My mind seems to be on Canada right now, so today I will share two Nova Scotia resources. First is the Nova Scotia Archives (NSA), which like the Provincial Archives of New Brunswick, is part of the Library and Archives Canada.

The Virtual Archives section on the left sidebar contains a huge number of digital files. A search of “Exhibits, Resource Guides and Databases” brings up a very long list of choices, from World War I posters to McAlpine’s Nova Scotia Directory 1907-1908. While the list is fun to look at, it’s not a very efficient way to search for specific information.

Instead, if you have specific names in mind, choose “Genealogy Research” or “NS Vital Statistics” just below the “Exhibits, Resource Guides and Databases” link. Now you can search by name.

What I really like about this site are all the “extras” available to make your family history come alive. There are historic maps of the towns, photographs, family papers, directories, tax and land information and lots of maritime info.

The second great Nova Scotia resource that I have found wasn’t found as readily as the archives. I have a friend whose family came from Nova Scotia and she has gotten interested in exploring her family roots. She mentioned Truro so a-hunting I went and found the Colchester Historeum.

Many of their resources require a site visit, but it is possible to search several important sources, including the 1838 and 1871-1901 Canadian censuses, vital records and cemeteries. No images of the original records are provided, but details from each record are displayed in table form.

A search for “Hamilton” birth records brought up many hits, but do you notice what is included on Nova Scotia birth records that I’ve never seen anywhere else? Look at the column headers on the far right side of the table, right after the mother’s maiden name. Information recorded include the MONTH, DAY and YEAR of the parents’ MARRIAGE. If that wouldn’t bring on the Genealogy Happy Dance, I don’t know what would.

With a large collection of historic photos, a 3000 book library, school registers, family papers and a microfilm collection, Colchester Historeum is a wonderful supplement to the Nova Scotia Archives.

Makes me wish for more roots here, too!