Each year in partnership with the Heritage Association of Antigonish, we host a guest lecture series in order to stimulate an interest in our heritage. Subjects may include biographical sketches, natural history, events, business and community stories. Similarly, the Association and Museum host book launches for new books which are linked to the heritage of eastern Nova Scotia.
During the summer months, weekly ceilidhs are held for locals and tourists alike. Learners and more seasoned performers bring traditional music of the fiddle, piano, pipes, guitar and more to the audience. The acoustics and architectural elements of the building provide an ambient setting.
Upcoming at the Museum
July Ceilidh Schedule!
Join us every Thursday in the months of July and August for live local music. Every ceilidh features talented musicians on fiddle and piano, with special guests including vocalists, pipers, and more!
Spinning and Weaving Demonstration on July 9th
Join us on July 9th for a spinning and weaving demonstration hosted by the North Nova Spinners and Weavers group! Learn how to comb, clean, dye, spin, and weave your own wool using traditional techniques.
Free Talk on May 29th: “Strange Medicine in Medieval Gaelic Stories”
Join Celticist Dr. Ranke de Vries from StFX University for an engaging and enlightening presentation on medicine in medieval Gaelic stories. An event to celebrate Gaelic Nova Scotia Month. All are welcome!
Gaelic Month Ceilidh at the Museum
Join Dara Smith MacDonald, Leona Williams, Margaret MacGregor MacDonald, and Fr. Andrew Boyd for this special ceilidh in celebration of Gaelic Nova Scotia Month!
Free Talk on May 16th: “Rowdyism and Respect: Historical Accounts of Death and Mourning in Gaelic NS”
Join folklorist Dr. Shamus MacDonald for an engaging and enlightening presentation on death and mourning customs about Gaels in NS. An event to celebrate Gaelic Nova Scotia Month. All are welcome!
The Mystery of Ninian: Free Public Talk by Dr. Matthew Anderson on April 28th
Join us for this free public talk in honour of the 150th anniversary of St Ninian Cathedral. Professor Matthew Anderson from StFX will speak on the historical Ninian, a figure in early Scottish Christianity who is surrounded by myth and legend.
Mary Beth Carty and Two Brads in Concert on April 27th
Mary Beth Carty, Brad Reid, & Bradley Murphy are on their way to showcase at the ECMAs and are making a stop at the Antigonish Heritage Museum along they way. Bradley has just released an album of Gaelic Traditional songs, Brad Reid has an ECMA nominated album of original fiddle tunes, and Mary Beth just won a Canadian Folk Music Award for Traditional Singer of the Year. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enjoy live performances in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Grab your friends and family, and come on down to experience an afternoon you won’t forget!
Ceilidh at the Museum on April 14th
Join Karen Beaton on fiddle and Leona Williams on piano for another toe-tapping ceilidh. This month they will be joined by the very talented Malcolm MacNeil, who just completed his graduation recital for a Bachelor of Music at StFX . Malcolm is a very talented fiddle and guitar player with connections to a Cape Breton music dynasty!
St. Patrick’s Day Concert at the Museum on March 16th
Join Mary Beth Carty, with special guests Heather MacIsaac and Lily Carty, for a toe-tapping tribute to everyone’s favourite Irish saint! Admission is by freewill donation to the Antigonish Heritage Endowment Fund. Hosted by the Antigonish Heritage Association.
LEGO Party at the Museum
Join us for a celebration of this year’s entries in the Antigonish Heritage Lego Contest. There will be activities, snacks, and you’ll have an opportunity to vote for your favourite entry! Fun for your whole family.
February 25th Ceilidh at the Museum
Join us for our second winter ceilidh, featuring Karen Beaton and special guests Leona Williams (piano) and James MacLean (guitar).
$10/person, tea and sweets included.
Museum to launch new database at Heritage Day event
On February 19th, join us at the Heritage Museum as we launch a new database featuring historical issues of The Casket.
January 28th Ceilidh at the Museum
Shake off the winter blues with an afternoon of local music from Karen Beaton and Leona Williams, with special guests Tom MacDonald and Rob Wolf!
$10 per person, tea and sweets included.
2nd Annual Lego Heritage Building Contest
The Antigonish Heritage Museum is hosting its 2nd annual Lego Heritage Building Contest. Deadline is March 8th!
80 Years On: Remembering The Antigonish War Dead of 1943
Join local historian Bruce MacDonald as he shared the stories of the men of Antigonish Town and County who gave their lives in 1943
1784: (Un)Settling Antigonish
A participatory theatrical and musical pilgrimage that will transport you back to 1784 and the first permanent European settlement of Antigonish
Antigonish Cenotaph Project
As a tribute to those Antigonish service personnel who lost their lives during World War 1.
Antigonish Memory Project
The Antigonish Memory Project has been on-going since 2012. It is an initiative to preserve the stories of Antigonish through collecting oral histories from elders in the community.