Connecting Albert County - Connecting Albert County - Culture and Heritage

Fundy National Park Celebrates 75 Years

1/5/2025

Fundy National Park’s Swimming pool © Provincial archives of New Brunswick. (1953)

Submitted by: Daniel Sinclair, Interpretation Supervisor, Fundy National Park

Once an island of civilization in a sea of wilderness - now an island of wilderness in a rapidly changing world - Fundy National Park has witnessed a remarkable transformation over the past 75 years.

A land with deep roots
At its origin, Fundy National Park was a place of towering trees, rugged coastlines and sweeping tides in the heart of the Mi’gmaq district of Signigt’gewa’gi. The park’s story began long before its designation as a national park. The Mi’gmaq have lived, travelled, and stewarded these lands and waters since time immemorial. The Bay of Fundy region holds a rich cultural history, shaped by Indigenous peoples and European settlers who arrived in the 1820s.

Friends of Fundy: Important Dates & Community Happenings!

1/5/2025

Submitted by: Ian Duncan, Friends of Fundy Program & Event Coordinator

Happy May, Albert County!

There are plenty of reasons to cruise down the 114 to Alma, and we’d like to add two more to the pile! Our gift shop, Outpost East, located in the Visitor Centre of Fundy National Park, which is open every weekend, and Outpost Alma, on Main Street in Alma will be open starting the May long weekend. They’re a great place to get Fundy National Park gifts and local art, and each purchase helps us develop programming like the Rising Tide Trails & Tunes Festival and the February Frolic!

Here are some other things to keep an eye out for:
The 2025 Molly Kool Award
Nominations for the 2025 Molly Kool Award will open on May 25th. The Molly Kool Award was created to recognize women in Southeastern New Brunswick for their outstanding contributions to the community at large in such areas as arts, culture, conservation, and environmental stewardship. It’s an opportunity to highlight someone who enriches their community with their hard work but doesn’t seek recognition – you know the type! There will be a link to the online nomination form on our website and Facebook page. If you have questions email us at [email protected].

National Trails Day
Looking a little further ahead, we’re excited to celebrate International Trails Day and the annual Shepody Trail Spring Clean up on Saturday, June 7th. You’ll get more info right here in the next edition of Connecting Albert County, so mark your calendars! If you’d like an easy, free way to discover the cool places, local businesses, and special events around you, scan the QR code to check out Driftscape: 

Volunteers Make the Difference

28/3/2025

Submitted by: Janet Clouston, Albert County Museum Manager & Curator

The Albert County Historical Society (ACHS) has been a volunteer lead and run organization since it was founded in 1951. The Albert County Museum (ACM) was opened in 1962, and with the help of countless volunteers who have assisted over many years, it has become one of the most popular heritage sites in the area, welcoming thousands of visitors every year.

A Soundscape of Possibilities: The Curryville Community Outreach Centre Welcomes the Musical Project of lupin

28/2/2025

Submitted by: Ian Duncan

On Friday, March 28, the Curryville Community Outreach Centre will host a night of musical adventures! The talents of four of Albert County’s own will merge on stage for an evening of entertainment and exciting music.

We invite you to come and hear what Ian Duncan (lupin), Sara Liptay, Tim Isaac and James Nelson have been cooking up this winter!

lupin is an exciting musical project that’s the brain child of a local but widely celebrated musician Ian Duncan. He explores the soundscape possibilities of traditional celtic instruments in non-traditional and highly original arrangements. Scottish smallpipes, whistles, and guitar are looped live to create engaging pieces, giving fresh twists to timeless music from decades and centuries past.

Bringing Dance to Albert County: An Opportunity for Our Community

28/2/2025

Hello, Albert County! My name is Emma Llewellyn, and I am beyond excited to share my passion for dance with you. Having grown up in Edgetts Landing, I know firsthand the warmth and spirit of this community. After years of training, performing, choreographing, and teaching in Toronto—where I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performance Dance from Toronto Metropolitan University—I am thrilled to return home and bring the joy of dance to this special place.

Fundy National Park's 75th Anniversary: Then & Now

28/2/2025

"Named for the Bay of Fundy, Fundy National Park was New Brunswick’s first National Park" Image submitted by Daniel Sinclair

In 1948, a large swath of land adjacent to the village of Alma, bordered by the Bay of Fundy, was allocated to become New Brunswick’s first national park. Two years later, it officially opened to the public on July 29th, 1950. As we celebrate Fundy National Park’s 75th anniversary this year, it is a great time to reflect on how the park’s role has evolved over time.

