New Scotland Days

FÉIS  LÀITHEAN na H-ALBANN NUAIDHE

A Living Heritage Festival

September 11-13, 2009

Step Into History......Come in Costume!

Taking place on the anniversary of the arrival of the Ship Hector and in recognition of that vessel's role in makeing Pictou the Birthplace of New Scotland, the New Scotland Days Festival is a community celebration of the pioneer spirit that shaped Pictou County and Nova Scotia.

An event with traditionial Scottish flair, visitors will of course be able to enjoy bagpipes, traditional musical entertainment, and Gaelic programs throughout the weekend. Other longstanding favorites that will take place include the Living Village, Living History Re-enactors, Gaelic Worhip Service, sailmaking demonstrations, and Model Ship Exhibit by the Nova Scotia Ship Modellers Guild.

In addition to this, elements are being included which are designed to increase education and participation for vistors. Demonstrations in the art of wooden ship boat building and sail making will be ongoing throughout the weekend at the Hector Heritage Quay. Individuals who are interested in experiencing life as it was in 1773 can join the daily activities at the Living Village.

If you are interesting in purchasing a picture of the MAIN EVENT.....LIVE THE HECTOR EXPERIENCE which took place on Sunday, September 13th on the Hector please contact the photographer direct for ordering at the following address ( $15 for an 8 x 10 plus $2 shipping):
Leonard Cheverie
PO Box 352
Pictou, Nova Scotia
B0K 1H0

CHECK OUT OUR PHOTO GALLERY OF THE 2009 FESTIVAL! - click here

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

THE MAIN EVENT....LIVE THE HECTOR EXPERIENCE!
For something different you can witness or become a part of a challenge to recruit 200 passengers to board the ship Hector and LIVE THE HECTOR EXPERIENCE.... become a Hector passenger for an afternoon.  How did 189 passengers and 10-11 crew members ever fit into the 200 berthen ship Hector and set out on a long ocean journey...nearly 3 months at sea? This question will be answered on September 13, 2009 at 3:00pm at the Hector Heritage Quay. It will be an afternoon of animated storytelling of the famed voyage, traditional musical, pipes and drums and voyage food sampling.

If you are a descendant of the original Hector passengers or if you have a surname from the 1773 passenger list, sign up! For more details on how you can become involved please call 902-485-4371.

GAELIC LANGUAGE, STORYTELLING, MUSIC AND SONG
Hear the stories and songs in the native tongue of the Ship Hector passengers with Gaelic Storytelling at the Library. Learn greetings and Gaelic expressions at a language workshop or find out what exactly is a "Milling Frolic" and learn traditional milling songs from some of the finest Gaelic song bearers in the province OR join in a special Gaelic Worhship Service at the Pictou United Church celebrating our Celtic heritage through scripture, Gaelic hymns and songs, bagpipes, and dancing. To find out more about Gaelic activities and workshops during New Scotland Days click here.

LIVING HISTORY AT THE VILLAGE 
Located onsite at the Hector Heritage Quay, visitors are encourge to stroll through and take an opportunity to become a part of the community. Bring your children to join in the games and crafts throughout the weekend. Learn how wooden ships were built in the 18th century, see how blocks were made, try your hand at mast making and caulking.

2009 Schedule of Events - click here for a full schedule

Event Sponsors