Association of Nova Scotia Museums and Key Partners Collaborate to Preserve and Celebrate Acadian Heritage

Halifax, NS – The Association of Nova Scotia Museums (ANSM) is proud to announce a groundbreaking collaborative project with Acadian Affairs, member museums of the Cape Sable region, and the University of Toronto. This initiative aims to honor and share the story of Father Clarence d’Entremont, a pivotal figure in preserving Acadian history, in conjunction with the Acadian World Congress.

Father d’Entremont’s extensive writings have been instrumental in documenting the diverse and complex history of Acadians, particularly in South West Nova Scotia. Without his contributions, much of this rich heritage might have been lost. Through this project, ANSM and its partners hope to shine a light on the diversity of Acadian culture and heritage, providing Acadians with new ways to connect with their history.

Photograph of three information banners detailing Father d’Entremont’s life, work, and the history of Cap Sable

A centerpiece of the project is the creation of three informative pop-up banners detailing Father d’Entremont’s life, work, and the history of Cap Sable. Developed in collaboration with member museums of the Cape Sable region and University of Toronto’s Masters of Museum Studies students, these banners feature QR codes linking viewers to additional information on Acadian history via NovaMuse.ca. These banners will be prominently displayed at the 2024 Acadian World Congress in Pubnico and Barrington. After the congress, they will be available for museums, schools, and community organizations to borrow from ANSM’s office in Halifax, further promoting awareness of Acadian heritage.

In addition to the banners, University of Toronto’s Masters of Museum Studies students have created two curriculum-based educational resources for Nova Scotia classrooms. These resources focus on Acadian place name history and genealogy as a historical practice, drawing inspiration from Father d’Entremont’s work. They are available for free download on NovaMuse.ca.

The resources developed through this project are designed to help Acadian youth gain a deeper understanding of their cultural history and the valuable contributions of Father d’Entremont. By integrating these educational materials into classrooms, teachers across Nova Scotia will have the opportunity to introduce Acadian culture to their students. ANSM hopes that these resources will inspire young Acadians to continue exploring and engaging with their heritage.

For more information, please contact:
Devin Casario
Association of Nova Scotia Museums
director@ansm.ns.ca
902-423-4677

About the Association of Nova Scotia Museums:
The Association of Nova Scotia Museums is a registered non-profit organization that is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Nova Scotia’s rich museum community, providing resources, support, and advocacy for museums across the province. Through collaborative projects and educational initiatives, ANSM aims to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of Nova Scotia’s diverse cultural heritage.