Guysborough Historical Society
Land Acknowledgement
We acknowledge that the Old Courthouse Museum and the Guysborough Historical Society are located on the lands of Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded home of the Mi’kmaq. This territory is covered by the “Treaties of Peace and Friendship” first signed in 1725. We are grateful for the knowledge shared with those who came to settle in what was known as Eskikewa’kik part of which we now know us as Guysborough County. We extend our appreciation for the opportunity to continue to live and learn on this territory in mutual respect and gratitude.
We also acknowledge that people of African descent have been in Nova Scotia, for over 400 years, and we honour and offer gratitude to those ancestors of African descent who came before us to this land and the African Nova Scotian communities that continue to support the growth of Guysborough County.
The Guysborough Historical Society, is a non-profit, volunteer organization created to preserve the history of Guysborough County. The first attempt to organize a historical society in Guysborough dates back to 1963.
Old Courthouse Museum & Visitor Information Centre
In 1976 the Society restored the Old Courthouse in Guysborough to create a community museum to host displays and exhibit objects that help illustrate the story of Guysborough County and its people. The Old Courthouse Museum is also home to a visitor information centre for tourists to the area and has a publicly available research room to support Genealogical Research through access to its collection of materials.
More on the history of the Guysborough Historical Society…
The Old Courthouse Museum will reopen for the 2025 season on
Monday, June 2, 2025
Hours of: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Monday – Friday
Weekend hours (Saturday and Sunday) will begin in July 2025
We look forward to welcoming you to explore the rich history of the area through our exhibits and the guidance provided by of our knowledgeable curator and summer students.
Looking for Gift ideas?
Our Online store is open year-round. Items from our store would make great gifts.
Off Season Services
When the Old Courthouse Museum is closed, the Guysborough Historical Society can still be contacted with any questions you may have related to our historical and genealogical roles or to assist with planning a visit to the area.
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- Email: guysborough.historical@ns.sympatico.ca),
- Facebook: (Guysborough Historical Society (Old Court House Museum)
- Twitter: @CourtHouse1843
During the Off-Season appointments can be arranged by sending an email.
The Historical Society Executive meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM (winter weather permitting)
Genealogical Research Services
The Guysborough Historical Society offers genealogical research services. Research requests may be made by contacting the Old Court House Museum from June to the first of October.
Find more information about our research services click here.
