Province, Federal Government Invest in North Highland Community Museum

The North Highlands Community Museum has a Settlers' Garden and restored MacIsaac Forge, thanks to a more than $80,000 investment by the province and federal government.

The announcement was made today, Aug. 3, by Tourism, Culture and Heritage Minister Bill Dooks and Peter MacKay, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, at the grand opening in Cape North, Victoria Co.

"The province is pleased to invest in projects that benefit local communities and help museums attract visitors," said Mr. Dooks. "This project helps people discover our rich past while preserving Nova Scotia's culture and heritage for future generations."

Mr. MacKay said the investment will help tourism in the area.

"Through Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation's investment of over $50,000, the federal government is supporting a project that enhances the local tourism industry," said Mr. MacKay. "This project will add to the ongoing work of the North Highlands Community Museum to preserve and interpret the culture and heritage that attracts visitors to Cape Breton."

"The North Highlands Community Organization plays a significant role in preserving and presenting the cultural heritage of northern Cape Breton Island," said Rob MacDonald, acting chair of the organization. "The MacIsaac Forge and Settlers' Garden will enhance our visitors' experience.

"Forges and gardens were an integral part of community and family life for the early settlers of the Cape Breton Highlands."

The project cost more than $90,000. Enterprise Cape Breton provided $50,570 through ACOA's Innovative Communities Fund. The province provided grants totalling $30,000 and the museum contributed $10,000. Four high school students will receive blacksmith training as part of this project and will demonstrate their skills in the forge for visitors.

The North Highlands Community Museum hosts professionally crafted interpretive exhibits about the way of life of the early northern Cape Breton settlers. Feature topics include gypsum quarrying, stores, church histories, shipwrecks, furnishings, school and transportation.

Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation offers programs in support of economic development initiatives and is responsible for delivering ACOA's programs on Cape Breton Island and in the Mulgrave area.