Paradise Historical Society

Heritage Centre Autumn Open Mornings
2025-09-24 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Halifax) | Paradise Heritage Centre, 10307 Highway #1, Paradise, Nova Scotia, Canada
Paradise Heritage Centre Open Mornings
You are invited to visit our Heritage Centre this summer and autumn.
We will be open Wednesday mornings starting May 7, 2025 through November 12, 2025 from 9 am – 12 noon. Coffee, muffins, and free WiFi will be available.
We have a reference library of local books and reference material you can leaf through or use to take notes for your own research.
The famous “Paradise Gazette” a 1935-36 student-crafted yearbook with fascinating pictures, bios of the students of the day, and insights into the curriculum of the time is also available. Thank you to Dave Whitman for this donation. It is amazing what students in a two-room school actually learned.
Or just drop in with a friend or two for a quiet place to have some morning conversation over a cuppa in our comfy chairs. On nice days, you can also enjoy the gardens with tables and benches outside.
Please look for our OPEN flag and stop in and say hello!

How to Safely and Properly Clean a Gravestone
2025-09-21 10:00 - 12:00
How to Safely and Properly Clean a Gravestone with Denise Rice
We will meet at the Paradise Heritage Centre where we will get our briefing from Denise, and head out to the cemetery for a field trip: a demonstration and a stroll through the past of Paradise in the cemetery for those who wish to linger and look. Following all this, there will be nutrition and hydration (refreshments and nibbles) back at the Heritage Centre.
Denise is one of our most noted genealogists, and has kindly offered to show us what we need to know about this.
She is responsible for a huge portion of the knowledge we have of Annapolis County families, giving freely of her time and expertise. She is a member of our Genealogy Circle at the Paradise Heritage Centre which meets monthly.
Her research, collections, and compilations include a huge trove of obituaries now transcribed and available at Annapolis Genealogy.
Denise’s own Facebook page is Home Genealogy by Denise J Rice
She has published too! Denise J. (Daniels), A Planter Family: Ebenezer and Tabitha (Balcom) Rice of Annapolis County, N.S., 2019.
Date & Time: Sunday, September 21, 2025 at 10:00 am
Meeting Location: Paradise Heritage Centre at 10307 Highway #1 in Paradise
Please Note: The Paradise Cemetery is about a 10-minute walk (750 m) from the Heritage Centre. You may also drive between the two locations.
UPDATE SEPTEMBER 13, 2025 – THIS EVENT IS NOW FULL.

Heritage Centre Summer Open Mornings
2025-09-17 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-09-10 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-09-03 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-08-27 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-08-20 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-08-13 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-08-06 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-07-30 09:00 - 12:00 and 11 more dates

Genealogy Circle
2025-09-16 18:30 - 20:00
Are you curious about your family history? Want to learn how to start researching your roots or dig deeper into your ancestral story?
Join our Genealogy Circle!
For this meeting, we’re turning the spotlight on you!
Bring along your personal genealogy projects—whether they’re polished family trees or a handful of intriguing clues—and join us for an evening of open sharing, insightful questions, and friendly advice.
This is a chance to learn from one another’s research journeys, explore new resources, and maybe even spark unexpected connections.
Date & Time: Tuesday, September 16th, 2025 at 6:30 pm
Location: Paradise Heritage Centre at 10307 Highway #1 in Paradise
The Genealogy Circle meets regularly to learn, share discoveries, explore local resources, and support one another in uncovering our pasts.
All are welcome and no experience needed.
The Genealogy Circle operates on a “pay as you can” donation basis. Your contributions help support future gathering, but most importantly, your presence is what truly matters.
Come be part of a growing community of family history enthusiasts!
RSVP
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Contact Name *Email *EmailConfirm EmailNumber of People Attending *Would You Like to Sign Up For the Paradise Historical Society Email List? *Yes, please sign me up!No, please use my email address for notifications about this event only.Please check the 'YES' box if you'd like to sign up to our general email list to receive notifications about news, updates, and notifications for future events.Questions? Please feel free to let us know if you have any questions about the event and we'll respond to the email address you provided ASAP. Submit

