Fort Point Lighthouse in Queens County, NS. Photo: Nova Scotia Government
In an effort to have museum collections in an online database, the Fort Point Museum is seeking volunteer photographers to take pictures of their artifacts.
Board of Directors member Lea Boutilier says over the years they have been making an effort to get all of the artifacts into an online database so it is easier for the public and staff to be able to view and research the items.
“This year we really had a focus with our summer students and they did a full inventory of what we have, but now what we are lacking is somebody who has expertise with photography to take our pictures.”
She says there are a specific set of rules that have to be followed to take artifact pictures and that skill set is not something any of the students or members of the board have.
“There are hundreds of photographs to be taken, and it has to be done between August 10-31 because we only have the equipment on loan from the Association of Nova Scotia Museums during that time.”
The museum site, located at the mouth of the LaHave River in the former lighthouse keeper’s house, was chosen because of the historical significance of the area.
“This was the place that was first colonized by the French when they came over here in the 1600’s and it was the first capital of New France,” said Boutilier.
She says traditionally this area was a M’ikmaw settlement and the museum has a collection of M’ikmaw artifacts, as well as artifacts from Acadian history, old school artifacts, life in the lighthouse and life in the 17-1900’s.
This summer there is a display on heritage fabrics from the LaHave area, focusing on quiltmaking and clothing.
Anyone who is interested in helping photograph artifacts can contact the museum. They are open Tuesday-Saturday from 11-5 p.m.
