Charlotte County
When New Brunswick was partitioned off from Nova Scotia in 1784 to accommodate the influx of United Empire Loyalists fleeing the United States after the Revolutionary War, Charlotte County was established as one of the new province’s eight original counties. It was named in honour of Charlotte of Mecklenberg-Strelitz, queen consort of Great Britain and Ireland by her marriage to King George III. The land—inhabited for thousands of years by the Peskotomuhkadi (Passamaquoddy) people—was settled by the Loyalists and successive waves of immigrants from Scotland, Ireland, Europe, and elsewhere.
The County quickly became a thriving hub of shipbuilding and international trade, fisheries, and lumbering. As time went on, cotton mills, axe factories, granite quarrying and finishing, candy-making, soap-making, and cottage crafts, among others, all ensured that Charlotte County’s products were known around the world. In more recent years, tourism and aquaculture have become major industries.
Visit Us
Notice
During most of the year the Archives is open for visits and tours but opening hours vary depending on season and availability of summer staff for tours. During the winter months (normally November to March) the Archives is open by appointment only for research needs. If in doubt please call ahead to ascertain current opening hours or check our Facebook page.
Attractions
Blacks Harbour Heritage Museum
The mandate of the Heritage Museum is to preserve the cultural and historical objects that are directly related to the Village of Blacks Harbour and to ensure that the collection is passed on to future generations. Open seasonally, or on request.
- Click to visit their website
- Street address: 34 Wellington Rd, Blacks Harbour, NB E5H 1C4
- Mail address: c/o Village of Blacks Harbour, 65 Wallace Cove Rd, Blacks Harbour NB E5H 1G9
- Phone: 456-4870 (Village Office)Contact 1: Natalie Harris, Museum board member
- Email: ncharris619@gmail.com
- Phone: 456-2333
Beaver Harbour Archives and Museum
Description: To preserve the history and artifacts of Beaver Harbour and share these with the public. In addition to the Archives and Museum, the site includes a replica Beaver Harbour Quaker meeting house and history. Open seasonally and on request.
- Click to visit their website
- Street address: 18 Quaker Lane, Beaver Harbour, NB E5H 1N3
- Mail address: Same
- Phone: N/A
- Contact: Jim Hawkins, President
- Email:jhawkins2013@rogers.com
- Phone:456-3087
Charlotte County Museum
Description: The mandate is to preserve and promote the rich heritage and history of Charlotte County through our unique collection of artifacts. Located in the home of J.S. Murchie (built 1864), which features exceptional period architecture. Open seasonally, or on request.
- Click to visit their website
- Street address: 443 Milltown Blvd, St. Stephen, NB E3L 1J9
- Mail address: Same
- Phone: 466-3295
- Contact 1: Lorraine Matthews, Chair
- Email: charlottecountymuseum@gmail.com
- Email: lorraine.matthews1949@gmail.com
- Phone: 466-4106
- Contact 2: David Hyslop, Vice Chair
- Email: davehyslop@hotmail.com
- Phone: 469-1841
The Chocolate Museum
Description: The Museum tells the history of Ganong Bros. Ltd., local chocolatiers and candy makers since 1873. It offers a unique, interactive experience in a section of the original candy factory. Generally, open year-round.
- Click to visit their website
- Street address: 73 Milltown Blvd, St. Stephen, NB E3L 1G5
- Mail address: Same
- Phone: 466-7848
- Contact 1:
- Email: chocolate.museum@nb.aibn.com
- Phone: 466-7848
Campobello Island Fog Festival
Description: Fog Fest provides an annual free festival of established and up-and-coming musicians and artists, and events that celebrate the area’s cultural and natural heritage.
- Click to visit their website
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/CampobelloFogFest
- Street address: N/A
- Mail address: c/o Herring Cove Provincial Park, 136 Herring Cove Road, Welshpool, NB E5E 1Z2
- Phone: 752-9181
- Contact 1: Kathleen Case
- Email: campobellofogfest@gmail.com
- Phone: 752-2051
- Contact 2: Theresa Mitchell
Campobello Library and Museum
Description: The museum holds and interprets a wide variety of artifacts from Campobello’s remarkable past. It shares an 1898 building with, and is under the custodianship of, the library and is open during library hours, or on request.
- Click to visit their website
- Street address: 3 Welshpool St, Welshpool, NB E5E 1G3
- Mail address: Same
- Phone: 752-7082 (Library)
- Contact 1: Stephanie Gough, Librarian (library)
- Email: Stephanie.Gough@gnb.ca
- Phone: 752-7082
- Contact 2: Bernard Bourque, Campobello Library Board Chair (museum)
- Email: bernard.bourque@nb.sympatico.ca
- Phone: 752-9111
Friends of Head Harbour Light Station
Description: The organization restores, protects, documents, and interprets this 1829 lighthouse for future generations. The site is accessible on lower tides and has a seasonal interpretation.