The park’s story did not start with its designation as a national park. The land has a rich cultural history, located in the unceded territory of the Mi’gmaq and Wolastoqey Nations, who have been present in the area since time immemorial. After European contact, several communities were established within today’s park boundaries and subsisted on logging, milling, farming, shipbuilding and fishing activities.

Poppy Campaign has Concluded with Great Success & Gratitude

31/1/2025

Submitted by: Margie Murphy

Another Poppy Campaign has come to a very successful conclusion. The Albert County Royal Canadian Legion Branch #32 would like to take this opportunity to thank the stores and groups who assisted in this campaign.

The Importance of Community Outreach

31/1/2025

Submitted by: Janet Clouston, Albert County Museum Managing Director

Community is at the heart of the work of the Albert County Historical Society and Museum! To share the history of the Society, it was at an organizational meeting held in Alma on 29 July 1951, that twenty founding members representing the six parishes of Albert County established the Albert County Historical Society, which was later incorporated in 1957. The aim of the Society was to perpetuate and preserve the history of Albert County including the historical documents and relics pertaining to the County. As artefacts were being donated by Society members and County residents, the decision was made to establish the Albert County Museum, which opened May 19, 1962 in the Tax and Record Office Buildings at the Shiretown capital in Hopewell Cape, following the Albert County Municipal Council being abolished. Other County buildings on the Shiretown property were also then turned over to the Albert County Historical Society, resulting in what is now the Albert County Museum and R.B. Bennett Commemorative Centre. In the nearly 74 years that have passed since the Society was founded, the tradition of community and outreach carries on.

Volunteer Introductions: The IT Intelligence of Diane & Karen

30/1/2025

Submitted by: Melody Land, Coordinator in collaboration with Diane Adams & Karen Doucet

For over 12 years between them, Diane Adams and Karen Doucet have worked diligently to assist in the online elements of Connecting Albert County. This winter, however, marked the first time the two had ever met in person, and to witness it was the witnessing of the familiarity of long friends meeting. The two have worked in collaboration for many years, communicating via email and shared drives and folders, watching the other update website and documents sometimes in real time.

CAC Community Roots:  In Conversation with Janet Wallace

30/1/2025

As told to Melody Land, in collaboration with Janet Wallace

What is Connecting Albert County?

No one knows the answer to this question like the original coordinator and editor, Janet Wallace. As the Coordinator of CAC, one of the main focuses is to help guide the ship and put feet (or pen to paper) on our trajectory. Janet was part of the original guiding committee from the first “what if” conversation, all the way to the first publication in January of 2015, and saw the publication through various stages, changes, collaborations, and significant growth. Her relationship with the publication lasted well over 7 years.

As we step into our tenth year of publication, this is a beautiful time to reassess and check-in, so we can adjust as necessary and continue to evolve to serve our community better. Therefore, it was wonderful to sit down with Janet for a heart-to-heart, to learn about her journey with CAC, and the legacy she has left behind.

The Power of Volunteering

23/12/2024

Submitted by: Alicia O'Hara, Social Worker

Volunteers are the heart of Fundy Albert and fill gaps where formal services or activities are lacking. Our volunteers have a direct impact on the quality of life of our community. They ensure local traditions are passed down, stories shared, and a sense of place established.

We all engage in volunteerism, whether we realize it or not. It's helping a neighbour by shoveling a driveway, dropping off groceries to a senior, or offering a drive to an appointment. It can also be partnering with an organization, committee, or church group on an identified community need.

My Childhood Christmas

2/12/2024

Submitted by: Gayle Copp Steeves

I sit alone by my little Christmas tree
My old hands hold a chocolate and a hot cup of tea
I'll tell you what it used to be like
As we waited for Santa to come in the night.

The mailbox was opened and what did we see
Our eyes fell on "The Wish Book" as we shouted with glee
We looked at the dollies, we looked at the sleds
We looked at the teddy bears each night before bed.

The magic had started, the days would be long
As we waited for Santa while singing our songs
The Sunday School concert as we dressed in our best
The black patent shoes and the pink satin dress.

We practiced for hours our school verses and songs
The chalkboards were decorated with pictures we had drawn
The boys looked so good with their shirts of white
As we girls danced around and giggled all night.

Charles and I took an axe and our old shepherd dog
And off to the woods for a tree and yule logs
The tree will stand pretty, decorated with tinsel and lights
While crepe paper streams and bells hung from our ceiling - Oh what a sight!

This was the time of the year we'd get oranges, grapes, and nuts
They were hidden in the closet but we were supposed to touch
The Christmas tree was lit in the Village park
As we waited for Santa to appear in the dark.

There is lots of laughter and people around
Christmas is special as we look for gifts to be found
Alfred created an exciting and memorial event
As into the lilac bush he and the truck went.

