School’s out and summertime fun and festivities have begun! There are countless opportunities to get out and experience our city throughout the summer. Often there’s no better place than our own community to explore and discover, and perhaps even take a glimpse at our history.
One such place is Scott Manor House, located on Fort Sackville Road, a quiet tree-lined street in Bedford. The site of many activities in the summer months, Scott Manor house has a unique and interesting history.
The manor was built by Joseph Scott, who arrived in Halifax from Ireland in 1749. Constructed shortly after 1767 on land from the King of England, Scott Manor House was the first house built in Bedford, and is located next to the former military outpost Fort Sackville. The house has a number of rare architectural features not often seen in Canada, including a double-pitched gambrel roof, wishbone chimneys, and symmetrical lateral wings.
Today, Scott Manor House is a registered historic property that houses impressive artifacts, and photos and maps which tell the story of life in Bedford at different times in history. There is no shortage of things to see in this spacious, multi-level museum. One example is the floorboards in the attic, which are original (circa 1770) and measure up to 18” in width – it’s definitely worth the walk up the stairs to see these well-preserved pieces of history.
Open daily in July and August, the museum offers guided tours from 10 am–4 pm. There is also a tea room run by volunteers open Monday to Friday from 2 pm-4 pm as well as Saturday afternoons.
Throughout the summer, the museum hosts events including musical performances, art shows and sales, and doll displays, as well as historical and community displays and talks. There are also outdoor painting events in July and August. One recent event at Scott Manor House was the ever-popular Georgian tea, which welcomed members of the community to enjoy drinks, sandwiches and sweets, as well as live performances by the Pipes and Drums of Clan Farquharson.
Whether you’re a history buff, have an interest in design, or just want to see some more of your community, Scott Manor House has something to offer. Be sure to add this special and historically significant place to your list of activities this summer.
Check www.scottmanor.ca for further details on upcoming events at Scott Manor House.
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