The Hector Heritage Quay Experience

  

Acclaimed as one of the most important and exciting heritage developments in Nova Scotia, the Hector Heritage Quay(pronounced "key"), located on the scenic Pictou waterfront, offers visitors a unique glimpse into the journey of early Scottish settlers to Nova Scotia and their life in the new world.  The proud centerpiece of the award-winning attraction is a full-scale reproduction of the tall ship Hector that is renowned for bringing the first wave of Scottish immigrants to Nova Scotia in 1773. It was this historic voyage that established Pictou as the "Birthplace of New Scotland". The site also features a working blacksmith shop, rigger's shop, carpentry shop, resident artist's studio, and Ship Hector Company Store. The Hector Heritage Quay and Ship Hector attraction is a spectacular tribute to Pictou's proud Scottish heritage and a stop not to be missed on your visit to Nova Scotia.

 

 

 

Interpretive Centre

 

Your visit to the Hector Heritage Quay begins in the Interpretive Centre where you will be greeted by friendly interpreters dressed in period costume who will guide you through the Hector Heritage Quay experience. The Interpretive Centre is an impressive four story post and beam structure, which at the time of its construction in the early 1990's was reported to be the largest of its kind, east of Montreal.  The open concept lobby features the tartan banners of the Clans who arrived in Pictou aboard the Hector. Perhaps you will find your family tartan hanging among this special collection! The model sail suspended above the room offers a preview of the main attraction ahead and the sounds of the bagpipes and the high seas echoing through the building set the stage for your tour.

 

On the first floor of the Interpretive Centre, a series of imaginative and informative exhibits introduces visitors to Scottish history, beginning with the Battle of Culloden, and life in the highlands. The story continues with the promise of free land and passage to Nova Scotia aboard a then little known cargo vessel, the Hector.

 

 

 

 

The voyage experience is captured in a life sized below deck exhibit, dramatically depicting the living conditions endured by those brave pioneers for twelve weeks.  Proceed to the third floor for a portrayal of the arrival of the Hector in Pictou and life in the new world. Finally, step out onto the observation platform for an impressive view of the Ship Hector and Pictou Harbour.

  

 

Ship Hector

 

Towering above the Pictou waterfront is the main attraction and next stop on your tour and we invite you to step aboard the Ship Hector and into history. The Ship Hector is a replica of the original "Hector" which was a Dutch "Boot Ship" originally built in the Netherlands in the mid 18th century. The Hector took on considerable historic significance with the arrival in Pictou of 189 passengers from Scotland on September 15, 1773. This voyage marked the beginning of a massive wave of Scottish immigration through the port of Pictou over the next century.

The replica Ship Hector, launched in 2000, was built entirely on site by many local craftspeople and volunteers, some of whom were descendants of the original Hector passengers. On board the Ship Hector you can imagine the crew at work on deck on this historic voyage, the spray of the sea over the side, and the ship's sails as they unfurl from above. Below deck you will get a first-hand feeling for the passenger's experience on the long and arduous voyage. You can sense their hopes and fears as they crossed the Atlantic to a new life in an unknown land. Each year during New Scotland Days, the Hector Heritage Quay annual festival celebrating the Hector and its legacy, the Ship Hector comes to life with heritage animators and demonstrations of life and work on board a wooden ship in the era of sail. If you are in Pictou on between July 10 and September 15, don't miss this exciting opportunity to experience even more living history.  

A Working Ship Yard: Riggers Shop, Blacksmith Shop & Carpentry Shop

 

The Hector Heritage Quay is also a working ship yard, where you can learn about the historic trades of the era of sail and meet the Ship Hector crew. Hear the sizzling of iron from the blacksmith's shop across the yard, and stop by to try your hand at forge welding with the Ship Hector Blacksmith. The rhythm of the mallets and chisels of the ship's carpenters will draw you next door to the Carpenter's Shop. Here you can learn how to caulk the seams of a wooden ship and try plank-making. Next, visit with the Ship Hector Riggers to learn about knot-making and rigging a tall ship.

Resident Artist Studio

 

A very special feature of the Hector Heritage Quay is the Artist's studio, located in the Interpretive Centre. Here you can meet the Resident Artist, David MacIntosh, who has chronicled the Hector's historic voyage in 1773 and the construction of the replica Ship Hector in a moving series of paintings exhibited throughout the facility.  He has developed a uniquely recognizable and appealing "Old World" style that is reminiscent of the early "Masters of Light". His talents are much sought after across Nova Scotia and beyond. We are proud to include David MacIntosh among the many talented artisans and craftspeople who have played a role in making the Hector Heritage Quay a spectacular visitor experience.

 

Ship Hector Company Store

 

We highly recommend you complete your tour of the Hector Heritage Quay with a visit to the Ship Hector Company Store, also located on site. The store features items crafted on location, official Ship Hector memorabilia and clothing, and unique Nova Scotia and Canadian made products. This exceptional shopping experience is considered a treasure trove of Pictou County,  where you can also find Celtic jewelry, books, music, artwork, crafts, stone, iron and wood products, a large clothing line including Tilley Endurables.  Here you are sure to find a special keepsake of your Hector Heritage Quay experience and your stay in Pictou.

 

The signature souvenir of the Hector Heritage Quay experience is a hand-crafted Sea Chest. Each quality, pine sea chest is crafted by the skilled carpenters at the Hector Heritage Quay from surplus ship replica materials. Assembly and finishing work is done by the resident artist including the staining, manila rope/tarred marlin handles, leather hinges, and an original oil painting adorns each lid. Each Sea Chest is unique work of art, showcasing the talented skills of Dave MacIntosh, Resident Artist at the Hector Heritage Quay. The revenue generated from the sale of these treasures is helping to support the ship construction project and maintain our award winning attraction.

 

 

Plan Your Next Function or Event at the Quay

The Hector Heritage Quay and Ship Hector offer a truly unique special event experience in Nova Scotia. For receptions, book launches, media events, demonstrations, exhibits, weddings, and much more. Consider hosting an event in this one of a kind facility. 
For complete function guidlines on facilities and services visit the following LINK.

 

 

"Very Impressive – you have done a great job in preserving your history,

much of which to be proud! Keep up the good, important work"

-Hector Heritage Quay Visitor-