BY TREVOR NICHOLS
Kings County Advertiser/Register
On the banks of the Minas Basin amongst grazing cows, “historic apparitions” are scattered around, telling the stories of their lives.
They are part of “Whispers from the Past,” put on by the Kings County Museum to celebrate the landing of the New England Planters 250 years ago.
The June 12 show was the first of three the museum is putting on this summer. It features actors portraying the early Planters that shaped our region.
Rebecca Crouse, for example, gives people a glimpse into the life of Nancy Post Chipman: a Connecticut woman who married the founder of Chipman's Corner. Crouse delights with a mix of historical information and personal stories of her own family’s heritage - and she is just one seven “apparitions” weaving a narrative of life in the Valley’s early days.
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- - Museum exhibitions offer Planter info
When her performance finished, she chatted about the importance of learning about our past.
“Where we live is so filled with history,” she said, sweeping her arms towards the Minas Basin.
“People forget the natural beauty and the history that is attached to it.”
She reminded the crowd we would not be who we are today without the Planters.
“When you look at the houses around Kentville and Wolfville, there are a lot of older Planter houses, and it really defines who we are.”
Maynard Stevens, the past president of the Kings Historical Society, agrees. He hopes even more people will come out to the two remaining shows. Not only will they be getting an engaging and unique look at the history of their region, he says, they will be supporting the Kings County Museum, allowing more events like this to take place.
The next two shows are July 17 and August 14 at Horton's Landing.
reporter@kentvilleadvertiser.ca
