Pictou, N.S.
The federal and provincial government are joining forces with the Town of Pictou and the Ship Hector Society to help shine a spotlight on the Ship Hector.
In anticipation of the 250th anniversary in 2023 of the landing of the Ship Hector, the Government of Canada, the Province of Nova Scotia and the Town of Pictou are helping the Ship Hector Society develop an interpretive and operational plan to rejuvenate the Hector Heritage Quay site to help enhance its tourism and cultural impacts for the area.
The investment was welcome news for the Ship Hector Society.
“The Ship Hector is to Canada as the Mayflower is to the United States,” said Laurie MacDonald, chair of the Ship Hector Society. “The combined investment in this plan will help recognize the early Scottish settlers’ impact on North America’s development, as well as the importance of the strong relationship these settlers cultivated with the First Nations people which began with their arrival in 1773.”
On Tuesday, Dec. 18, Central Nova MP Sean Fraser announced ACOAs support of $25,000 to the Ship Hector Society for this project.
“The Hector Heritage Quay site is a significant part of Nova Scotia’s history and offers insight into the story of how the province was first settled. This site has been featured on the global stage and drives significant traffic to the region,” Fraser said. “This initiative will strengthen the Hector Heritage Quay, share this province’s rich history and ensure it lives on for future generations.”
Nova Scotia Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage Leo Glavine said the investment in the Hector Heritage Quay site will highlight the province’s heritage and allow Nova Scotians and visitors to discover more about a significant part of the area’s history.
“Through the Culture Action Plan, we are building stronger communities and preserving and sharing the diversity of cultures that constitutes our provincial identity,” he said.
The province is contributing $10,000 to the project.
Pictou Mayor Jim Ryan described the Ship Hector and the Hector Heritage Quay as signature attractions for the town and Northumberland shore.
"We are extremely thankful for the ongoing efforts of the Ship Hector Society and the contributions from all levels of government in preserving and enhancing this valuable cultural experience,” he said.
Did you know:
• The Hector Heritage Quay site includes an interpretation centre, a full-size replica of the ship Hector, as well a blacksmith and carpentry shops.
• The Hector was the ship that brought the first Scottish settlers directly from Scotland to the region in 1773 and is known as Canada’s ‘Mayflower’.
• Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall visited the Ship Hector replica in 2014.
• The site has been owned and managed by the Ship Hector Society since 2010 and attracts approximately 12,500 visitors to the town each year.
• The site is operated by volunteers who contribute thousands of hours each year to keep the site open and history alive.