The stockings were opened but gifts are few
New PJ's, dust powder, socks, and a piece of candy too
Sometimes a watch or a new pair of skates
Oh how we were anxious to hit the lake.

Pots and pans boil with veggies, gravy, stuffing, and pie
Soon the vision of cooked turkey filled our hungry eyes
We ate until we moaned and then we ate more
Oh "thank you" for stopping at our door.

The meaning of this party is about Mary's little baby boy
Who came to earth to save us and give us joy
So close your eyes and say a prayer
Because Christmas is the best time of year.

Ten Steps to Bringing Home the Perfect Christmas Tree

2/12/2024

Image of the Beautiful Tree taken by James Wilson

Submitted by: James Wilson

Step One – Start the expedition after dark (in the rain).

Step Two – Bring two nephews and a machete for the job (make sure machete is anything but sharp).

Step Three – Find the tree that you failed to cut down during the summer (its probably easier to chop down now).

Step Four – Take turns hacking away at the tree (because none of you have much stamina).

Step Five – Let older nephew climb the tree and swing around while the younger nephew helps you try to push it over.

Step Six – Fail.

Step Seven – Repeat Step Four.

Step Eight – Have all three of you push the tree over until it snaps (trunk should be chopped 65% of the way through).

Step Nine – Cut the tree off mid-way up the trunk because the tree you cut down was too tall to begin with.

Step Ten – Proclaim victory and drag it home.

(Based on a true story.) 

Snapshot of the 2024 Tourism Season in Albert County

29/10/2024

Submitted by: James Wilson

As summer continues its relentless march towards winter, it's worth reflecting on how the summer tourism season has gone. This is doubly important as we leave the pandemic years behind. Has our tourism economy fully recovered? How are tourism-related businesses doing? Has tourism changed post-pandemic?

Before I continue I would like to stress this is a very broad snapshot of the situation. I did not contact every business in Albert County. If any businesses or organizations wish to offer a counterpoint or reply in order to create a clearer picture, I’m sure CAC would consider publishing it.

Rising Tides, Trails, & Tunes

29/10/2024

Submitted by: Ian Duncan, Program and Events Coordinator

The 15th Rising Tide Trails & Tunes Festival took place this year, bringing together local community groups and businesses to celebrate the arts and culture inspired by the natural beauty of the place in which we live!

Visitors and residents gathered at various venues and were treated to unique experiences featuring songs, stories, art, and adventure by local makers and explorers.

Harvey Hall Kitchen Party: A True Community Event

29/10/2024

Image of The Harvey Hall taken by Tracy Munson

Submitted by: Jane Chrysostom

Harvey Hall celebrated its 140th birthday on September 21st and marked this milestone with a free kitchen party for all, in traditional community style!

Just stepping over the threshold into Harvey Hall provided the first sensation – the cozy smells of a full homemade dinner. Pots of chili simmered, chicken soups bubbled, and the warm aroma of creamy mushroom soup wafted about.

To add to the home-like atmosphere, the hall was set up with many cozy wool rugs, small tables draped with festive cloths, scattered candles, and floor and table lamps shedding warm light, creating a cozy, welcoming feel.

Seniors Bring Local History to Life

28/9/2024

Image of Tom Daley & Shawn McCarthy on theatrical poster submitted by Dawne McLean

Submitted by: Dawne McLean

"Tall Trees & Fresh Fields", a Heritage Drama, was performed to a 'full house' on September 8 at the Albert County Museum! This entertaining live-theatre production brought to life the bygone days of lumbering in Albert County and the era of family-run farms. This two act drama production, coordinated by the Albert County Historical Society Heritage Committee, was made possible through the support of a federal "New Horizons for Seniors Program" project, and a collaborative partnership
with the professional actors/script writers of "Character Matters Miramichi" theatrical troupe, Tom Daley, and Shawn McCarthy.

Community Seniors played a vital role in the development of the heritage production through the sharing of their historical knowledge, personal work experiences and memories with script writers, Tom Daley and Shawn McCarthy. This primary source provided the writing material for the authentic drama script. True facts of the lumbering industry of the time (1930's & 1940's), and many humorous stories were shared by the participating seniors.

In this heart warming comedy, Tom and Shawn portrayed two brothers living a simple life off the land in Albert County. Much to the delight of the audience, a few local seniors even performed minor roles! Talented musicians, "Eddy Poirier and Grassline" provided toe-tapping music during intermission. Admission was free and refreshments followed the performance.

Two additional performances of "Tall Trees & Fresh Fields" will take place on:
- Sunday, October 27, 2:00pm at Alma Activity Centre, School Street, Alma
- Saturday, November 2, 2:00pm at Forest Dale Home, Riverside-Albert.

