Bear River Historical Society & Museum

10/17/2026

waiting for the tide to come in

10/15/2026

bridge over the river at Smith’s Cove NS

10/15/2026

Ash splint baskets, like this one, played a crucial role in the economic survival of many Mi’kmaw people. Originally made for domestic use and occasional trading, these baskets became an important commodity starting in the 1700s with the influx of European settlers.

This potato basket was made by the late Noel and Rita Smith, whose baskets are prized as much for their artistry as their utility. Notice that the wooden bail handle is lashed with splint inserted into wooden ears. This is unique to this basket.

Visit Pjila'si at the Museum of Natural History to see this remarkable example of Mi’kmaw basketry and learn more about Mi’kmaw culture and heritage.

10/13/2026

Let’s get some love for a new museum in the area.

10/13/2026

The science experiment

10/12/2026

10/12/2026

Our presence in this area has a long history, but hardly as long as others.

Canada’s first administered national historic site is in Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia.

Fort Anne became a Dominion Park in 1917, marking an important step in preserving historic places across the country.

But its story stretches much further back. This is Mi’kmaw territory, where centuries of Indigenous history, Acadian life and French and British conflict meet.

The grassy earthworks may look peaceful today. They hold a much larger story.

Have you walked around Fort Anne?

10/11/2026

For Women’s History Month, we’re remembering Dr. Grace Elizabeth Bernard Rice—a Weymouth-born physician who spent her life caring for others.

Grace entered Dalhousie College in 1894 at just 15 years old. She earned her Bachelor of Arts before studying medicine, graduating in 1903 with degrees in medicine and surgery. Only nine women had graduated from Dalhousie’s medical program before her.

Her studies later took her overseas for postgraduate training in obstetrics, including time at Dublin’s Rotunda Hospital. She returned to Nova Scotia and established a busy medical practice in Halifax.

On December 6, 1917, the Halifax Explosion devastated the city. Grace worked in her office until late afternoon, then made her way into Richmond to treat the injured. She continued working at the Monastery of the Good Shepherd until two o’clock the following morning.

Her generosity continued long after that terrible day. Grace treated many patients who could not afford to pay and quietly helped young people with the cost of high school, university and nursing training.

After a 40-year medical career, Dr. Grace Rice retired in 1951 at the age of 72. When she died in 1963, she was brought home to Weymouth and buried in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

Image source: Nova Scotia Archives

10/11/2026

Photo is by Harold Jenkins, July 1959. The little white blob on the platform at left is the station cat on the prowl! Better copy is in the Middleton Railway Museum collection here:

10/10/2026

Bear River Train station stop