The Dutch Presence in Colchester The Colchester Historical Society is thrilled to present the story of The Dutch Presence in Colchester. Six months worth of research, interviews and the collection of photographs and mementos resulted in an extensive exhibit told in the words of members of the local Dutch community. The display begins with the story of Holland during the Second World War with stories and photographs of the experiences of local residents, either as children or adults. Images and recollections of veterans, both Dutch and the Canadians who served in Holland during the Liberation are featured. The conditions in Holland at the end of hostilities and in Nova Scotia’s agricultural sector are examined, with the beginnings of the Land Settlement Board which played a major role in assisting newly arrived immigrants. Several videos on this theme are offered for your enjoyment. The part played in helping the newcomers to adjust by the Christian Reformed Church and the Catholic Church is examined. Memories of the trip across the Atlantic and early days in Canada make up an important part of the exhibit. Binders containing the stories, photographs and genealogies are available for each family. In the children’s corner there are many activities for the younger set, including Dutch bonnets and wooden shoes in several sizes. Examples of wonderful embroidery done by some of the ladies from the community are part of the display.

A Time to Remember On display on the third floor visitors will see a new addition to our collection donated by the Morgan Family. Charles P. Morgan was a clockmaker who made his first grandfather clock in 1878. This unique clock has now found a permanent home at the Museum. Along with the clock, visitors can read geneaological material on the Morgan family as well as historical information and family photographs. Also on display is a selection of antique clocks from our collection and interesting archival photographs of Truro adorn the walls.

Remembering The Norrie’s - Margaret & James P. Margaret Fawcett was a 27-year-old instructor and assistant dean of women at Mount Allison University when she was invited to go to Quebec in 1933. In Quebec she met and fell in love with an adventurous mining engineer from Colchester County, J. P. Norrie. J. P. was a member of the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame who opened up many profitable mines in Northern Canada. Margaret Fawcett Norrie is well known as Nova Scotia's first female senator in the Canadian Senate. This exhibit tells the story of their lives with mementos, photographs, art work and correspondence. Biographies of both Margaret and J. P. Norrie are for sale in our gift shop. This exhibit was opened by Margaret (Norrie) McCain will remain open until the spring of 2009. Their combined generosity has made this exhibit possible.

Roses from the Heart Truro resident Ina Major has made 10 bonnets in memory of women who were forcibly exiled from the British Isles from the late 1700s. Sometimes these women were found guilty of the most minor offenses, like vagrancy, yet were sent to distant locations. At times the women were forced off the ships once they reached their destinations, sometimes far from settled areas. Each bonnet is being made to honour the memory of a specific woman and is embroidered with the convict's name, the name of the ship on which they sailed, and the date they set sail. The ten bonnets made by Ms. Major have been created for women who were abandoned on the coast of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. The bonnets will be on display at the Colchester Historical Society Museum for the summer with more information on this little known story.

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