Seasonal stories & historical reading
History of Nova Scotia, Canada
Journey back in time to Nova Scotia, Canada
Explore the history, people, photographs, newspapers, postcards, and genealogy connected to Nova Scotia, Canada.
ABOUT THE PLACE
About Nova Scotia
"Nova Scotia is Canada’s second-smallest province (following Prince Edward Island) and is located on the southeastern coast of the country." www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca
"Nova Scotia is Latin for “New Scotland”. The province was named by Sir William Alexander who was given the land by King James VI of Scotland in 1621. Prior to its official naming, the First Nations knew it as “Mi’kma’ki”, the French called it “Acadia”, and the British were already familiar with calling the land “New Scotland”." www.nrcan.gc.ca
"Atlantic Canada (includes the Maritimes -- Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island -- and Newfoundland): Primarily of British descent, the residents of the less prosperous Atlantic provinces of eastern Canada are generally more reserved, stolid, provincial and old-fashioned. Newfoundland is unique, with a dialect and culture that draws comparisons with the Irish and the people of western England." ediplomat.com
"Nova Scotia is Latin for “New Scotland”. The province was named by Sir William Alexander who was given the land by King James VI of Scotland in 1621. Prior to its official naming, the First Nations knew it as “Mi’kma’ki”, the French called it “Acadia”, and the British were already familiar with calling the land “New Scotland”." www.nrcan.gc.ca
"Atlantic Canada (includes the Maritimes -- Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island -- and Newfoundland): Primarily of British descent, the residents of the less prosperous Atlantic provinces of eastern Canada are generally more reserved, stolid, provincial and old-fashioned. Newfoundland is unique, with a dialect and culture that draws comparisons with the Irish and the people of western England." ediplomat.com
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VINTAGE NOVA SCOTIA
Nova Scotia Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Nova Scotia, Canada
Postcard
North Avenue, Canning, N.S.
Nova Scotia, Canada
Map
www.freeusandworldmaps.com
Nova Scotia, Canada
Postcard
Civic Building, Truro, N.S.
Nova Scotia, Canada
Postcard
The Armouries, Amherst, Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia, Canada
Photo taken by us
Church of the Good Shepherd
842 Tidnish Head Road, Tidnish Cross Roads, Nova Scotia
built in 1892
www.historicplaces.ca/ en/ rep-reg/ place-lieu.aspx?id=11001
842 Tidnish Head Road, Tidnish Cross Roads, Nova Scotia
built in 1892
www.historicplaces.ca/ en/ rep-reg/ place-lieu.aspx?id=11001
Nova Scotia, Canada
Photo taken by us
Graves of Charles Chappell and his wife, Eleanor Thompson, first settlers of Tidnish, Nova Scotia
Genealogy gifts & optional resources
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Genealogy Gifts & Resources Related to NOVA SCOTIA
CHRISTMAS - FRENCH CANADIAN Coffee Mug – Celebrate Family, Heritage, and Holiday Cheer
Sip Christmas the way your ancestors would have loved it with this festive French-Canadian coffee mug. Featuring the elegant greeting “Joyeuses fêtes de Noël à vous et vos proches!” (Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones), it’s perfect for genealogy enthusiasts, Francophiles, and anyone who cherishes family traditions. Joyeuses fêtes de Noël – literally “Happy Christmas holidays,” which is a common way to wish someone a merry Christmas and holiday season in French. à vous et vos proches – “to you and your loved ones,” adding a friendly, inclusive touch.
CANADA - Canadian Roots Genealogy Coffee Mug - Curling and Olympics
"My ancestors came from Canada. That explains a lot about my love for curling and watching the Olympics!"
CANADA - Canadian Roots Ceramic Coffee Mug - Maple Syrup and Apologies Edition - Genealogy
Embrace your Canadian heritage with our "My ancestors came from Canada" ceramic coffee mug! Perfect for sipping your favorite brew while reflecting on your roots, this mug features a moose sampling maple syrup and a humorous caption that reads, "My ancestors came from Canada. That explains a lot about my love for maple syrup and apologizing!" Whether you're enjoying your morning coffee or unwinding with an evening tea, this mug is sure to bring a smile to your face.
NOVA SCOTIA Ancestry Mug with Attitude - Sarcasm, Chowder & Thick Socks
Celebrate your Nova Scotia roots with this fun and relatable heritage mug! Featuring the witty caption “My Ancestors Came from Nova Scotia. That explains a lot about my love for chowder, sarcasm and thick socks!”, this mug is perfect for anyone proud of their East Coast ancestry and sharp sense of humor.
LOCAL HISTORY
Discover Nova Scotia: History, News, Travel, and Stories
Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped Nova Scotia through the years.
1713 - Treaty of Utrecht gave Nova Scotia to British; Nova Scotia became British colony
(1755 - 1763) Great Upheaval - French Acadians transferred to other British-controlled colonies, thousands die
1762—British population of Nova Scotia : 8,104.
1763 - French ceded Cape Breton Island, New Brunswick, St. John's Island (now Prince Edward Island) to British in the Treaty of Paris; joined to Nova Scotia
1763 Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia was then open to emigrants, and speculation was busy with its lands. Fnnns and townships were thrown into the market, and adventurers were eager to take possession of the vacated seats of the exiled Acadians.
