June 11th Newsmaker Debbie MacDonald

DSCF1835The Chestico Museum’s Newsmaker series kicked off on Thursday, June 11, 2015 with MasterChef Canada Season 2 Top 16 finalist Debbie MacDonald.

Debbie spoke of her passion for cooking, her decision to apply for the MasterChef Canada program and the whirlwind adventure she has been on since that application proved successful.

Although working full time, Debbie still finds time to indulge her love of cooking and is also kept busy filling orders for her line of “Rook the Cook” aprons. She brought along the original apron she wore on the show and made a draw for 2 aprons that were given as door prizes. The lucky winners were Kate Watts of Marble Hill and Sheldon Goldthwait of Bar Harbor, Maine. For anyone interested, the aprons are now available for purchase in our Gift Shop.

Following her presentation, Debbie whipped up delicious artichoke cups for all in attendance. Chestico Historical Society President Anne Beaton then presented Debbie with a gift basket in appreciation for her appearance at the Museum.

Thank you to everyone who came out to see Debbie. If you missed her at the museum, you can see her on Saturday, June 20 at the Celtic Music Centre in Judique. For more information or to purchase tickets please click here.

You can view photos from the evening on our Facebook page.

2015 Downton Abbey Tea

Downton Tea Poster 2015The Chestico Tea Ladies will host another Downton Abbey Tea at Hillcrest Hall on Sunday, July 5th at 2 pm. Last year’s event was successful and we hope to have another fashion show of historic ‘Downton Abbey’ style clothing.

Ladies are encouraged to come dressed for the occasion in their finest styles. Prizes will be awarded to the best hats and costumes.

Join us for a wonderful afternoon. Tickets are $35 and will go on sale at the museum on June 15th. Please be advised that seating is limited and tickets sell out quickly.

Port Hood Newsmakers at the Chestico Museum

ChangedDuring the past year a number of Port Hood people have been newsmakers in the provincial papers, National Geographic magazine and on national television. The Chestico Museum will sponsor a series of Ceilidh evenings in June to hear the behind the scenes story from three of these newsmakers. There will be an opportunity to question following each presentation.

June 11 at 7 PM: Debbie MacDonald will chronicle her amazing journey as one of the 16 finalists in the MasterChef Canada program on the CTV network.

June 15 at 7 PM: Brandon MacKenzie and his parents, Heather and David MacKenzie, will tell their story of an ongoing medical odyssey to the IWK hospital as they hopefully do battle with a tumour.

June 25 at 7 PM: Dennis Cameron will trace his globe-trotting trip to the main fish market in Tokyo, Japan, as he talks about the processing of a local tuna from catch in Port Hood to sale in Tokyo.

Admission is $5 and refreshments will be served. Hope to see you there!

Student Employment Opportunity

Chestico MuseumThe Chestico Museum is currently accepting applications for a summer student for the 2015 season.

The position is open to students who have been accepted at a post-secondary institution for full-time study beginning in September 2015.

The successful candidate will be enthusiastic, organized and possess good communication skills. The ability to multi-task and organize events are key requirements. Knowledge of local history is an asset.

The position will run from May 25 until August 28, 2015. It is made possible by funding received through the Nova Scotia Student Career Skills Development Program.

We have also received funding for a second student through the Canada Summer Jobs program. This second position is for an 8 week work term and will run from June 6 until August 28, 2015.

Interested individuals may send a cover letter and resume to:
Chestico Museum
P.O. Box 144
Port Hood, NS
B0E 2W0

You may also email your information to: chesticomuseum@ns.aliantzinc.ca

Deadline for applications is May 15, 2015.

Celtic Colours at the Museum 2014

DSCF1769On Tuesday, October 14th, the Chestico Museum hosted a Storytelling and Afternoon Tea at the museum. The event was part of Celtic Colours Cultural Experiences series.

This year our theme was Family & Friends. We had four wonderful storytellers with us who generously gave of their time.

Chestico Historical Society President Anne Beaton was our emcee and our first storyteller. She had some wonderful memories of a lovely Port Hood couple, Dick & Flora Anderson.

Hughie John Beaton was up next. He had had stories of another Port Hood couple – Margaret & Lawrence (Angus Hughie) MacDonald as well as an amusing tale abut his uncle Joe. Hughie John brought along his guitar and treated us to two songs – A Daisy a Day and Rose of Margaree.

George Goodall was also with us and he came well prepared with an assortment of stories. Lots of great tales from George!

And last, but certainly not least, was Isaac MacEachen who had props! His telling of the different packages that would arrive at the MacEachen home was absolutely hilarious!

There were a number of draws for door prizes throughout the afternoon and our winners were Ainsley Graham, Carmelita Gillis, Mary Joan Fay, Jack Howe and Annie Mae MacEachen.

At the end of the Storytelling we had the draw for the Chestico Tartan Blanket. Our winner was Tudi MacEachern from Port Hood. Congratulations Tudi!

You can view some photos of the day on our Facebook page.