Connecting Albert County - Connecting Albert County - Culture and Heritage

Fundy Tourism: The Fundy Albert Barn Quilt Trail

28/8/2026

Submitted by Barb Gebuhr, Fundy Tourism Administrator

Exciting news: ACTA-Fundy Tourism has agreed to continue the promotion of the Barn Quilt Trail, with the inclusion in the Locator Map. Another workshop will be held in the community hall at the Albert County Museum, on November 7, 2026. If you are interested in participating, please contact [email protected] or [email protected] 

The Fundy Albert Barn Quilt Trail project has been a long time coming. About ten years ago, when the original board of Chipoudy Communities Revitalization Committee was exploring ways to encourage economic development in the area, they worked with consultant, Wendy Keats. She introduced the concept of a Barn Quilt Trail. At the time, Kings County was developing a trail that would connect with the Canadian Barn Quilt Trail, and Wendy felt this region would be a natural fit to join up with that network.

CCRC received enthusiastic support and valuable guidance from both the folks in Kings County and organizers in Ontario. Later, when CCRC began raising funds through the very successful Chase the Ace events, a portion of that funding was set aside for this project, and transferred to the Albert County Historic Society as a likely organization to partner with the project. There were high hopes that a Barn Quilt Trail could become another way to attract visitors to our region while also celebrating the rich traditions of quilting and farming that are such an important part of our heritage.

Local Legion Developing Military History Gallery

28/8/2026

Submitted by Eliot Hill

The Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 32, Albert County is in the process of creating a historical display of militaria at our legion with the goal of opening a gallery of the military history of Albert County next summer.

We are hoping that members of the community will assist in this effort by donating or loaning items in their possession that are part of Albert County’s proud military history.

Items we are interested in displaying are, but are not limited to; service firearms (that will be decommissioned before display), uniforms, medals and insignia and any other items that would help to tell the stories of service by members of this community.

What is most important about any of the items to be displayed are the personal stories they tell about us and our family members who served in the military. Each item displayed will have with it the story of where it came from and who it belonged to.

Please help the Royal Canadian Legion keep our history alive and honour the memories of those who sacrificed so much for our freedoms. Please contact Branch 32 by phone or email if you wish to donate items or have questions about our program.

Email: [email protected] Phone:506-735-2289 

Albert County Historical Society Celebrates 50th Quilt Show Anniversary!

31/7/2026

Submitted by Dawne McLean, ACHS President & Images by Stephanie McLean, ACHS Volunteer

Fifty years ago, the spouses or close friends of the Society’s Directors embarked upon a fund-raising journey that we know today as the Albert County Historical Society Quilt Show and Sale. The first shows were held in the Courthouse and the quilts were draped over the benches. After a few years, the show was moved to the Peck Memorial Hall in Hillsborough, now a private home, across the street from the former Hillsborough Baptist Church. At that time, Quilt Show Week coincided with Hillsborough’s Homecoming Days. The night’s security system was having the committee member’s family, often the teenagers, sleeping in the building with the quilts. This continued after the show moved back to the Community Hall at the Museum until a security system was installed. The show has enjoyed a rich history in the Community Hall since the Museum restoration was completed in 2010.

How a NB Village Council Is Supposed to Work

31/7/2026

Submitted by Derek Lackey, Councillor, Ward 1, Village of Fundy Albert

Most people meet their local council through a problem. The plow missed your street. A culvert is backing up. Someone was short with you on the phone at the village office. So you call your councillor, because that is the name and face you know, and you expect them to fix it.

Here is the part that surprises people: your councillor cannot fix that, at least not the way you would think. And the reason is not laziness or red tape. It is the way local government is built in New Brunswick, and once you see the design, it makes good sense.

Heroes of Albert County

30/7/2026

Article & Images Submitted by Jennifer Shelby, Local Author and CAC Storyteller

2026 marks the Royal Canadian Legion’s centenary year. Founded in 1925, the Legion brought various Veterans groups that were created following WWl under one umbrella, and incorporated in July of 1926 as the Canadian Legion of the British Empire Service League.

This incorporation was more than just a formality; it allowed the Legion to expand support to Veterans, establish branches, advocate for the rights of Veterans, and take a leading role in Remembrance services.

An Analysis of Mary Stewart’s Collect Part 7 (Final Part)

29/6/2026

Submitted by June Crandall, Contributing Author

“And may we strive to touch and know the great human heart common to us all and O Lord God, let us not forget to be kind.” Part 7- Analysis of Mary Stewart’s Collect. Submitted by June Crandall This sentence is a prayerful appeal for empathy, shared humanity, and kindness by moving the reader from understanding (“touch and know the great human heart common to us all”) to a moral response (“let us not forget to be kind”).

Mary Stewart seems to exhibit humility and sincerity and speak prayerfully as she appeals by saying “O Lord God.” Here she is asking for guidance while appealing to all to not forget about kindness which is both necessary and fragile. People can become distracted by anger, pride, or division, so kindness must be consciously remembered…meaning it takes effort. The meaning here is that kindness is not accidental; it is a discipline and a moral practice rooted in awareness of our common humanity.

June Marks 100 Years Since Alma Fire  Article & Image

28/6/2026

Alma, NB (NB archives P182-41) before the 1926 fire that destroyed half the village. 

