Committed to Preserving our History
The Chester Municipal Heritage Society (CMHS) is a registered non-profit organization whose mission is to cultivate awareness of the unique heritage of the Municipality of Chester for the enjoyment and benefit of present and future generations. This is achieved through the preservation of historically significant properties, the delivery of educational programming, and the archival of both physical and oral records.
Bringing our Heritage to the Forefront
Established in 1981, the society began its journey when the Chester Train Station and adjacent buildings were transferred to its stewardship. Since then, the Chester Train Station has served as the home of the society in the village of Chester. Notably, CMHS operates without any employees or tenants, relying on the dedication of volunteers. Read on to learn about our core commitments:
1
Research and Genealogy Resources
CMHS provides invaluable research and genealogy resources at the Lordly Museum, serving the Chester Municipality and the Blandford area. The society is a key resource for individuals and organizations seeking information about the municipality and the village of Chester.
2
Land and Property Management
The society leases land adjacent to Smith Road and has expanded this lease to include additional property. Currently, CMHS is applying for ownership of the entire leased area, holding a 20-year, renewable lease. A portion of this land is home to the Chester Connection Trail.
3
Property Acquisitions and Restorations
CMHS has successfully purchased and restored several significant properties, including:
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A circa 1806 Georgian house at 133 Central Street, along with an adjoining building that houses research facilities and the first municipal office for the Municipality of the District of Chester.
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Surrounding lands, including a gazebo used for summer concerts and events, a public park, a wetland donated by the municipality, and a children’s playground funded by donations.
4
Community Partnerships and Programs
As a dedicated community partner, CMHS collaborates with various local organizations, including the Chester Art Centre, the Chester Playhouse, and the Mental Health Association. Together, they develop original programs that bring together youth and seniors, particularly at Shoreham Village Nursing Home.
5
Heritage Preservation and Events
CMHS actively records and archives stories and memories within the municipality. They also sponsor a Canada Day event for the entire municipality, with the support of volunteers from all areas. In collaboration with the municipality, CMHS has identified houses that are 150 years old or older, providing distinctive burgundy and white house numbers to mark these historic homes.
Meet the Board
The board members of the Chester Municipal Heritage Society are dedicated individuals committed to preserving and promoting the municipality's rich heritage. Their passion and hard work drive our mission, ensuring that the history of our community remains vibrant and accessible to all.
Chair: Leigh Robertson
Leigh is Acting Chair of CMHS due to the untimely passing of Carol Nauss. He has been a business owner for the past 47 years. A graduate of McGill University, his specialty has been the creation of high technology services to the visual communications industry. He founded and was President and CEO of Networx Incorporated; a full services company serving the needs of the Atlantic Film and Television Production industry.
Through the development of high technology prototype systems for Defense, Scientific Research, Business and Broadcast Communications, substantial skills and knowledge in these areas were acquired.
Leigh became a founding director in Gold River Marina in 2004 until his retirement in 2023, enabling Leigh to pursue other interests through Leigh Robertson & Associates Ltd. Leigh resides in Chester, Nova Scotia.
Co-Chair: Wayne Cameron
Wayne Cameron is the co-chair of the Chester Municipal Heritage Society in Chester, Nova Scotia. With a deep passion for preserving the rich history and culture of the community, Wayne plays a vital role in promoting heritage initiatives and engaging local residents. His dedication to heritage conservation and community involvement has made a significant impact on the preservation of Chester's unique character. Through his leadership, Wayne continues to inspire others to appreciate and protect the historical treasures of the area.
Board Member: Jayne Campbell
Jayne Campbell is a retired High School teacher / administrator. She moved to Blandford fifteen years ago with her husband after renovating an older home in the area. Jayne continued to pursue her interests in the arts as well as her love for local history by joining a variety of organizations. Jayne was on the executive of the Blandford and Area Historical Society (BAHS) for six years, an active participant in Heritage Handwork, Past President of Aspotogan Arts & Crafts and Past President of the Chester Garden Club and has been involved in a variety of community fundraisers in the area. Her passion, the arts. She is a member of PCAFA, studio artist of a variety of mediums, Plein air artist and shares her passion for cooking with her husband and family.
Board Member: Dudley Grove
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Board Member: Emily Gore
Emily Gore is currently studying permaculture design as well as growing flowers and food for her production of teas, pickles & preserves and soap. She is one of the project managers of the food security portion of Growing Friends and an instructor for the children's program, Musical Friends. She is a member of the Chester Garden Club and Chester Drama Society. Previously, she was a CDTA certified dance instructor and studio owner in Windsor, NS. She holds a Bachelor degree in Peace and Conflict Studies from Mount St. Vincent University.
Board Member: Fran Underwood
Since moving to Chester in 1993, Fran Underwood has been an active board member of the CMHS. She graduated with a Bachelor of Interior Design from the School of Architecture at the University of Manitoba in 1982. Fran's career in exhibit design and production included work at the Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History and the Nova Scotia Museum of the Atlantic in Halifax.
For over 20 years, she owned and operated Underwood & Moore Interior Designers in Chester with her business partner, Kelly Moore. Fran served as both the national and provincial President of Interior Designers of Nova Scotia and Interior Designers of Canada, retiring from interior design in 2018. She resides on Victoria Street in Chester with her partner.
Her current passions include working with fabric (sewn art), the history of architecture, and creating props for amateur theatre. Through "Up 2! New Good," a fabric recycling business she started in the 1990s, Fran engages in upholstery and creates fun, useful sewn art.
Board Member: Larry Ryan
Larry Ryan, a resident of Chester Basin for 48 years, has a diverse background in education, sports, and community service. Born in Wolfville, NS, he has lived in various locations across Nova Scotia and Montreal. He holds a B.Comm with a minor in History and a B.Ed. Larry's professional journey began at a young age with his first paying job at eight. He has extensive experience in teaching, having worked as a teacher for 35 years, during which he served as a department head and vice principal. Larry also held administrative roles, including Vice President of the Social Studies Association.
In sports, Larry was recognized at the provincial level for coaching basketball, volleyball, and track and field. He was also a member of the Atlantic Seniors Basketball Championship Team in 1977. His varied work experience includes roles in insurance administration, real estate, home hardware, taxi driving, and building maintenance.
Larry is an active community volunteer, having served as a scout leader, coach for senior basketball teams, and member of the Chester Basin 250th Anniversary Committee. He is currently the Acting President of the Moyle Oxner Barrel Factory Committee and Vice President of the Chester Basin Legacy Park. Larry has been married to Jean Taylor, an educator, for 48 years, and they have two children: Samuel, a captain for Air Canada, and Amy, a family counselor in the Northwest Territories.