New Heritage Property in Annapolis Valley

A historic cemetery in the Annapolis Valley is the most recent property to receive a provincial heritage property designation.

David Morse, Minister of Community Services, unveiled a plaque at Morse Cemetery in Carleton Corner, Annapolis Co., today, Nov. 4, on behalf of Rodney MacDonald, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage.

"We are committed to preserving historically significant places in Nova Scotia which our collective heritage is built upon," said Mr. Morse. "This old, family cemetery will take its place among the province's varied list of registered heritage properties."

The Morse Cemetery is culturally significant for its role as a private, family cemetery for the descendants of Abner and Anna (Church) Morse, two of the earliest New England settlers to come to Nova Scotia.

The Morses arrived with a brother, Samuel Morse, his family, and other settlers aboard the vessel Charming Molly, which landed at Annapolis Royal in 1760.

Abner and Anna Morse are buried in the cemetery, which was created around 1790, along with 18 other members of the extended Morse family.

Mr. Morse, a descendant of early Morse settlers, joined other descendants, family members and invited guests at the plaque unveiling ceremony.

Nova Scotia has about 1,500 provincially and municipally registered heritage properties. For more information, see the website at www.NShistoricplaces.ca .