The Mi’kmaq called the spot just south of the mouth of the Cornwallis River Mtaban – “mud-cat-fish ground”,
because it was a good spot to hunt and fish. The first Europeans to settle here moved up from Port Royal as early as 1650 and they built dykes around the Minas Basin to grow crops and cattle on the fertile. In 1755 Governor Lawrence ordered the expulsion of the Acadians, to be replaced by English settlers. The first church was established in 1765-66. 1829 Postmaster Elisha DeWolf, Jr. who selected the name for a new Way Office (some say his two nieces, Maria and Mary Starr did) and the area became known as Wolfville.
Other Links
Wolfville Attractions
Acadia University Archives
{Vaughan Memorial Library, 50 Acadia St}
Acadia University, Wolfville, NS B0P 1X0
(902) 585-1549 or 585-1731 fax: (902) 585-1748
Website
The Archives room at Acadia is named in honour of the late Dr Esther Clark Wright, Acadia ’16, noted regional historian. The Archives contain records of Acadia University, the Baptist churches in Atlantic Canada, and a regional collection for the Annapolis Valley/Bay of Fundy region.
Operated by: Acadia University
Acadia University Art Gallery
{Acadia Campus, Beveridge Arts Centre, corner of Main Street & Highland Avenue}
Acadia University, Wolfville, NS B0P 1X0
(902) 585-1373 fax (902) 585-1070
Website
The Art Gallery at Acadia is a public art gallery and an academic support unit within the educational context of the University. The gallery offers temporary exhibitions of contemporary and historical works. Evangeline’s Odyssey, an exhibition of images and artifacts based on Longfellow’s Acadian heroine, Evangeline, organized by the Acadian Museum of the University of Moncton, is on display from June to September 2002. Operated by: Acadia University
The K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre and Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens
32 University Avenue, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6
902-585-5242
Website
The Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens provide a meeting place for science and nature on the campus of Acadia University in Wolfville Nova Scotia.
All the plants are native to the Acadian Forest Region. A great resource for information on home gardening and landscaping with native plants.
Open 7 days a week, dawn to dusk.
Prescott House Museum
{2nd right after bridge at Port Williams}
1633 Starr’s Point Road, Port Williams, NS B0P 1T0
phone/ fax (902) 542-3984
Website
Built as the home of the Honourable Charles Prescott about 1814, this is one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture in Nova Scotia. The house was restored by Mary Allison Prescott in the 1930’s. She added a fine collection of oriental rugs, and a selection of early needlework samplers. The Museum also has an elegant garden and extensive grounds with some unusual trees. Open: June 1-October 15, Mon-Sat 9:30 am-5:30 pm, Sun 1:00 pm-5:30 pm. Admission fee.
Randall House Historical Museum
171 Main Street, Wolfville, NS B0P 1X0
(902) 542-9775 fax (902) 684-3705
Website
Artifacts from the 1760s to the 1950s reflect the way of life of area residents. See a large collection of photographs, paintings, clothing and household items. Open June 8-September 15, Mon-Sat 10:00 am-5:00 pm, Sun 2:00 pm-5:00 pm. Admission free, donations accepted
Robie Tufts Nature Centre
117 Front St, Wolfville, NS
Mail: P.0. Box 2350 Wolfville NS B4P 2N5
Website
Interpretive display of chimney swifts–birds that gather en masse at dusk from late May to late August and create an aerobatic display before darting into a chimney to roost. Inquire at visitor information centre for details. Relax or picnic in this natural area and view beautiful Cape Blomidon, and wander through Wolfville’s first Peace Park.