|
Railway Museums &
Attractions
MUSQUODOBOIT
HARBOUR RAILWAY MUSEUM
Our Railway Heritage...
For scenic variety and beauty, there were few
lines to rival the route of the Musquodoboit Railway.
From Windsor Junction, the line passed through
Dartmouth, and then followed the Atlantic Shore, skirting beaches and
fishing communities before turning inland. It passed salt marshes,
crossed sparkling lakes and eventually reached Musquodoboit Harbour.
From there, it followed the river into the rolling farmlands of the
Musquodoboit Valley.
Prior to its completion, residents had to rely on
boats or travel slow, rough roads to transport goods into the region.
In 1896, the first of several companies was formed
with plans to extend the railway from Dartmouth to Guysborough, via the
Musquodoboit Valley.
However, it took another 12 years before a survey
of the route was even started. A year later, the Halifax and Eastern
Railway Company sold the plans for the line to the Dominion Government.
Construction finally began in 1912 and, on July 1, 1916, the line was
officially opened to Upper Musquodoboit.
The coming of the Railway brought many changes to
the region. The economy got an immediate boost as lumber, pulpwood,
limestone and beach gravel were moved to markets. The Railway brought
regular passenger service to the region and general merchandise to
waiting customers.
As the popularity of the automobile increased and
as improvements were made to local roads, the importance of the railway
decreased. The 1950's saw a gradual decline in rail traffic. Passenger
service finally ended in 1960 and, while freight traffic continued until
1982, the writing was on the wall. The track, itself, was removed in
1985.
Our Museum...
The Musquodoboit Railway Museum is housed in a
restored 1918 Intercolonial Railway station in the centre of
Musquodoboit Harbour. It provides a beautiful example of our
architectural heritage and an ideal home for our large collection of
Nova Scotia railway memorabilia.
The collection includes a caboose, a snowplow, a
shunter and an old CP combination car. Also included are assorted
baggage wagons, a pump car and equipment used by the people who worked
on the railway. The collection features a large selection of telegraph
equipment and numerous photographs, documents and books related to rail
travel in Nova Scotia.
Visitors are encouraged to explore the museum, and
learn more about our railway heritage.
The Musquodoboit Railway Museum is supported by
the many hours of dedicated service provided by volunteers and the
generous contributions made by private donors. Through their efforts, we
are able to preserve the history of our transportation legacy for future
generations.
Also at the Museum...
Tourist Information Centre:
The Museum is also home to a Tourist Information Bureau. Visit
us for information about local attractions, places of interest and
events happening in our region. We have a knowledgable staff ready to
help you.
"Whistle Stop" Gift
Shop:
Once you've toured the Museum, make sure you stop into our
quaint little Gift Shop. Housed in the former waiting room designated
for women, the Shop offers a wide selection of train memorabilia,
t-shirts, souvenirs and post cards. We also carry a selection of items
from local crafts people. Plan to take something home from your visit
to the Musquodoboit Railway Station.
"Rails to Trails":
Consider hiking along the old railbed north along the
Musquodoboit River. You can pick up the Trail on the other side of the
Community Centre. Ask our staff for details.
Enjoy your visit and feel free to stay a while. We
have plenty of parking and a quiet picnic area for your convenience.
How to Find Us...
The Musquodoboit Railway Museum is located on
Highway 7, near the junction of Highway 357, in the centre of
Musquodoboit Harbour. We are located just 40 kilometres from Dartmouth
along Nova Scotia's Marine Drive.
For more information phone:
1-902-889-2689
Hours of Operation...
May 15 - Thanksgiving Day
9 am - 6 pm (July and August)
9 am - 4 pm (After Labour Day)
Operated by ...
The Musquodoboit Harbour Heritage Society
A non-profit society dedicated to preserving the
historical and cultural heritage of the area.
Consider becoming a "Friend of the
Museum". Your contribution will help us preserve Nova Scotia's
railway heritage. If you would like to become a member send your name
and adress with your $10.00 membership to:
The Musquodoboit Harbour
Heritage Society
P.O. Box 303
Musquodoboit Harbour,
Nova Scotia
B0J 2L0
[ MAIN
PAGE ]
|
