industry with both the railway and the shipping lines. When did this stop? Why did this stop?
We watched Nova Scotia’s industry evolve and adapt over time through the exhibits. Are we still evolving and adapting? How or why not?
How do we get Nova Scotia back on the map again for industry?
The Mining Info
Can you tell we loved our visit to the Nova Scotia Museum of Industry?
Hours and Location
The museum is open year round. Hours and admission prices are subject to change.
Visit the Museum of Industry site to learn more.
