The community of Barrington Head was settled by fishermen and farmers from Cape Cod, called Planters, beginning in about 1761. Shortly after, around 1765, they built a meeting house which was used for both secular and religious purposes. By 1839 church officials decided that they wanted the meeting house used for religious purposes only.
For several years community and civil affairs took place in private homes and a nearby school house. In 1843 this building was constructed as a jail and town hall. Several years later, in 1854, Shelburne County was divided into two administrative districts, creating the District of Barrington, at which time court sessions began to be held in this courthouse.
No longer in use as a court house, the building is now home to the Cape Sable Historical Society, which oversees
Four Museums, all within walking distance. One of the museums, the Western Counties Military Museum, is in this building. The museum contains over 4,000 military related artefacts, primarily from the World Wars, as well as older artefacts, such as seventeenth century cannonballs. See a short description below.
Western Counties Military Museum
The Western Counties Military Museum is situated in the Old Courthouse (c 1843) in Barrington in the beautiful South Shore region. Over 4,000 military artifacts and mementos from World War I and World War II are housed in the museum including cannonballs dating back to the 1600s, a Black Watch uniform, Nazi memorabilia, medals and pictures to name just a few.
Museum parking and Internet access is available. The Cape Sable Historical Society is custodian to the Western Counties Military Museum, as well as the Seal Island Light Museum, the Barrington Woolen Mill, and the Old Meeting House – all within a short walking distance.
From the Cape Sable Historical Society
Cape Sable Historical Society Centre
The Cape Sable Historical Society Centre, located in Barrington (Highway 3) on the beautiful South Shore, is dedicated to the preservation of local history through exhibits and archives for Barrington and the surrounding area.
With a large collection of records and data in various mediums, including indexed binders of local newspapers (births, deaths, marriages) dating back to the 1800s, the Cape Sable Genealogy Department is a treasure trove of information, and provides research facilities to assist in the quest for knowledge of ancestral roots. You may choose to research your own or commission the Centre’s staff to assist.
We are located in the Old Court House (built in 1843) along the banks of the Barrington River. The Historical Society is curator to the Western Counties Military Museum, The Barrington Woolen Mill Museum, The Old Meeting House and the Seal Island Light Museum – all within a short walking distance.
From Nova Scotia Attractions