About Us
Mission Statement
To preserve and display the natural and human history of Parkdale-Maplewood and the surrounding communities.
Interpretive Mandate
Our Interpretive Mandate is to interpret the heritage of our communities (Parkdale-Maplewood, New Germany area, etc.) and people through our exhibits, research center, educational programs, and events.
The Museum building is used to exhibit local history to educate the public through the exhibition of artifacts and the Research Center. It also houses Aunt Dinah's Gift Shop and offers space to the community for small meetings.
Museum History
Our Community Museum was founded by Thomas I. Spidell, a native of Parkdale. Uncle Tom, as he was called, traveled through England, the USA, Mexico and Canada as a missionary-salesman for The New and Latter House of Israel. As Uncle Tom traveled, he collected old and interesting things. In the 1930's he began bringing these items home to Nova Scotia.
The first exhibit of Uncle Tom's items was held in a barn in Parkdale-Maplewood. The people of the communities erected the first museum building — now the home of the Livewires 4-H Club. The Maccabee Lodge Hall was taken over in the 1960's. In 1984, what is now known as the Lloyd and Muriel Room was opened.
Most recently, the Maccabee Lodge was moved and a large extension was built to house an administration area, gift shop, research area, Aunt Dinah's Tea Room, washrooms and artifact storage. The grand opening of the new enhanced facility was held on July 6, 2005.
Special Features
- People from the Past
- Many exhibits feature photos and biographies of special people whose creations and possessions make up our collection of folk art, quilts, butter churns, tools, dishes, textiles, lamps, etc.
- For Children
- Toys, puzzles and games for younger visitors. Older children may enjoy the Museum Scavenger Hunt. Also available are our Educational Programs.
- Aunt Dinah's Tea Room
- Available to rent for meetings, gatherings, and small events. Contact us for availability and rates.
- Parking
- Space for up to 60 cars and 4 buses.
- Research Centre
- Numerous local family and community histories available. See Research Centre.
Board & Staff
Our museum is owned by the community of Parkdale-Maplewood and administered by the Parkdale-Maplewood Museum Society.
Staff
- Curator — Donna (Wentzell) Arenburg
- Museum Assistant — Suzanne (Wentzell) Isaacs
Board of Directors
- Sandy Hagell, Chair
- Barb Ross, Vice Chair
- Wendy Looke, Secretary-Treasurer
- Barbara G. Wentzell, Administrator
- Deb Campbell, Member at Large
- Lloyd Storr, Member at Large
- LauraLee Seamone, Member at Large
Membership
Membership into the Museum Society can be obtained by completing an application. Members receive a printed newsletter with museum news and updates delivered by mail.
Dues are payable in January. Contact the museum to join.
Volunteers
The Museum wishes to acknowledge the value of its many members and volunteers. Without them, the Museum would not exist. We offer many diverse volunteer opportunities and welcome anyone who wishes to share some time and/or expertise. Call the Curator at the Museum for more information.
Donate
Donations in the form of cash, cheque, or e-transfer are gratefully accepted. Donations will be applied to the operation of the Museum unless otherwise designated by the donor to go toward anything on our Wish List (see below).
- E-transfer: pmcmuseum3005@gmail.com
- Cheque: Payable to “Parkdale-Maplewood Community Museum” or “PMCM”
- Mail to: 3005 Barss Corner Rd, Maplewood, NS B0R 1A0
Income tax receipts will be issued for monetary donations (of/over $10.00) and membership fees.
Wish List
Although these do not require a donation of money, they do require a donation of time:
Advertising Assistant
Volunteer needed to assist with creating advertising copy. Should be someone who likes playing with computer graphics and creating advertisements and is familiar with formatting PDF files.
We greatly appreciate any and all monetary donations. We accept cash, e-transfers (pmcmuseum3005@gmail.com) and cheques. We will issue official receipts for income tax purposes for donations of/over $10.00.