Preserving and promoting the history of Nova Scotia
About the Society
The Royal Nova Scotia Historical Society was founded in 1878. The society meets monthly from September to May, inclusive to hear and to discuss individual papers about personalities, places and events integral to the history of Nova Scotia. Monthly meetings are held at 7:00 pm in the Lindsay Children’s Room on the 2nd floor at the Halifax Central Library, 5440 Spring Garden Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Special Statement: RNSHS Letter to Provincial Goverment
The Royal Nova Scotia Historical Society has issued a formal letter to the provincial government expressing deep concern over proposed cuts to heritage programming and the potential closure of twelve provincial museums. Highlighting its 148-year commitment to preserving Nova Scotia's history, the Society argues that these institutions are foundational to the province's identity and that their loss would disproportionately impact the vitality and economic sustainability of rural communities. Under the motto Futura in Historia Vivet (The Future Will Live in History), the RNSHS urges the government to reconsider these decisions and pursue a collaborative plan that safeguards the shared heritage of all Nova Scotians. Click here to view our letter.
Upcoming Lecture
“History Matters: Poutrincourt’s 1607 Gristmill - The Search for “The Oldest Mill in North America” by Mark C. Borton
Wednesday, June 17th, 2026, 7:00 pm (Atlantic), in-person at the Lindsay Children’s Room on the 2nd floor at the Halifax Central Library, 5440 Spring Garden Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia. Click here for the Zoom link.
Abstract:
In 1605-7, French explorer-settlers built the first water-powered gristmill at Port Royal initiating the First Industrial Revolution in North America. Poutrincourt’s Mill was shown on Samuel Champlain’s 1607 map—but for 400 years, historians haven’t been able to find it. New technologies and fresh perspectives have revealed its likely location—along with three other ancient mills, Acadian tidal dykes, and Mi’kmaw cultural sites.
Mark C. Borton
Borton is the founder of the Allain’s River Historic Discovery Project, an organization that seeks to systematically investigate and preserve the historically significant sites along the Allain’s River in Annapolis County, Nova Scotia. Borton is also the creator of the Embassy Boating Guide series (Maine to Florida) and the Maptech Waterproof Chart series (USA), and the author of "Moondoggle: Franklin Roosevelt and the Fight for Tidal-Electric Power at Passamaquoddy Bay".
