Explore History in Annapolis County

Historical buildings remind us of a simpler time and educate us to the ways of the past. These buildings also inspire us with their beauty.

From churches to schoolhouses, you can explore history and learn its stories by visiting registered heritage properties in beautiful Annapolis County.

Sinclair Inn in Annapolis Royal provides insight into how visitors of the 18th century spent their time. The former inn is now a museum. Visitors can see the original construction of the building through the walls and ceilings that are opened to reveal old French carpentry techniques.

"Heritage buildings provide us with a sense of pride in our culture and our province. It is important to preserve these properties to pass onto future generations," said Wayde Brown, head of the heritage unit of the Department of Housing and Municipal Affairs.

Years ago, the church was the focal point of each community. Goat Island Baptist Church, located 13 kilometres west of Annapolis Royal, is the oldest Baptist church in Nova Scotia. This 18th century church has beautiful Gothic style windows. Another link to the past is Centenary United Church, located in Granville. Built in the 18th century, it is also in the Gothic style.

There are three registered historical Anglican churches in Annapolis County. The first, St. Edward's Anglican Church located in Clementsport, was built in the 1790s. Constructed of wood, it has a wonderful view of the Annapolis Basin. The second, St. Luke's Anglican Church, is located in Annapolis Royal. It was built in the early 1800s and was the garrison church for soldiers. The third is Old Holy Trinity Anglican Church. Located in Middleton, it was built in the late 1700s. This church's simple detailing makes it different than most of its era. Mr. Brown said the detailing is similar to meeting houses of that period.

At one time, schoolchildren had to bring wood or coal to school along with their homework. The Mount Hanley School House in Mount Hanley tells a story of early schooling in the province. The school, now a museum, contains pupil registers from the 1800s. The school has a wood structure, separate boys and girls coat rooms and an outhouse.

Three houses in Annapolis County help us to explore the lives of our ancestors. Runciman House in Annapolis Royal is one of the few early residences in Nova Scotia designed by an architect. It is probably the province's best example of Regency architecture. The second, Ritchie House, also in Annapolis Royal, was built in the early 1700s. It was the home of a Boston merchant sea captain, John Adams, who was appointed to the first council created by the British to govern Nova Scotia. On occasion, the council met in his house, making it the oldest building in the nation associated with the British colonial government. The third, James House in Bridgetown, now a museum and tea room, was built in 1835. It was the home of Richard James, a merchant, and his family.

Some heritage properties in the province still serve their original purpose. For example, the Annapolis County Courthouse is the oldest courthouse still in use in Nova Scotia and one of the oldest in Canada. This 19th century neo-classical style building is an important piece of Nova Scotia history and a national historic site.

"Heritage buildings are an integral part of our communities. They are like markers in our history, reminding us of where we've been and helping us find direction forward," said Mr. Brown.

Lessons in Nova Scotia's history can be found throughout the province with the 242 provincially registered heritage properties. Each one is designated under the Heritage Property Act. The act, proclaimed in 1980 and administered by the Department of Housing and Municipal Affairs, provides for the designation, preservation, protection and in certain cases the rehabilitation of heritage buildings in Nova Scotia.

It is important that Nova Scotians protect and preserve these heritage properties as each one holds a story of our history, said Mr. Brown.