The Mi’kmaq were once known as the porcupine Indians. Their incredible skill in crafting art pieces out of only birch bark and porcupine quills is a wonder to see. The story of their settlements and historic use of the land and rivers around Petite and LaHave is yours to explore at the museum.

The small quillwork container pictured here is a lovely example of the items which would have been crafted for trade by native Mi’kmaq women.

The museum grounds celebrate Mi’kmaq heritage with a small interpretive village including a teepee, communal fire setting, and native plant medicine knowledge. Local Mi’kmaq community members often sell and showcase many of their traditional crafts at our heritage events.

Sir Isaac de Razilly's family coat of arms done in stain glass is a stunning piece of art at the museum. Razilly landed here in 1632. Intent on establishing a permanent settlement in LaHave, Fort Saint Marie de Grace was named the first capital of New France and was a well established fort with as many as 40 canons and 100 settlers, before Razilly's untimely death.

European settlement of Canada began with Fort Point, when Razilly established the first capital of what was then called ‘New France’ in 1632. Among the displays chronicling this story and other aspects of Acadian history in the LaHave area, visitors can hold one of the hand made bricks from France which were used as ballast in the ships carrying new settlers here, then used to construct the base of the fort itself.

This is a reconstruction of an authentic oven of the type used by the Acadians. It is made of "bousillage", or cob, a mixture of clay, straw and gravel or coarse sand and was used to bake everything from bread to cookies. Visit during a festival and be sure to try some bannok from the oven.

Daily life as a settler was filled with hard chores. Come share the stories of the families who made their home here are.

Our adjacent cemetery contains generations of the area’s founding families and is a fascinating walk through time.

From its history as a Mi’kmaq portage trade route, through to the days of tall ships, fishing schooners, and trading ships, to today’s essential cable ferry and recreational boating, the LaHave river has been an important waterway with the people who live and work the here. Come enjoy our exhibits and photos showcasing the river’s many past lives.

The museum is housed in the LaHave Lighthouse Keeper’s original home. Although the lighthouse is now gone, the proud history of its vital role in helping sailors navigate the dangerous seas remains.

Traditional sea faring beliefs were that women on board were unlucky. Figureheads however were most always women and believed to be the best navigators. The eyes of the female figurehead were thought to help a ship find its way through the seas when lost. 

Four masted schooners such as the Jean F. Anderson and the Lillian Kerr were famous local ships that sailed out of LaHave. From LaHave to Newfoundland to Morocco and the West Indies these ships traded goods like molasses, coal, fish and lumber. Come learn about Capt “Andy” a famous local captain and ship builder.

The museum strives to celebrate a wide range of of LaHave heritage. Special summer exhibits often showcase local artisans and their unique maritime influenced art.