Early projects of the society helped to save the Chester Train Station and rebuild the Lightfoot Tower, built circa 1904, by American attorney Alfred Ross Lightfoot to gain a better view of sailing activity in Mahone Bay. The station now houses the Tourist Bureau, a gallery for local artists and artisans and an exhibit on Oak Island, as it is famous for hidden pirate treasure.
Another recent and major endeavour of the society was to gain control, through purchase and lease, of a complete village block of the original town plan of Chester Village to develop Lordly Park. The park has cultivated areas, a natural wetland, a children's playground, and a skating and games berm and is home to yet another project of the society - the restoration of Lordly House Museum and Maple Cottage. The house, built circa 1806 by local shipwrights and carpenters for Captain MacCurdy is valued for its age, architecture and historical association with the Lordly family. It is a fine example of Georgian architecture in the community and remains relatively unchanged since its construction. The Cottage, circa 1879, was the first municipal office where Lordly was clerk. Over the years, the society has been developing a database of heritage properties and compiling obituaries, news clippings, genealogies and other information related to the municipality. It has researched and mounted a permanent display which features the "American Connection" to the community. Educational programs for the local community are offered in the winter months. It offers an outreach school program, "Trade in Time" using local artifacts to help teach students about local history.
The society is also responsible for a wi-fi site at Maple Cottage (free public computer access) in the village and has recently launched a directory showcasing the talents of local Artists and Artisans. The society mounts changing displays each year at Lordly House Museum, 133 Central Street, Chester, NS.
The Chester Municipal Heritage Society is always looking for people who are willing to participate in its community building activities or to share information. Please feel free to contact us if you would like to assist.