- Click to visit their website
- Street address: 210 Lighthouse Rd, Wilson’s Beach, NB E5E 1M2
- Mail address: c/o Owen House, 11 Welshpool St, Welshpool, NB E5E 1G3
- Phone: N/A
- Contact 1: Jan Meiners, Board member
- Email: jj@owenhouse.ca
- Phone: 752-2977
- Contact 2: Joyce Morrell, Board member
- Email: jj@owenhouse.ca
- Phone: 752-2977
Grand Manan Museum
Description: The Museum collects, displays, and interprets artifacts from Grand Manan’s remarkable natural and human history, and hosts a lecture series in July-August. Open seasonally, or on request.
- Click to visit their website
- Street address: 1141 Rte 776, Grand Manan, NB E5G 4E9
- Mail address: Same
- Phone: 662-3524
- Contact 1: M.J. Edwards, Curator/Director
- Email: Mjedwards454@gmail.com or gmadmin@grandmananmuseum.ca
- Phone: 662-4215
- Contact 2: Liz Edgar
- Email: Lizabeth_edgar@yahoo.ca
- Phone: 662-8391
Green's Point Lighthouse Association
Description: The association owns, maintains, and interprets the Greens Point Lighthouse for future generations. Its onsite museum is open seasonally. Its rental cottage supports its upkeep.
- Click to visit their website
- Street address: 185 Green’s Point Rd, L’Etete, NB E5C 2M9
- Mail address: Same
- Phone: N/A
- Contact 1: Mike Strong
- Email: strongmichael199@gmail.com
- Phone: 755-2941
Oppenheimer-Prager Museum at Dayspring
Description: This large St. Andrews historic home exhibits works by Joseph Oppenheimer and Eva Prager and displays notable memorabilia from the Dunn family, Lady Beaverbrook and Dayspring itself. Open seasonally.
- Click to visit their website
- Street address: 44 Acadia St, St. Andrews, NB E5B 0B0
- Mail address: Same
- Phone: 529-4444
- Contact 1: Vincent Prager
- Email: info@museumatdayspring.org
- Phone: (514) 576-3210
Roosevelt Campobello International Park
Description: The Park offers Americans and Canadians an understanding of President Roosevelt’s “beloved island”, maintaining and interpreting Roosevelt Cottage, other period buildings and the Park’s natural areas. It also provides a venue for meetings on issues of significance to both countries.
- Click to visit their website
- Street address: 459 Rte 774, Welshpool, NB E5E 1A4
- Mail address: Same
- Phone: 752-2922
- Contact 1: Will Kernohan, Manager of Interpretation, Education, Programming and Exhibits
- Email: will.kernohan@rooseveltcampobello.org
- Phone: 752-6044
- Contact 2: Kate Johnston, Manager of Marketing and Visitor Services
- Email: kate.johnston@rooseveltcampobello.org
- Phone: 752-6024
Ross Memorial Museum
Description: The museum displays the personal furniture and worldwide decorative arts collections of Henry Phipps Ross and Sarah Juliette Ross, who owned the 1824 Georgian mansion that houses the museum. It also has an annual exhibit on a topic of local interest. Open June to October.
- Click to visit their website
- Street address: 188 Montague St, St. Andrews, NB E5B 1J2
- Mail address: 212 Water St, St. Andrews NB E5B 1B4
- Phone: 529-5124 (June-October)
- Contact: Town of Saint Andrews
- Email: town@townofstandrews.ca
- Phone: 529-5120
Sheriff Andrews House
Description: Built in 1820 by Elisha Andrews, High Sheriff of Charlotte County and son of Loyalist Reverend Samuel Andrews. A classic example of period neo-classical architecture, its rooms display 1800s furniture from the provincial collection. Costumed guides interpret New Brunswick life in that era. Open mid-May to early September
- Click to visit their website
- Street address: 63 King St, St. Andrews, NB E5B 1X6
- Mail address: 212 Water St, St. Andrews NB E5B 1B4
- Phone: 529-5080 (June-Sept)
- Contact: Town of Saint Andrews
- Email: town@townofstandrews.ca
- Phone: 529-5120
St. Andrews Blockhouse National Historic Site
Description: Built in the War of 1812 by local residents to protect St. Andrews from American privateers, it is one of Canada’s few surviving military blockhouses from that era. Administered by Parks Canada. Grounds are open year-round; the blockhouse is open and interpreted seasonally.
- Click to visit their website
- Street address: 23 Joe’s Point Rd, St. Andrews, NB E5B 2J7
- Mail address: c/o Parks Canada NB South Field Unit, 454 Whipple St, Saint John, NB E2M 2R3
- Phone: 636-4574, cell 866-8045
- Contact: Kurt Peacock, Visitor Experience Team Lead, NB South Field Unit, Parks Canada
- Email: kurt.peacock@canada.ca
- Phone: 636-4574
St. Croix Island International Historic Site
Description: One of two Canada/US international historic sites, it commemorates the 1604 French settlement on a mid-river island that founded European settlement in Canada. Grounds open year-round.
