If you've ever thought you'd like to step back 100, 200 years or more armed with your digital camera, it's easy to do in Nova Scotia. Simply steer a course to one of the many Nova Scotia museums or National Historic Sites.
Most people think of museums and historic sites as a place to delve into our history. Outwardly that's what they are intended to do, but for the picture takers among us, they are a virtual gold mine of photographic possibilities. Many of them are like stepping onto a movie set complete with costumed animators and give you a chance to relive and photograph our past in an historically accurate setting.
Undoubtedly, the king of these is the Fortress Louisbourg National Historic Site on the east coast of Cape Breton Island. Louisbourg is one of the largest historical reconstructions in North America and accurately represents life in the fortress town during the mid 1700s.
I've photographed Louisbourg many times and I'll cover it in a future blog, but let me acquaint you with one of my favourites, Sherbrooke Village Living Museum on the Eastern Shore, about a two hours drive from Halifax or an hour from Antigonish.
Dozens of wooden buildings make up Sherbrooke Village. They are all original buildings, not reconstructions, and they include a courthouse, print shop, tailor shop, woodworking shop, general store, church, schoolhouse, doctor's office, apothecary, blacksmith, weaver's home, telephone office and hotel where you can get a hot, light meal of 1800s vintage.
But the best part is that each of the buildings is staffed by a local Sherbrooke resident wearing period costume and they don't mind being photographed as they go about their daily chores. Here's some sample photos to whet your appetite.
Sherbrooke Village main street
The hotel dining room
The blacksmith shop
Weavers at work
No drinking allowed here
A step back in time
Awesome photos Wally,
Sherbrooke Village is my favourite place for many reasons. Looking forward to your photography workshop in 2010!