Shubenacadie, N.S., museum offers visitors trip to early 1900s

Built in 1896, the Tinsmith Museum in Shubenacadie, N.S. hasn’t changed since it opened its doors.

Madison Carpenter says someone could visit the Tinsmith Museum in Shubenacadie, N.S., 100 times and still find something new.

“It really is like stepping back in time,” said Carpenter, who is a tour guide for the museum.

The shop, which was built in 1896, served as the family home for Watson and Jeanetta Smith. It expanded in the 1900s and 1920s, offering customers guns, ammunition, bicycles, sporting goods and more.

One of their children, Harry Smith, learned from his father and took over the trade side of the business. Harry, who was born in the Tinsmith home, lived there until his death in 2002.

The museum opened to the public in 2003, letting people see how the family worked in the early 1900s.

“You can see how everything would have operated in the tin shop,” Carpenter said. “People can see how innovative the family was.”

Carpenter said the museum has accumulated items from around the area, putting them on display for visitors.

“It’s almost become a catch-all for Shubenacadie history,” she said.

The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day until Aug. 23.

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