Mission
To expand the knowledge, encourage research in, and awareness of, the history, heritage, culture, and genealogy of Barrington Township (Municipality of Barrington, Town of Clarks Harbour, Shelburne County and Seal Island).
Mandate
The Cape Sable Historical Society is committed to collect, preserve and acquire all documents, information and artifacts that promote the study of Barrington Township ( Municipality of Barrington, Town of Clarks Harbour ,Shelburne County and Seal Island). Once collected, this material will be used for display, research and to publish materials relating to our history.
The Cape Sable Historical Society meets the first Monday of every month (except July, August and September) and often include special guests presenting interesting and informative talks on historical matters.
The Cape Sable Historical Society is a non-profit volunteer organization, whose members hail from throughout Nova Scotia, New England and beyond. New members are always welcome.
History
The Cape Sable Historical Society, incorporated in 1937, is so named in commemoration of the Barrington area’s early European roots that date back to the 1600’s, when the area from Cape Negro in the Municipality of Barrington to Chebogue, Yarmouth County was known as Cap de Sable.
Over the past 68 years the Cape Sable Historical Society has worked tirelessly to preserve a treasure trove of historical and genealogical records as well as numerous artifacts, books and photographs of the area.
Events
The Cape Sable Historical Society hosts several special events every year including the popular Strawberry Tea at the historic Old Meeting House in July, and an Old Fashioned Christmas Concert in December, also held at the Old Meeting House.
Kitchen parties at the historic Barrington Woolen Mill are also a popular Friday night activity during the summer months. All music lovers and musicians are welcomed to attend.
The "Centre"
The Cape Sable Historical Society Centre, located in Barrington (Highway 3) on the beautiful South Shore, is dedicated to the preservation of local history through exhibits and archives for Barrington and the surrounding area.
With a large collection of records and data in various mediums, including indexed binders of local newspapers (births, deaths, marriages) dating back to the 1800s, the Cape Sable Genealogy Department is a treasure trove of information, and provides research facilities to assist in the quest for knowledge of ancestral roots. You may choose to research your own or commission the Centre’s staff to assist.
We are located in the Old Court House (built in 1843) along the banks of the Barrington River. The Historical Society is curator to the Western Counties Military Museum, The Barrington Woolen Mill Museum, The Old Meeting House and the Seal Island Light Museum – all within a short walking distance.
