The initial concept of a living history museum dedicated to the Scots Gaelic story Nova Scotia
dates back to the 1930’s when a delegation from Nova Scotia, including then Premier, Angus
L. MacDonald, visited the United Empire Exhibition in Scotland. A model “clachan” or village
there gave them the inspiration for a similar attraction in Nova Scotia to tell the Gaelic Nova
Scotia story. With the onset of World War II, the concept was shelved until the mid 1950’s,
when the Nova Scotia Association of Scottish Societies sponsored a province-wide competition
to select a host community for the museum.
At that time, a group of individuals came together in the Iona area to champion Central Cape
Breton as the home for a future Highland Village. Their presentation to the committee, which
was made in Gaelic, focused on the strength of the culture in the area. In March 1956, Iona
was chosen as the site for Nova Scotia’s Highland Village, over proposed locations in Pictou
and Antigonish Counties.
In November 1957 he first meeting if the Highland Village Planning Committee was held and
on November 3, 1959 the Highland Village was incorporated. Paperwork and legal matters
relating to the piece of land were handled, and the dream of having a Highland Village in
Nova Scotia was one step closer to reality. Over the next six years the Highland Village
group continued its efforts to raise funds while preparing plans and beginning some modest
construction on site. On August 4, 1962 the first of what would become an annual Highland
Village Day outdoor concert was held to raise funds and awareness and to promote the Gaelic
Culture that the museum would come to represent.
The members of the Highland Village group spent a great deal of effort in planning what the
Museum should entail and what it should represent. In the early 1070’s the Highland Village
group developed a Master Plan which would detail the layout, and design as well as ensure the
content on site was historically documented and authenticated.
“A short history of life and conditions in Scotland prior to the departure of the
people who emigrated to Nova Scotia, including a description of buildings,
landscape and conditions which forced them to move; an historical account of
the conditions which these people faced upon arriving in Nova Scotia, as well
as what they did for food and shelter, etc. during the early years; an historical
account of the frame building village which were eventually constructed, including
detailed descriptions of buildings, living conditions, etc. and decisions must be
made regarding the nature and content of each of the three sections of the
proposed Highland village, such as number of buildings, and the relationship
of the buildings to one another. All of these things should be documented were
(sic) possible and where this isn't possible, the memories of the people involved
will have to suffice." Letter to R.C. MacNeil, dated Oct 8, 1971, from Barry N.
Diamond (Dept of Dev)
Over the coming years more research was undertaken, and funding opportunities became
available. Historic buildings such as the School House were dismantled in the original location
and reconstructed on site at the highland Village. In 1984 the Phase II Development plan
was adopted and more focus on the need to develop educational programs for members and
employees as well as the local community. The Phase II Plan also meant a number of physical
site improvements and a new overall marketing strategy.
Through the 1980’s and 1990’s more buildings were added to the site, and the Roots Cape
Breton Genealogy centre was created. The Society and Staff worked diligently to ensure the
physical characteristics of the site were continuously improved, a Living History program was
developed and improved collections management and preservation techniques became a
priority.
As the Highland Village Museum grew the Society members and directors applied to become
a Branch member of the Nova Scotia Museum Family. Due to various factors, this request
was denied a few times, but was successfully approved in 1999. This was also a time of great
investment of time and funds to upgrade the Roots Cape Breton Genealogy Centre, the Gaelic
Language and Culture Programming, as well as develop improved interpretive programming.
On June 15th, 2000 The Highland Village Museum became a part of the Nova Scotia Museum
family.
With a new lease on life as a Provincial Museum, the Highland Village undertook significant
strategic planning with a renewed emphasis on enhancing and increasing cultural
interpretation and programming as well as providing leadership in Gaelic renewal efforts in
the wider community. Throughout the decade that followed joining the Nova Scotia Museum,
the Highland Village has advanced a number of initiatives including: the presence and
interpretation of Gaelic language and culture on site has been significantly increased; new
experiential programs were development and implemented; the Malagawatch Church (c.
1874) was moved to the site; a working carding mill (from the Cash family) was opened;
role playing was introduced as part of the animation program; several significant outreach
programs and projects were launched for the Gaelic community; and a research program to
authenticate the physical presentation of the site was commenced. The Highland Village is well
on its way to achieving its vision.
To learn more you may read our history as written by Cheryl Sullivan in honour of the 40th
anniversary of the Highland Village Society here. More information on Membership or donating funds or artifacts is available.
Learn about The Nova Scotia Highland Village Pipe Band in Pipe Stoires by Scott Williams.