By the treaty of peace in 1763, this territory was confirmed to the English. The provincial government caused it to be distributed into towns and sections, and lots were offered to actual settlers on easy terms.
By the treaty of peace in 1763, this territory was confirmed to the English. The provincial government caused it to be distributed into towns and sections, and lots were offered to actual settlers on easy terms.
1784 - Cape Breton Island, New Brunswick became independent colonies
1807--Population of Nova Scotia, estimated at 65,000.
1817--Population of Nova Scotia : 81,351.
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1820 - Cape Breton Island rejoined Nova Scotia
1838--Population of Nova Scotia : 202,575.
1849 - Nova Scotia first colony in British North America, British Empire to become self-governing
1861 - Howe becomes Premier of Nova Scotia.
1861--Population of Nova Scotia : 330,857.
1867 - New Brunswick and Nova Scotia joined Ontario and Quebec in the new Dominion of Canada; Honourable Sir Narcisse-Fortunat Belleau appointed first lieutenant-governor; Pierre-Joseph-Oliver Chauveau became first premier
1869 - It is said that 121 vessels were sunk or beached on the coat of new Brunswick and Nova Scotia by the recent tidal wave.
1873 - The SS Atlantic, sunk near Peggy's Point, Nova Scotia, 547 killed
Nova Scotia cyclone sank over 1,000 ships, destroyed bridges, wharves, homes, churches; killed 500
1873
NOVA SCOTIA, (originally ACADIA,) a province of the Dominion of Canada, lying between 43° 25" and 47° N. lat., and between 59° 40' and 66° 25' W. lon. It consists of a long, narrow peninsula called Nova Scotia proper, and the Island of Cape Breton, which is separated from the mainland by the Strait of Canso. It is bounded N. by Northumberland Strait (which separates it from Prince Edward Island) and by the Gulf of St. Lawrence; N.E., S. and S.E., by the Atlantic Ocean; W. by the Bay of Fundy; and N. by New Brunswick, with which it is connected by an isthmus only 11 miles wide, separating the Bay of Fundy from Northumberland Strait. Greatest length from S. W. to N. E., 350 miles; greatest breadth, about 120 miles; area 21,731 square miles, equal to 13,332,003 acres.
The country is beautifully variegated by ranges of lofty hills and broad valleys, both of which run longitudinally through the province. Its Atlantic frontier, for 5 to 10 miles inland, is composed chiefly of a poor...
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The country is beautifully variegated by ranges of lofty hills and broad valleys, both of which run longitudinally through the province. Its Atlantic frontier, for 5 to 10 miles inland, is composed chiefly of a poor...
1891 - February 21 – Springhill, Nova Scotia, suffers a serious mining disaster.
In Nova Scotia in 1901 there were over 45,000 people of French origin, almost 10% of the total population.
The right to be educated in French and to have a French language media was a continuing struggle. Congresses met regularly, putting together an economic program and adopting political positions.
1907 - First recorded flight in Canada occurred at Baddeck, Nova Scotia
1955 - Canso Causeway between mainland Nova Scotia and Cape Breton Island completed
There's something for everyone in Nova Scotia. Here's a list of places to go and things to do in this charming province:
Peggy's Cove: Start your Nova Scotia adventure at this iconic fishing village. Marvel at the picturesque lighthouse perched on granite rocks and explore the quaint shops and galleries.
Cabot Trail: Drive or hike along this breathtaking trail that winds through Cape Breton Highlands National Park. The views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence are simply spectacular.
Annapolis Valley: Known as the province's fruit basket, this region is famous for its vineyards and orchards. Don't miss the opportunity to go wine tasting and apple picking.
Halifax: Nova Scotia's capital city is full of history and culture. Explore the historic waterfront, visit the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, and enjoy the vibrant food scene.
Lunenburg: This UNESCO World Heritage site is a well-preserved 18th-century British colonial town. Wander its colorful streets, visit the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, and taste some fresh seafood.
Bay of Fundy: Experience the highest tides in the world at this...
Read more
Cabot Trail: Drive or hike along this breathtaking trail that winds through Cape Breton Highlands National Park. The views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence are simply spectacular.
Annapolis Valley: Known as the province's fruit basket, this region is famous for its vineyards and orchards. Don't miss the opportunity to go wine tasting and apple picking.
Halifax: Nova Scotia's capital city is full of history and culture. Explore the historic waterfront, visit the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, and enjoy the vibrant food scene.
Lunenburg: This UNESCO World Heritage site is a well-preserved 18th-century British colonial town. Wander its colorful streets, visit the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, and taste some fresh seafood.
Bay of Fundy: Experience the highest tides in the world at this...
GENEALOGY IN NOVA SCOTIA
Discover YOUR Roots: Nova Scotia Ancestry
Explore ancestors connected to Nova Scotia through births, deaths, marriages, cemeteries, and local genealogy resources.
BIRTHS & DEATHS
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Nova Scotia, Canada
We currently have information about 377 ancestors who were born or died in Nova Scotia.
View ancestors by year of birthMARRIAGES
Ancestors Who Were Married in Nova Scotia, Canada
We currently have information about ancestors who were married in Nova Scotia.
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Updated: 1/29/2026 2:31:06 PM
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