In its eighth annual salute to heritage, Parks Canada is joining with the heritage community in Annapolis Royal to celebrate Heritage Day as part of a “Heritage Weekend” from February 15 to 18.
Heritage buildings and the secrets they hold will be the focus of the weekend-long program of activities in Annapolis Royal:
Friday, Feb. 15
Friday night opens with a reception at St. Luke’s Hall starting at 7:30 p.m. with historian John Johnston who will share stories of Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site in this, its 300th anniversary year.
Saturday, Feb. 16
From 9 a.m. to noon, make your way to Fort Anne National Historic Site – another unique Heritage feature in Annapolis Royal where (if the snow returns) you can try to sculpt those Vauban fortifications. If there is no snow, we will have some recreational fun!
At the Historic Gardens, enjoy the farmers’ market and take time to walk or snowshoe around the gardens and explore the unique architecture of the reproduction Acadian cottage.
Meet Alan Melanson at 2 p.m. at the main driveway entrance to Fort Anne NHS for a guided walk of the downtown area. Tour ends at the O’Dell House museums with some warm refreshments.
Sunday, Feb. 17
At 2 p.m. at the Annapolis Royal Library, local blacksmith Brad Allen will share stories of his hike though Scotland – its landscapes, communities and people.
Monday, Feb. 18
HERITAGE DAY -From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., drop in to Fort Anne National Historic Site to take a look at some of the more unusual items in the collection that typically are not part of the regular exhibits. Parks Canada conservator Colleen Day will be on hand to show you how the collections are cared for, and help you try your hand at some basic conservation techniques if you’d like.
For more information about special and regular activities at Fort Anne National Historic Site, please go to www.parkscanada.gc.ca/fortanne or call 902-532-2321.
