Award recipients celebrated at Colchester Historical Society Heritage Night

I am pleased to acknowledge and support the valuable work carried out by the Colchester Historical Society. I was unable to attend the event due to commitments in Ottawa. Thank you to Shannon Berry, Colchester Historian Events Coordinator for the photo and story.

The worthy efforts of seven heritage enthusiasts were celebrated May 18, during the society’s annual Heritage Night at the Colchester Historeum Museum and Archives.

Recipients this year include Dr. Lynn Jones, who championed efforts to preserve the history of one of Truro’s black communities through Down the Marsh Community Land Trust; author David C. Clark, whose book Hard Times details the social history of rural life in Nova Scotia in the 1950s and 60s; Leslie Burrows, who penned Giving Back Their Voices, a compilation focused on the Green Oak Graveyard spanning 1850-1944; and Millbrook Culture and Heritage Centre, represented by Heather Stevens, whose staff recently repatriated Mi’kmaw regalia after more than 100 years in Australia.

Also being recognized was the North Shore Archives Society for its ongoing work to promote heritage education; Donna Hogan, for her role in the Truro Music Festival’s 100th anniversary book, More Joyful Noise; and Town of Truro Robert Hilchey Architectural Heritage Award winner Ryan Johnstone for his restoration of the property at 81 Brunswick St. in Truro.

“We were impressed with the diversity of the heritage projects our residents have undertaken in recent years and the turnout for our awards evening was unparalleled,” said Colchester Historical Society president Ken Henderson.

Citations from Cumberland-Colchester MP Dr. Stephen Ellis, represented by Frank Cassidy, were extended to each winner, while personal congratulations were offered by Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River MLA Dave Ritcey throughout the evening.

Heritage Night awards were presented to Dr. Lynn Jones, forefront; back row, from left, David C. Clark, Donna Hogan, Heather Stevens, representing the Millbrook Culture and Heritage Centre; Bill Thompson, representing the North Shore Archives Society; Ryan Johnstone, Town of Truro Robert Hilchey Architectural Heritage Award winner; and Leslie Borrows.

Leslie Burrows, right, a Colchester Historical Society member and local author, was lauded for a historical compilation focused on the Green Oak Graveyard, entitled Giving Back Their Voices. She accepts her award from Colchester Historeum researcher Joanne Hunt.

Dr. Lynn Jones, whose efforts to preserve the history of one of Truro’s black communities through Down the Marsh Community Land Trust, accepts a Heritage Award from Colchester Historical Society member, David Boehm.

David C. Clark, right, receives a Heritage Award from Colchester Historical Society member Terry White. Clark penned Hard Times, a book detailing the social history of rural life in Nova Scotia in the 1950s and 60s.

A book celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Truro Music Festival earned Donna Hogan a Heritage Award. She accepts her plaque from Ken Henderson, Colchester Historical Society president.

Heather Stevens, right, representing the Millbrook Culture and Heritage Centre, accepts a Heritage Award from Colchester Historical Society treasurer, Amy Atkinson. The centre’s staff recently repatriated Mi’kmaw regalia after more than 100 years in Australia.

Ward 3 Truro Town Councillor Cathy Hinton presents the Town of Truro Robert Hilchey Architectural Heritage Award to winner Ryan Johnstone whose restoration of the property at 81 Brunswick St. in Truro earned him special recognition.

The North Shore Archives Society, represented by Bill Thompson, right, was honoured with a Heritage Award presented by Colchester Historical Society president Ken Henderson. The society was recognized for its ongoing work to promote heritage education.