The Samuel Wood Museum Complex    Historical Overview

The Samuel Wood Museum Complex is housed in the former I.O.O.F. Hall in Woods Harbour, Shelburne County, Nova Scotia. The building is a community landmark, its high tower provides a commanding view of the fishing village as well as the harbour and ocean.

Construction of the building began in 1902 under the direction of the Harbour Light Lodge # 91 and took several years to complete. On April 19, 1906, ladies from the area formed the Balmoral Rebekah Lodge # 39.

Since it's inception the "Hall" has been the centre of activities for the community such as:

Lodge meetings
Silent movies ( with organ and violin accompaniment)
Dances
Roller skating
Boxing matches
Local talent shows
Talking pictures
School and Sunday School concerts
Political meetings and elections
Wedding receptions and showers
Legion affairs
Historical Society meetings

In 1978 the Rebekah's became the custodian for the building and started the "Save the Hall Fund". Local people made generous donations and held quilt raffles. The money was used to shingle the roof, side the building, buy new doors and windows, paint, and some renovations to the inside of the building.

In 1999, The Samuel Wood Historical Society offered to assume the stewardship of "The Hall" and was deeded the property in March of 2000. Several months later the Samuel Wood Museum was opened to the public.

The facilities are now being utilized by the following organizations:

Western Counties Regional Library ( satellite branch)
Community Access Program (providing the public with computers, scanner, printers, and instruction.)
Women's Resource Centre
Victorian Order of Nurses
Balmoral Rebekah Lodge #39
Literacy tutoring and homework clubs
Wellness clinics

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