October events

October 5, 2023

October events

Hello everyone,
Here's some of the latest events from across the Nova Scotia Museum. 

Mi'kmaq History Month

October is Mi'kmaq History Month. Thousands of years before the arrival of European settlers, the Mi'kmaq called themselves L'nu'k, which simply means 'the people,' 'human beings.' Their present name, Mi'kmaq, derives from nikmaq, meaning 'my kin-friends.' 

Museum of Natural History

Halifax, Nova Scotia
naturalhistory.novascotia.ca

Kesite’tasikl: Kepmite’tmu’kik pitui-kniskamijinaqik Mawo’taqniktuk
Until November 13

Kesite’tasikl, meaning ‘they are cherished,’ offers a glimpse into the varied collections of the Nova Scotia Museum and private citizens. Why do we collect? There are almost as many answers to this question as collectors. Every object has a unique story, just as each person has theirs.

Halloween Fun
Sunday, October 29 from 10 am to 4 pm

Spooky Fun for your little monsters! Put on your costume and join us for some not-too-spooky Halloween fun! There will be something for every little ghost and goblin from puppet shows and creepy crafts to spooky stories and bug cooking.

Museum at Night
First Thursday of every month

Discover the wonders of the natural world in a whole new light at your Museum of Natural History in Halifax. We are thrilled to announce that we now offer extended hours on the first Thursday of every month, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in our captivating exhibits and engaging displays after regular closing time.

On these special evenings, the Museum of Natural History opens its doors for an unforgettable experience. Whether you're a curious individual, a family looking for an exciting outing, or a group of friends seeking an enriching adventure, our late-night access offers a unique opportunity to explore the museum at your own pace, free from the daytime rush. Note that regular admission rates apply for late-night access.

Don't miss the opportunity to experience your Museum of Natural History after hours. Join us on the first Thursday of every month for an unforgettable evening of exploration, inspiration, and fun!

Maritime Museum of the Atlantic

Halifax, Nova Scotia
maritimemuseum.novascotia.ca

Ta'n me'j Tel-keknuo'ltiek: How Unique We Still Are
Now on view

Ta'n me'j Tel-keknuo'ltiek: How Unique We Still Arereflects how Mi’kmaw people remain connected to the lands and waters of Mi’kma’ki. This exhibit offers a platform for Mi’kmaw people to express their continued experiences with an understanding of the lands and the waters of Mi’kma’ki. Mi’kmaw single-word concepts are represented through personal testimony and histories of individual Mi’kmaw people, featured objects, artifacts, images and symbolic artwork. These experiences and understandings are rooted in cultural expressions that connect past, present and future in this place.

Learning about the Mi’kmaw language with Semise’l Sa’n
Tuesday, October 10 at 6:30 pm

We invite you to come learn about the Mi’kmaw language, the official first language of Nova Scotia. This workshop will explore the history of the language, its connection to Mi’kma’ki, and how it relates to the broader Algonquin language family. In addition, we will journey through understanding the verb-based language structure, evolution of writing systems, and common orthographies found in literature. Together, we will learn the Francis-Smith alphabet, and some common phrases to add to your vocabulary. Please come and join us for an evening of fun and learning about the uniqueness of Mi’kmaw language.

Our guest presenter: Semise’l Sa’n (he/him) is of the Popo’l and Sa’n clans from We’kwistoqnik (Eskasoni First Nation.) He takes pride in sharing the teachings of Mi'kmaw knowledge and Mi’kmaw language, passed down to him from family, Elders, and community. He currently serves as a Mi’kmaw Cultural Liaison for the Government of Nova Scotia in the department of Community, Culture, Tourism, and Heritage.

Museum of Industry

Stellarton, Nova Scotia
museumofindustry.novascotia.ca

The Sea in Her Blood
On view until October 8

Living in Mi’kma’ki/Acadie/Alba NuadhNouvelle-écosse/Nova Scotia means living with the sea. Like the land we call home, every generation of maritime women is shaped by the sea – through maintaining tradition and pushing boundaries, work and play, struggle, and triumph. Many of their stories have been lost to time. Today maritime women continue to both redefine traditional ways of living with the sea, and shape new ones. The Sea in Her Blood highlights 17 of these extraordinary women.

A special travelling exhibit from the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic (Nova Scotia Museum) of 17 contemporary women redefining traditional ways of living with the sea.

Ross Farm Museum

New Ross, Nova Scotia
rossfarm.novascotia.ca

Sauerkraut Making Demonstration
Saturday, October 7 and Sunday, October 8

In earlier years, usually in November, families prepared for winter by putting up barrels of sauerkraut. This is a process in which cabbage is shredded, salted, and stomped in a barrel and then allowed to ferment for 4 - 6 weeks. This weekend staff will be making sauerkraut using tools that would have been needed to make enough for a family’s winter needs.

Skills From the Past
Saturday, October 14 and Sunday, October 15

This is the weekend to come to Ross Farm Museum and learn some of the skills that your forefathers used to survive. Witness demonstrations in wool spinning, spoon making, coopering & blacksmithing.

Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic

Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
fisheriesmuseum.novascotia.ca

Oktoberfest
Saturday, October 7

Join the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic for a day of beer, music, food, and fun at the Craft Beer Festival on the Lunenburg waterfront from 1 pm to 4 pm. For tickets and more information, please visit southshoreoktoberfest.com. Waterfront celebration from 10 am to 3 pm:

  • Polka Dancing Demonstrations by LINDance
  • Live German Music by the Bridgewater Fire Department band
  • German – Canadian Cultural Association of Lunenburg County. German History
  • Traditional German Snacks
  • Kids Zone with German themed activities and crafts, Face Painting , inflatables
  • German Settlers Museum Display at Fisheries Museum of The Atlantic
  • Local food vendors with german themed Food
  • South Shore Genealogical Society
  • Bretzels, Roasted Nuts, Strudels, The Cake lady, And more!

Baile nan Gàidheal | Highland Village

Iona, Nova Scotia
highlandvillage.novascotia.ca

People, Places and Stories from a Lifetime of Research in Washabuck
Friday, October 6 starting at 7 pm

Vincent MacLean, a well known authority on local history and genealogy in central Cape Breton, will be the guest speaker at the Joe Neil MacNeil Memorial Lecture at Baile nan Gàidheal | Highland Village.

A native of MacKay’s Point, MacLean has spent decades researching the history, culture, and families of the Iona Peninsula, an area settled by Scottish Gaels from the Outer Hebrides in the early nineteenth century. In recent years, he has also written two books based on this research: These Were My People: Washabuck, An Anecdotal History and These Were My People: Washabuck 1817-2017, Family Sketches and Scullery Anecdotes. Drawing largely on oral tradition, his work has been described as a “treasure house” and “model for historians and storytellers in other communities.”

Frolig Luadhaidh | Milling Frolic
Friday, October 6 and Wednesday, October 11 from 2 pm to 3 pm

Many hands make light work as the saying goes. Join us as we share how the Gaels prepared woven cloth for use, all the while communally singing Gaelic songs in rhythm during the milling frolic. We’ll even teach you how to sing a chorus or two. Regular admission applies.

Eilean Brèagha: Beautiful Island – Official Celtic Colours Concert
Thursday, October 12 at 2 pm

Many hands make light work as the saying goes. Join us as we share how the Gaels prepared woven cloth for use, all the while communally singing Gaelic songs in rhythm during the milling frolic. We’ll even teach you how to sing a chorus or two. Regular admission applies.

Storytelling Tour & Milling Frolic
Saturday, October 14

Have you ever had to leave home? What if you couldn’t return and had to begin a new life somewhere else? Join us for a guided storytelling tour of Baile nan Gàidheal. This special folklife experience will provide you with an understanding of the lives, language, and culture of Nova Scotia Gaels over 250 years. You will have an opportunity to hear Gaelic stories and songs, and even enjoy some tea and traditional Cape Breton oatcakes! Reservations preferred. $40.00 per person

Oidhche nam Bòcan | Night of the Spirits
Friday, October 27 and Saturday, October 28 from 7 pm to 9 pm

Come and celebrate Halloween with a special evening tour of the Highland Village by lamplight, complete with storytelling, skits and special effects. The tour is followed by a storytelling session in “The Tuning Room” with fuarag, oatcakes and more. This is a family activity enjoyed by all. Prepaid reservations are required. No refunds or discounts. Cost $25 per adult, $60 per family, or $15 per student. 7 pm to 9 pm each evening.

Fundy Geological Museum

Parrsboro, Nova Scotia
fundygeological.novascotia.ca

Family Science Fun
Saturday, October 21 from 1 pm to 3 pm

Join the Fundy Geo Museum team to try out fun, science based, Fall themed experiments! Drop-in event. All-ages welcome! Children under 12 must be accompanied by a parent/adult 18 plus. This event is free to attend. Donations are welcome.

Community Craft Day
Friday, October 21 from 12 pm to 2 pm

Monthly Community Craft Days is back. Join friends and neighbours at the Fundy Geological Museum to build and create fun, imaginative Fall crafts. All are welcome. No skill level necessary. Materials will be supplied. This is event is free, just bring your imagination! Community Craft Days are a great way to bring people together, inspire each other and get creative!

Halloween SpooktackUROAR
Saturday, October 28 from 1 pm to 3 pm

Join us on a spooky adventure through pumpkin patches, shipwreck graveyards, and witches’ cauldrons! But watch out, the dinosaurs might be loose! This event is free! Costumes are encouraged! There will be treat bags! Drop-in between 1pm and 3pm. All ages are welcome. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Sunset Hike
Sunday, October 29 at 4:30 pm

Join the Fundy Geological Museum on a Sunset Hike. Meet at the Fundy Geological Museum at 4:30pm and from there we will car-caravan to nearby trail head to hike up to watch the Sunset! Wear comfortable shoes for hiking in, bring water bottles, and bring a flashlight or head lamp. For more details call 902 254 3814.

Sherbrooke Village

Sherbrooke, Nova Scotia
sherbrookevillage.novascotia.ca

Fright Night
Tuesday, October 31 from 5 pm to 8:30 pm

Trick-or-treaters are welcome to our gated site to visit ghoulishly decorated porches throughout the Village.