Haliburton House Museum Celebrates 70th Anniversary
On Sunday, July 4, the Haliburton House Museum in Windsor will host a celebration to mark the historic home's 70th anniversary as a provincially-owned and operated museum.
Featuring guest speakers, live music and free admission, the event will begin at 2 p.m. and everyone is invited, particularly former employees and volunteers who have played a part in the museum's long history.
Renowned as the residence of author Thomas Chandler Haliburton from 1836 -1856, the 175-year home was originally known as Clifton, but was re-named in honour of its former owner when it was acquired by the government in 1939.
"Nova Scotia's museums keep our history alive and promote life- long learning throughout the province," said Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage Percy Paris. "They help to make life better for families in every region as they occupy the heart of vibrant communities."
Officially opened to the public in 1940, Haliburton House has been part of the provincial collection of museums longer than any other historic building. Through storytelling and interpretation, staff introduce Haliburton's contribution to the province's literary heritage and explore life in colonial Nova Scotia during the first half of the 19th century.
"The museum helps us discover life in the first half of the 1800s," said Karen MacBride, an interpreter who has worked at the museum for the past 12 years. "Haliburton was an educated gentleman who was a free thinker and creative storyteller. Through his writings and sayings we are still connected to him today."
Born Dec. 17, 1796 in Windsor, Thomas Chandler Haliburton studied Law at University of King's College and opened a practice in Annapolis Royal. He became a prominent business man and judge, but it was his writing that propelled him to fame, becoming the first international best-selling author in Canada.
His Clockmaker series, which was published in the Novascotian before being turned into a book, showcased the adventures of the fictional Yankee clock peddler, Sam Slick. Humourous and insightful, the stories became exceptionally popular and sayings from the book like quick as a wink and facts are stranger than fiction were quickly adopted into conversations and can still be heard today.
"Haliburton and his alter ego Sam Slick have inspired authors, interpreters, architects and more," said Ms. MacBride. "The house he built for his family reflected his ambition to impress, entertain and be heard."
Guests for the anniversary event include researcher, Allen Penney, who has studied the evolution of the house's architecture and will deliver a talk about these changes and the individuals, such as Mrs. Thomas Chandler Haliburton, who influenced the house's design.
Another featured guest is musician John Tetrault who will perform during the event. An accomplished songwriter from the Annapolis Valley, Mr. Tetrault has appeared at the Toronto Jazz Festival, Earth Festival and ECMA and Music Nova Scotia showcases.
The museum is also launching a new oral history project during the anniversary. Members of the public are invited to share their stories, memories and connections to the famous Sam Slick House and staff will record the tales.
For more information, call 902-798-2915 or visit haliburton.museum.gov.ns.ca . Haliburton House Museum is located at 414 Clifton Ave, Windsor