Genealogy Circle
2025-09-02 18:30 - 20:00
Are you curious about your family history? Want to learn how to start researching your roots or dig deeper into your ancestral story?
Join our Genealogy Circle!
We’re excited to welcome local genealogist, Jim Eakins, to this meeting—a true treasure in our community with an extensive collection of family histories and regional resources.
With many years of experience and an unmatched dedication to preserving local heritage, he’ll be sharing his knowledge, unique materials, and insights into tracing family lines in our area.
Whether you’re just starting your journey or deep into your research, this is a chance to connect, learn, and be inspired.
Date & Time: Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025 at 6:30 pm
Location: Paradise Heritage Centre at 10307 Highway #1 in Paradise
The Genealogy Circle meets regularly to learn, share discoveries, explore local resources, and support one another in uncovering our pasts.
All are welcome and no experience needed.
The Genealogy Circle operates on a “pay as you can” donation basis. Your contributions help support future gathering, but most importantly, your presence is what truly matters.
Come be part of a growing community of family history enthusiasts!
RSVP
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Contact Name *Email *EmailConfirm EmailNumber of People Attending *Would You Like to Sign Up For the Paradise Historical Society Email List? *Yes, please sign me up!No, please use my email address for notifications about this event only.Please check the 'YES' box if you'd like to sign up to our general email list to receive notifications about news, updates, and notifications for future events.Questions? Please feel free to let us know if you have any questions about the event and we'll respond to the email address you provided ASAP. Submit

Paradise 2025 Community BBQ & Corn Boil
2025-08-23 16:00 - 19:00
CANCELLED
This event will not take place on August 23, 2025.
In view of the terrible fire burning and increasing, and the risk of further fires very much a possibility, as well as air quality issues that are very real… we are sorry to say that we can not have an outdoor event at this time. That means our BBQ and Corn Boil will not take place this Saturday the 23rd .Thank you to all volunteers supporting the fight to save homes and provide comfort to those evacuated.

Paradise Historical Society would like to invite residents of Paradise to a Community BBQ and Corn Boil
We’ve had such an enjoyable time the last few years, we hope you can join us again or join us for the first time.
All food is fresh and local. Come enjoy it with your neighbours!
The event will take place on Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 4:00 – 7:00 pm at the Paradise Heritage Centre – rain or shine!
There are picnic tables but you are welcome to bring your lawn chairs or picnic blankets for seating.
Free will donations are gratefully accepted.

Genealogy Circle
2025-07-08 18:30 - 20:00
Are you curious about your family history? Want to learn how to start researching your roots or dig deeper into your ancestral story?
Join our Genealogy Circle!
Next Meeting:
Date & Time: Tuesday, July 8th at 6:30 pm
Location: Paradise Heritage Centre at 10307 Highway #1 in Paradise
The Genealogy Circle will meet regularly to learn, share discoveries, explore local resources, and support one another in uncovering our pasts.
All are welcome and no experience needed.
Come be part of a growing community of family history enthusiasts!
RSVP
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Contact Name *Email *EmailConfirm EmailNumber of People Attending *Would You Like to Sign Up For the Paradise Historical Society Email List? *Yes, please sign me up!No, please use my email address for notifications about this event only.Please check the 'YES' box if you'd like to sign up to our general email list to receive notifications about news, updates, and notifications for future events.Questions? Please feel free to let us know if you have any questions about the event and we'll respond to the email address you provided ASAP. Submit

Strawberry Tea
2025-07-06 14:00 - 16:00
Art Exhibition and Strawberry Tea
Please join us for a public art exhibition, strawberry shortcake and tea after our Artist’s Workshop.
When: Sunday, July 6th at 2:00 pm
Location: Paradise Heritage Centre at 10307 Highway #1 in Paradise.
Cost: $15.00
Register and Purchase Your Ticket
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Please indicate the number of tickets you wish to purchase. Ticket price is $15.00Preferred Method of Payment *Interac e-TransferChequeCashWhen you “Submit” the form, you will be directed to instructions to make an Interac e-Transfer, or to pay in person or by cheque to complete your purchase. Name *FirstLastEmail *EmailConfirm EmailPhone Number *Please list all the people your are purchasing tickets for so we can ensure everyone is registered. *Questions or CommentsSubmit

