Museums in New Brunswick offer a living glimpse into the storied past of one of Canada's oldest provinces. Each museum provides a unique window into the different aspects of regional and national history, encompassing natural sciences, arts, cultural history, and much more. Here are the top 10 museums in New Brunswick that provide captivating insights into the past.
Time Travel Awaits
1. New Brunswick Museum
Temporarily Closed - The New Brunswick Museum, located in Saint John, is the oldest established museum in Canada. It showcases a diverse collection spanning natural sciences, arts, and cultural history. Highlights include extensive galleries of marine mammals, regional archaeology, and Canadian art. The museum also features significant geological and paleontological exhibits, emphasizing the rich heritage and natural landscape of New Brunswick.
2. Carleton Martello Tower National Historic Site
Temporarily Closed - The Carleton Martello Tower in Saint John, New Brunswick, dates back to 1813, built for the War of 1812. This cylindrical stone fortification was part of a defense network and used through both World Wars. The site offers panoramic views of the city and harbor, an exhibit on the tower's military history, and restored barracks from WWII. It symbolizes the enduring peace between the U.S. and Canada post-war.
3. Science East
Science East is an interactive museum located in Fredericton, New Brunswick, housed in the city's old York County Jail. It offers over 150 hands-on exhibits focusing on science and technology themes, aiming to make learning enjoyable and accessible for all ages. The center also hosts educational programs, camps, and workshops to inspire a deeper interest in science among children and the community.
4. New Brunswick Railway Museum
The New Brunswick Railway Museum, located in Hillsborough, celebrates the region's rich railway heritage. Housed in the former Canadian National Railway station, it showcases a collection of historic trains, artifacts, and memorabilia. Visitors can explore restored passenger cars, freight equipment, and a model railway display. The museum offers a vivid glimpse into the impact of rail transport on local development, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and train lovers alike.
5. Kings Landing Historical Settlement
Kings Landing Historical Settlement in New Brunswick, Canada, is a vibrant living history museum. It recreates 19th-century rural life, featuring over 70 historic buildings populated by costumed interpreters. Visitors can explore blacksmith shops, farms, and schools, engaging in period-appropriate activities like churning butter or watching oxen plow fields. It offers an immersive glimpse into the daily lives of settlers, emphasizing the rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship of the era.
6. Atlantic Salmon Museum
The Atlantic Salmon Museum in Doaktown, New Brunswick, founded in 1983, celebrates the cultural and economic significance of Atlantic salmon. It features over 5,000 artifacts, including fishing gear and historical documents, an aquarium, a gift shop, and a summer camp focused on salmon conservation. The museum also hosts an annual Hall of Fame event honouring notable contributions to the salmon fishing community.
7. Albert County Museum
The Albert County Museum in Hopewell Cape, New Brunswick, showcases the region's rich cultural heritage. Set in an 1845 courthouse complex, the museum features exhibits on local history, including the story of convicted axe murderer Tom Collins. Highlights include a restored jail, artifacts from the area’s shipbuilding era, and memorabilia from World War I. It's also home to the R.B. Bennett Commemorative Centre, celebrating the former Canadian Prime Minister from Albert County.
8. Village Historique Acadien
The Village Historique Acadien, located near Caraquet, New Brunswick, is a vibrant living museum that recreates Acadian life from the late 18th to early 20th centuries. Visitors can explore over 40 historical buildings, each staffed by costumed interpreters who demonstrate traditional Acadian crafts, farming techniques, and daily activities. This immersive experience offers a deep dive into Acadian culture and heritage, making history come alive in a unique and educational way.
9. Charlotte County Museum
Charlotte County Museum, situated in St. Stephen, New Brunswick—Canada's "Chocolate Town"—preserves the region's rich heritage. Located in the historic 1903 Post Office building, it offers exhibits on local industries, maritime history, and daily life, including a special focus on the town's famous chocolate manufacturing. Visitors can explore a variety of artifacts from Indigenous history to the evolution of local businesses, making it a must-visit for those interested in both historical depth and chocolate delights.
10. Queens County Heritage
Queens County Heritage in New Brunswick operates museums and historic sites that preserve the region’s rich history. Key locations include the 1838 Queens County Court House and the Tilley House, once home to Father of Confederation Sir Samuel Leonard Tilley. This organization provides educational programs, exhibitions, and special events that highlight the cultural heritage and pivotal contributions of the area to New Brunswick’s development.
A visit to any of these top museums in New Brunswick will leave you enriched with knowledge and a deeper appreciation for the province's historical landscape. From the oldest established museum in Canada to vibrant living history museums that recreate 19th-century life, these institutions collectively celebrate the rich tapestry of New Brunswick's heritage. Whether you're a history buff, a train enthusiast, or someone who enjoys interactive learning experiences, these museums offer something intriguing for everyone.