Submitted by Bonnielee Armstrong, Community Contributor

One hundred years ago on June 4th, 1926 tragedy struck the village of Alma. Alma was my home from 1958-1989 when I left for employment and again having returned since retiring. As a child growing up I recall my Grandparents often telling me about an all consuming fire they witnessed in Alma. They were a young couple then, in their mid twenties, with a young family. I can only imagine the terror they felt as they watched their beloved village burn to the ground.

Accounts have said it was a particularly dry Spring and as per usual the saw mill on the river adjacent to Alma was bustling, processing the Spring log drive now held in the head pond above the mill. My Grandmother recounted that there was a strong wind that day, blowing from the mill towards Alma. While the men worked sawing the logs an ember from the mill was carried aloft and landed on the roof of a house in the village. Before long the roof on the house was ablaze and shortly thereafter the whole house was engulfed. This was just the beginning of what was to follow. Fanned by the strong winds and dry conditions it took no time for the flames to spread to neighbouring homes. One by one, home after home ignited. With scant firefighting capabilities in those days there was little the residents of Alma could do but watch. Bearing witness to the destruction of their community. Home after home, business after business, and the newly formed United Church (former Methodist Church) were all in its path.

An Analysis of Mary Stewart’s Collect Part 6

2/6/2026

Submitted by June Crandall, Contributing Author

“Grant that we may realize that it is the little things that create differences; that in the big things of life we are one.”

Overall, this short paragraph presents a powerful message about human unity and the importance of perspective with words such as differences, little things vs big things, and humans being one.

Essentially, this paragraph directs us to ask for the wisdom to recognize that many conflicts and divisions arise from “little things,” while the “big things of life” reveal a deeper common ground between people. Shared experiences and values that connect humanity by far transcend everyday disagreements, personal preferences, or social distinctions.

So, the question becomes can we look beyond minor differences and focus on what unites them? One must ask!

If you read closely, this sentence is in two distinct parts: the first recognizes differences we all share, while the second accentuates unity. It is essential to understand that these are both distinct and natural realities of human life; differences do exist, but they should not overshadow the larger truth of common humanity.

Common humanity is what Mary Stewart recognized so profoundly as she crafted this Collect. She reminds us to reject the petty, the small, the unimportant and to be adorned with compassion, with kindness, with understanding. Such action with its lasting impact comes from its timeless truth: people may differ in minor ways, but at a deeper level they are connected by a common humanity.

Harvey Hall Annual General Meeting: “Seasons of Change”

2/6/2026

Submitted by Julia Marchand, President, The Harvey Hall 

The Harvey Hall Board of Directors is inviting community members to attend this year’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), centered around the theme “Seasons of Change”, June 9th at 7:00pm at the Albert Career Development Center.

This special evening will highlight the continued growth of Harvey Hall, celebrate recent accomplishments, and look ahead to the future of this valued community space. The AGM will include short and engaging reports from Harvey Hall committees and officers, offering attendees an update on ongoing projects, community events, and the overall direction of the organization.

This year’s meeting will also include a moment of recognition, as Harvey Hall celebrates and thanks board members who have made exceptional contributions over the past few years. Their dedication has helped strengthen and preserve the Hall’s role in the community.

The Board is also currently seeking new volunteers to join its leadership team. Vacancies are available, including but not limited to the important roles of Secretary and Historical Chair. Community members with an interest in local history, event planning, arts and culture, administration, or community service are encouraged to consider becoming involved.

Following the meeting, attendees are welcome to stay and connect with fellow community members and directors while enjoying light refreshments. All are welcome to attend and take part in shaping the next chapter of Harvey Hall.

2026 Albert County Exhibition Youth Ambassador Program

2/6/2026

Submitted by Rhonda McKinley, Albert Career Development Centre  

We are proud to announce an exciting new opportunity for the 2026 Albert County Exhibition (A.C.E.)!

The Albert Career Development Centre is pleased to sponsor and organize the Albert County Exhibition Youth Ambassador Program, a new initiative designed to encourage youth involvement and leadership within our local community.

Who Can Apply
This program is open to High school students in Grades 9–12 (as of September 2026) who live within the Albert County boundaries.

Scholarship & Recognition
The student selected as the 2026 A.C.E. Youth Ambassador will receive: A $1,000 scholarship Additional prizes awarded to all participants

Program Objectives
The Albert County Exhibition Youth Ambassador Program aims to: Promote increased awareness and engagement among local youth in the A.C.E. Provide opportunities for leadership development. Encourage positive representation of youth within the community. Invite fresh ideas, creativity, and enthusiasm to support the future growth of the Exhibition. Participants will play an active role in shaping the future of the Albert County Exhibition while gaining valuable experience and community involvement.  

Ambassador Responsibilities
The 2026 A.C.E. Youth Ambassador will be actively involved in the Exhibition and related events, such as: Participating at the announcer’s booth Taking part in the Exhibition parade Supporting other A.C.E. activities throughout the year Attending events at Oulton Hal Get Involved This is a prime opportunity for students to share their ideas, build leadership skills, and make a meaningful contribution to their community.

Your voice matters, and your ideas are valued.

For any questions or inquiries, please contact Rhonda McKinley via the following methods: Facebook Messenger: Albert Career Development Centre Email: [email protected] Phone: 506-882-2604