Artist's Workshop
2025-07-04 10:00 - 2025-07-06 15:00
Remembering the Past with Paint and Pencil
We are pleased to offer a three-day workshop in Paradise with artist Janice Leonard.
The workshop will be plein d’aire painting of historic sites with studio work inside our wonderful Heritage Centre.
The workshop ends with an art exhibition and public Strawberry Tea, also at the Heritage Centre.
When: July 4-6, 2025
Schedule is:
Friday, July 4th from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Saturday, July 5th from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Sunday, July 6th from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Strawberry Tea will start at 2:00 pm
There will be a break each day for lunch. Please bring your own lunch.
Location: Paradise Heritage Centre at 10307 Highway #1 in Paradise.
Cost: $60.00 (includes Strawberry Tea)
Please bring the following materials and tools with you to the workshop:
Sketchbook
Pencils ,eraser
Easel
Brushes
Primary paint colours plus white and burnt umber
Container for water

This workshop is now full.

Genealogy Circle
2025-06-10 18:30 - 20:30
Are you curious about your family history? Want to learn how to start researching your roots or dig deeper into your ancestral story?
Join us as we launch our brand-new Genealogy Circle this summer!
We’re excited to kick things off with a special guest: local genealogist Denise Rice, who will be sharing her expertise in our first session.
Denise will guide us through some essentials that every genealogist—beginner or experienced—should know.
Date & Time: Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at 6:30 pm.
Location: Paradise Heritage Centre at 10307 Highway #1 in Paradise
The Genealogy Group will meet regularly to learn, share discoveries, explore local resources, and support one another in uncovering our pasts.
All are welcome and no experience needed.
Come be part of a growing community of family history enthusiasts!
RSVP
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Contact Name *Email *EmailConfirm EmailNumber of People Attending *Would You Like to Sign Up For the Paradise Historical Society Email List? *Yes, please sign me up!No, please use my email address for notifications about this event only.Please check the 'YES' box if you'd like to sign up to our general email list to receive notifications about news, updates, and notifications for future events.Questions? Please feel free to let us know if you have any questions about the event and we'll respond to the email address you provided ASAP. Submit

Plants & Pies
2025-06-07 09:00 - 13:00
The Paradise Historical Society is hosting a Plants & Pies sale.
Come check out the selection of house plants, garden plants, and delicious pies.
Your purchase will help support the Paradise Historical Society and our Heritage Centre.
Date & Time: Saturday, June 7, 2025 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Location: Paradise Heritage Centre at 10307 Highway #1 in Paradise.
If you can donate a plant or pie to our sale, please contact Barbara at 825-9198.
Thank you!

"It Changed Everything"- History Conference
2025-05-23 - 2025-05-24
“It Changed Everything”
Portals of History in Annapolis County Spring Conference
Keynote Speaker Larry Powell – “Moments That Shaped the Future“.
Guest speakers:
Bill Linley – “The Evolution of Railways in Annapolis County“
Alex Morrison – “Democracy Comes to Nova Scotia“
Barbara Bishop – “Among Friends: Family Doctors as Indicators and Agents of Change“
DATE: Friday, May 23rd in the evening and Saturday, May 24th all day.
COST: $60
Cost includes lunch, snacks, coffee and tea.
For more information or to register to attend the conference please contact Barbara at barbarabishop84@gmail.com.
Schedule
FRIDAY, MAY 23RD
7:00 – 7:30 PM: Registration and Meet & Greet
7:30 PM: Larry Powell, Keynote Speaker – “Moments that Shaped the Future“
SATURDAY, MAY 24TH
9:00 AM: Good Morning Coffee/Tea
9:30 – 10:45 AM: Bill Linley – “The Evolution of Railways in Annapolis County“
10:45 – 11:15 AM: Break
11:15 – 12:30 PM: Barbara Bishop – “Among Friends: Family Doctors as Indicators and Agents of Change“
12:30 – 1:30 PM: Lunch
1:30 – 2:45 PM: Alex Morrison – “Democracy Comes to Nova Scotia“
2:45 – 3:30 PM: Plenary Session led by Larry Powell – Where From and Where To? Forum by all
3:30 PM: Closing and Thank You
Our Presenters

KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Larry Powell with "Moments That Shaped the Future"

A journalist and communicator for over forty years in Nova Scotia, Larry has been consistently recognized for professional excellence by the Atlantic Better Newspapers Competition for awards such as “Best editorials” and “Best newspaper”. He knows how to listen to the people he interviews, to gather context and express it for the rest of us, to take just the right pictures and ask just the right questions.

