Preserving Heritage
while Promoting Community
The Malagash Area Heritage Association is pleased operate a dedicated space to highlight the history and stories of Magnificent Malagash.
Welcome, Bonjour, Pjila’si, Fáilte to Malagash Heritage Museum
Our Exhibits
The Malagash Heritage Museum is a small, local museum devoted to preserving the history and heritage of the Malagash area and the first salt mine in Canada. We have exhibits of various aspects of local history - mining, farming, labour unions, schooling, tools of all kinds of trades applied in Malagash, and daily rural life through the community's history, which includes oral recordings of long-term residents.
The first inhabitants to make the area their home was the native North American Mi'kmaq, giving Malagash (Malikewe'jk) its name, meaning, "Place of Games". French settlers came to the area around 1713 and stayed until 1755 when they were forced to leave by British soldiers. Many of the local residents today can trace their family history to the English and Scottish immigrants or the United Empire Loyalists that came around 1784.
Important Dates and Events
Our Exhibits
We are very proud of Malagash's claim to fame as being the first rock salt mine in the British Empire. It all began when a farmer desperately needed water, but he only succeeded in getting brine from his well in 1912. On Labour Day, September 2nd, 1918, the first rock salt was mined. After 41 years and a production of approximately 2 million tons of salt, the Malagash Salt mine was closed in March 1959.
Please drop by to review the history of the mine's operation. The story is told by Malagash residents who remember growing up in the community and working in the salt mine. Their stories of exploring the mine are illustrated by black and white photos, documents, extracts from audio interviews and a unique video clip of mining underground.
Season will Begin Friday June 17, 2025
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Tuesday 11:00 - 5:00
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Wednesday 11:00 - 5:00
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Thursday 11:00 - 5:00
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Friday 11:00 - 5:00
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Saturday 11:00 - 5:00
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Sunday Closed
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Monday Closed
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Please note we are closed for all NS Statuary Holidays
Special events for 2024
Jun 21 9AM to 1PM
Annual Yard, Bake Sale & Barbecue. Food Bank Donations
Jul 12 1PM to 2PM
Acadian focused event. Learn about the local Acadian people and the Battle of Tatamagouche Bay. Free lunch
Aug 2 Noon to 4PM
Malagash Festival Day. Live Music, BBQ, 50/50, entertainment for Kids, museum tours,. Come out and share in the pride and spirit of magnificant Malagash. Food bank donations welcomed. RAIN DATE is MONDAY AUGUST 4 Noon-4pm.
Dec 15 1PM to 2PM
Lunch, Bake Sale, 50/50., door prize, Santa sack raffle winners, time with friends, and food bank drive.
Stay Tuned for Updates!
To connect with us, send us an email at malagash.heritage.association@gmail.com!