- Click to visit their website
- Street address: 3488 Rte. 127, Bayside, NB
- Mail address: c/o Parks Canada NB South Field Unit, 454 Whipple St, Saint John, NB E2M 2R3
- Phone: 636-4574, cell 866-8045
- Contact: Kurt Peacock, Visitor Experience Team Lead, NB South Field Unit,
- Parks Canada
- Email: kurt.peacock@canada.ca
- Phone: 636-4574
St. Stephen/Calais International Homecoming Festival
Description: Begun in 1974, the international festival brings families and friends back home to celebrate the friendship between the two communities of St. Stephen, New Brunswick, Canada, and Calais, Maine, USA. It includes five full days of activities on both sides of the border.
- Click to visit their website
- Street address: N/A
- Mail address: 73 Milltown Blvd, Suite 112, St. Stephen, NB E3L 1G3
- Phone: 466-7703
- Contact: St. Stephen Area Chamber of Commerce
- Email: info@internationalhomecomingfestival.org
- Phone: 466-7703
Swallowtail Keepers Society
Description: Swallow Tail Lighthouse is an historic site built beginning in 1860. There is outdoor interpretative signage in a coastal park-like setting. Lighthouse tours during the summer and includes artefacts related to light keeping and interpretative signage. A volunteer keepers program is available for interested volunteers who stay in the keepers’ dwelling. Onsite fundraising includes a gift shop and lighthouse tours. At another location, Long Eddy Point Lighthouse provides spectacular marine views and outdoor interpretation.
- Click to visit their website
- Street address: 50 Lighthouse Rd, Grand Manan, NB E5G 2A2
- Contact: Laurie Murison, Chair
- Email: Swallowtail.lighthouse@gmail.com
Van Horne Estate on Ministers Island
Description: A non-profit organization dedicated to protecting, preserving, interpreting and developing Ministers Island, as a nationally and provincially designated historic site. The grounds are open year-round; the buildings are open and interpreted seasonally.
- Click to visit their website
- Street address: 199 Carriage Rd, Ministers Island, NB E5B 0A4
- Mail address: Same
- Phone: 529-5081
- Contact: Brian Usher, Executive Director
- Email: brian.usher@ministersisland.net
Kingsbrae Garden
| Description: | In addition to having a 27-acre award winning garden and restaurant, Kingsbrae features an extensive collection of sculptures, an art gallery, and art studio. Like the garden changing in various blooms, the artwork also rotates keeping the visitor experience fresh throughout the season. Kingsbrae is also home to various animals including alpacas, goats, peacocks, rabbits, and more. Whether you are a lover of nature, horticulture, culinary, or art, Kingsbrae has something to offer the whole family. |
| Website: | kingsbraegarden.com |
| Street address: | 220 King Street, St. Andrews NB E5B 1Y8 |
| Mail address: | Same |
| Phone: | 506-529-3335 |
| Contact 1: | Brad Henderson |
| Email: | kgoffice@kingsbraegarden.com |
| Phone: | 506-529-3335 |
The McAdam Railway Station
| Description: | The McAdam Railway Station is a rare example of a Canadian Pacific Railway passenger station with a built-in hotel. Our collections represent over 120 years of Canadian Pacific history in New Brunswick and Maine and tell the story of the people who built, operated and passed through the Station on their way to a destination elsewhere. The artifacts include railway tools, telecommunications equipment, railway china, uniforms and art. Other notable items include a motor car shed, velocipedes, replica auxiliary car, and a bronze plaque dedicated to Canadian Pacific employees who gave their lives during the Great War. |
| Website | https://www.mcadamstation.ca/ |
| Street address: | 96 Saunders Rd, McAdam, NB E6J 1L2 |
| Mail address: | Same |
| Contact: | |
| Email: | info@mcadamstation.ca |
| Phone: | (506) 784-3101 |
Covered Bridges in Charlotte County
| Description: |
The Covered Bridges Conservation Association of New Brunswick was formed as a not-for-profit organization to:
1. Protect the remaining covered bridges of New Brunswick by having them declared heritage sites.
2. Preserve and restore the remaining covered bridges in New Brunswick.
3. Promote the history and heritage of the covered bridges of New Brunswick – past, present and future.
|
| Website | https://www.facebook.com/groups/CoveredBridgesConservationAssociationNBhttps://www.mcadamstation.ca/ |
| Explore | Click here for a map of the covered bridges of Charlotte County with photographs and descriptions. Experience the rural beauty of Charlotte County by exploring the county’s seven covered bridges! |
| Mail address: |
Covered Bridges Conservation Association of New Brunswick
Box 10, 59A Hunter Lake Road, Upper Golden Grove, N.B., E2S 3B3
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| Contact: | |
| Email: | CoveredBridgesConservationNB@gmail.com |
List of Historic Places in Charlotte County
Description: Wikipedia’s listing of historic places in Charlotte County.