Nova Scotia Museum of Industry

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About Collections

The Nova Scotia Museum of Industry collection reflects the industrial past, present and future of industry in Nova Scotia. The collection represents the technology used in industry and the work and home life of industrial workers throughout the province. The collection consists of large industrial objects such as locomotives, stationary steam engines and earth moving equipment associated with industries such as coal mining, steel making, and electric power generation. Among the most significant of these items is the locomotive Samson, the first steam locomotive to operate on iron rails in British North America. The collection also consists of machinery and tools from the manufacturing sector such as machine shop tools, wood lathes, and textile looms in addition to items from light industry such as office and printing equipment. A significant portion of the collection also captures the human dimension of industry through items such as lunch pails, union pins, hats, and items relating to the leisure activities of the working class.

Approximate number of objects in the collections: 18,000

Archives

Collection consists of photographs, prints, drawings, map, plans, films, video and sound recordings relating to industry in Nova Scotia.

Architectural Records • Prints and Drawings • Manuscripts • Films and Videos • Photographs • Sound Recordings • Textual Records

Decorative Arts

Collection consists of items from the homes of workers in Nova Scotia or items made in Nova Scotia such as Trenton Glass and Amherst Pianos.

Ceramics, Porcelain or Pottery • Costumes • Furniture or Furnishings • Glass • Metalwork, Silverwork or Goldwork • Musical Instruments • Textiles or Tapestries

Human History

Archaeological Objects • Ceremonial Objects • Clocks or Time-Keeping Devices • Communications Devices • Computing Technology • Costumes and Accessories • Electricity • Exploration and Survey • Fisheries • Forestry • Furniture or Furnishings • Household Objects or Domestic Technology • Industrial Technology and History • Maps, Charts, Plans or Blueprints • Marine History and Technology • Medals • Memorabilia • Musical Instruments • Printing and Bookbinding • Sports Equipment • Toys and Games • Transportation : Motorized ground : Railway

Services & Activities

Research Services

Library

Educational Programs

From September to June, the Museum of Industry offers curriculum-related, gallery-based programming such as "An Introduction to the Museum of Industry", "Pre-Industrial Technology", "Power". "Simple Machines", "Child Labour", and "Y2K Day" to schools. All programmes involve a hands-on component. Self-directed and guided tours of the Museum are available year-round. Pre-visit materials, resource lists as well as suggestions for post-visit activities are available upon request. A brief Educator's Guide to the Museum of Industry accompanies written comfirmation of Museum classes and/or tours
Teachers booking curriculum-supplementary visits are encourged to contact the Museum at least four weeks in advance.
To compliment your visit to the Museum of Industry, quizzes are available for various age and grade levels, and focus on interpretation of the Museum's artifacts and exhibits. Quizzes for self-discovery tours are also available.
Want to learn more about railways in Nova Scotia? Coal? Mining? Fisheries? We can taylor your class or community group visit to focus on a specific topic or theme. One month's lead time is required.

Classes or Workshops • Demonstrations • Family Programs • Internships • Lectures • School Programs

Visitor Services

Tourist Information

Guided Tours : English • Information Centre or Desk • Parking Facilities : Free : Bus • Gift shop • Special Needs Facilities : Parking : Signs : Washrooms : Wheelchairs available : Wheelchair access • Cloakroom • Washrooms • Children's Activities or Services : Strollers Available : Nursing area or Change Table

Food Services

Vending Machines

Snack Bar or Vending Machines • Picnic Area • Reception Facilities

Other Services

Facility rentals for meetings, conventions, tradeshows, weddings.

Publications & Products

Postcards and souvenirs relating to Museum of Industry collection.

Other: Handcrafts, Seagull Pewter, Grohmann Knives, East Coast Music