The broad narrative will remain the same, with variations in the script depending on performance location. What better way to learn more about our local history than to enjoy a live performance that takes you back in time!

Image of Tom, Shawn, & Local Actors by Dawne McLean

Albert County Historical Society Presents an Exciting Community Project

2/8/2024

Submitted by Dawne McLean

Local history comes to life with heritage drama

“Tall Trees & Fresh Fields”

What is the project?

The community project is a collaborative partnership between the Albert County Historical Society and the professional heritage actors and script writers of Character Matters Miramichi theatrical troupe. An entertaining Heritage Drama of professional quality will be produced and performed in Albert County community venues, portraying an important era of Albert County’s past … the bygone days of the lumbering industry with log crews, pike poles and river-dries and the past days of self-sufficient, family-run farms throughout the county.

A Brief History of Hillsborough Homecoming Days and a Look to the Future

2/7/2024

Photo from the Main Street Parade - Date Unknown

By James Wilson

Every small community has its own unique celebrations and Hillsborough is no different. One such celebration is Hillsborough Homecoming Days. Formerly known as Steeves Week, Hillsborough Homecoming Days grew out of the periodic family reunions the Steeves family had been holding for years. In 1966, perhaps due to how large the family had become or out of civic-mindedness, it was decided a week-long celebration would be held in Hillsborough and open to the whole community.

News from the CCRC Board

4/6/2024

Chipoudy Communities Revitalization Committee (CCRC) are very excited to announce that after a long process, we are proud to announce that we have acquired, and now own the Anderson Hollow Lighthouse and the Old Bank of New Brunswick including a majority of its contents, and the land it sits on. Now that the transaction is complete, CCRC would like to continue the conversation that was started with the community back in October. We will have a second public meeting to plot our way forward. Our goal with this meeting will be to define the corner revitalization project (including discussing some name alternatives) and to establish a few community members that would be willing to tackle a first draft of the vision and investment opportunities.

Looking for a refresher on what was discussed back at that community gathering on October 3rd, 2023? Check out our Initiatives 114/915 Project page on our website at chipoudycrc.org/114-915-crossroads.

In other news, we have some great events coming up in June and would love to see everyone out participating!

Albert County Museum presents: Albertosaurus

4/6/2024

The Albert County Historical Society is pleased to announce that a new Natural History Exhibit will be featured for the 2024 season starring “Albert”, the Albertosaurus, on loan to ACM from Resurgo Place in Moncton. The Exhibit will also feature fossils that were discovered in different areas in Albert County, with a display curated by the New Brunswick Museum.

Harvey Hall Celebrating 140 years

5/5/2024

By Jane Chrysostom

The Harvey Hall is celebrating its 140th year, 1884-2024. 2023 was a full year to celebrate at its Annual General Meeting welcoming a receptive audience of community leaders, civic advocates, friends, neighbors, the Harvey Hall team of advisors and board members, Village of Fundy Albert members of Council, including His Worship Mayor Rob Rochon, historians, volunteers, community activists, cultural advocates, and like-minded folks…it was a terrific and lively crowd!

New Exhibit at Albert County Museum for 2024

5/5/2024

"Albert”, an Albertosaurus sarcophagus, will be at the Exhibition Hall, on loan to ACHS from Resurgo Place. The Exhibit will open on June 15th during the Season Opening Event starting at 2pm. ACM will be open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm daily after June 15th and you can see Albert until September 30th.

A Cactus and a Bishop

3/4/2024

submitted by Debbie James, Secretary of Harvey Hall

The tale I am about to share with you all started out one day as I made a stop at a home in Riverside-Albert to pick up some knitted dishcloths, as a donation to Harvey Hall for our opening season of 2023. Never had I been inside this home, but upon arrival I knew I had discovered something unique about the person that lived in this home. I had never seen so many Christmas cacti in my life and all in one home. At this point, I am amazed at their beauty, their size, and the quantity! Mind you, I was only in the back kitchen. There were more to be discovered later with a visit to the upstairs of said home.

Credit Unions in Rural Communities

3/4/2024

Submitted by Patrick Kemp

Many smaller communities are feeling the impact of recent bank branch closures and others have been served notice that their branch will close in 2024. By losing this core service, there is a direct impact on these communities. Business have to plan any cash or coin orders further in advance. Any physical deposits need to be driven 30-40 minutes to access a branch increasing staffing and transportation costs. Other businesses are forced to keep additional cash on hand which increases risk for loss or theft. Our seniors can feel a bit more isolated because they lose this service. For some seniors, a trip to the local bank to cash a cheque or pay a few bills isn’t just a service but a social activity for them. When a local bank branch closes, they miss this valued part of their routine.