19th century post office adds a new element to interactive Acadian tourist attraction
August 26, 2014 – Lower West Pubnico, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Le Village Historique Acadien de la Nouvelle-Écosse (VHANE) is expanding with the restoration of a post office and shoe shop built in 1885. Visitors to the Village will be able to mail post cards from the fully restored post office while also learning about artifacts and tools associated with shoe-making and repairs, circa 1900.
VHANE is a not-for-profit organization, incorporated in 1996, with the goal of providing a better understanding and appreciation of Acadian culture. The Village, located in one of the oldest Acadian regions and overlooking Pubnico Harbour, takes visitors back in time to the early 1900s through ongoing restorations of historical buildings, period costumes and displays. This project will help VHANE to continue to meet its goal of providing visitors with an optimum experience in terms of historically accuracy and interactivity.
The Government of Canada, through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund, is providing a contribution of $32,637 to support infrastructure restoration, as announced today by Member of Parliament Greg Kerr. The Government of Nova Scotia invested $10,953 through the Department of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism. Additionally, the Municipality of the District of Argyle support included $1,600.
Quick Facts:
- The community of Pubnico is one of the few Acadian communities where the majority of today’s residents are direct descendants of the founding settlers.
- The Village first opened as a tourism location in 1999. The concept of the Village was created by the Société Historique Acadienne de Pubnico-Ouest in 1989.
- The Village includes a blacksmith shop, the Augustin d'Eon Fish Shed and salt fish drying racks, a boat shop, the Abbott Harbour Lighthouse, a small village farm, and an amphitheater featuring lively Acadian music.
Quotes:
“Our Government is pleased to support projects such as this one that help stimulate tourism across the province and strengthen the economic capacity of rural communities. Our investment will allow Le Village Historique Acadien de la Nouvelle-Écosse to restore a 19th century post office, adding another authentic element to the Village and helping to preserve an important piece of Acadian heritage.”
- Greg Kerr, Member of Parliament for West Nova, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (ACOA)
“Many visitors to Nova Scotia are drawn here because of our unique culture and heritage. By improving these historical attractions, we’re better able to tell our story and give tourists the memorable experiences they want. This project is a great addition to the growing number of quality attractions in southwest Nova Scotia which are drawing in more visitors to the area.”
- Michel Samson, Nova Scotia Minister of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism
“This restoration project will improve the visitor experience by adding another interactive element to the Village. It is our goal to protect and preserve the Acadian culture, and expanding the Village does just that.”
- Germaine d’Eon, President, le Village Historique Acadien de la Nouvelle-Écosse Society
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Contacts:
Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241
Alex Smith
Director, Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
Email: Alex.Smith@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Toby Koffman
Media Relations Advisor
Province of Nova Scotia
902-424-4482 / 902-483-5847 (cell)
Email: koffmatg@gov.ns.ca
Roger d'Entremont
Executive Director
Le Village Historique Acadien de la Nouvelle-Écosse
(902) 762-2530
Email: villagehistorique@ns.aliantzinc.ca