For the past twenty years Annapolis County has been gifted with his contributions. As well as his professional work, he has been and is deeply involved as a volunteer on Boards, Committees, and organizations of our community.

At last year’s conference we learned about Mapannapolis, the Governor General’s Award Winning project of our county. Larry works with this organization, researching local history, heritage and culture and interpreting it for us through social media, press releases, photos and videos.

In both professional and volunteer life, he incorporates his skills in public relations, social media, digital reporting to give himself and us layers of understanding of who are are, who we were, and who we may become.

He lives with his wife Susan in Lawrencetown.

GUEST SPEAKER: Bill Linley with "The Evolution of Railways in Annapolis County"

Bill joined the CPR family as a telegram routing clerk in the summer of 1965. He was already taken with trains, photographing Quebec Central Steam trains as early as 1959. He worked as a reservations clerk and ticket agent at the Ottawa Station through 1969. After graduating from Carleton University’s geography program, he worked in business development with the federal, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia governments until 2002. In 2012 he received the Canadian Railway Historical Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012.

Long retired, Bill volunteers at the Middleton Railway Museum and other charitable organizations, often serving as treasurer. He’s the Maritime Regional Superintendent of the Canadian Pacific Historical Association and chairman of the Nova Scotia Railway Heritage Society. He has authored four best-selling books on Canadian Railways. He enjoys researching and writing at the 1840s home on the Fundy Shore in Paradise that he shares with his spouse, Marilynn.

We will be gifted at the conference not only with stunning photographs and visuals, but with the deep knowledge and understanding of the importance of railways in Annapolis County- as they evolved, so did we.

GUEST SPEAKER: Warden Alex Morrison with "Democracy Comes to Nova Scotia Municipalities"

Alex served over 40 years as a career Canadian Army officer, including with Canada’s North American Treaty Organization forces in Germany during the Cold War, Headquarters of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, and for six years as a member of the diplomatic staff of the Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York. He has taught at Canadian and American universities and at Japanese security institutions. He is the Founding President of the Pearson Peacekeeping Centre.

In 2002 Alex was the 23rd recipient of the Pearson Peace medal, sharing this honour with such Canadian humanitarians and peacekeepers as Steven Lewis, Lois Wilson, Murray Thomson, Flora MacDonald, Ursula Franklin, Roméo D'Allaire, Ernie Regehr, Donald Ethell, Nigel Fisher, Louise Arbour, Lloyd Axworthy, Wilton Littlechild and Beverley McLachlin.

He has served his own community on Annapolis County Council, elected in 2012, 2016, and 2020, and as Warden in his last term. He did not re-offer in 2024.

His longstanding interest in the role of democracy and the culture of peace includes a special concern for the ways in which children, young people, and youth organizations might be involved in creating such a culture.

GUEST SPEAKER: Barbara Bishop with "Among Friends: Family Doctors as Indicators and Agents of Change"

Barbara loves to learn stuff, be in community, and tell stories about the places, people and times that teach her. Her formal education- at Paradise School, Bridgetown Regional High School, undergraduate and postgraduate at Acadia University, Dalhousie University- prepared her for fifteen rewarding years of teaching high school in Halifax, Montreal and its suburbs, and Brampton Ontario. McMaster Divinity College prepared her for her second career of over thirty years in church ministry. She served for twelve years as Senior Pastor in a wonderfully diverse community in east end Toronto, and three years in a Hamilton church, near McMaster University and shaped by that proximity.

Then life changed. When her spouse retired and family matters called, she and Robert moved to Paradise twenty years ago. They have been active volunteers in their community since. She has also un-retired several times and served a number of churches in the Annapolis Valley.

She has been a writer, researcher, speaker, community organizer, even a novelist once-always asking the questions of herself and her community: Who are we? Where did we come from? Where are we going?

Her presentation maintains that family doctors in our communities for the past few centuries have been “Among Friends” but unique among us. As such, they have been both indicators of change and agents of change.
