New Brunswick Heritage Week - Celebrating 150 Years!

In honour of the 150th anniversary of Confederation, the theme for Heritage Week 2017 in New Brunswick is Celebrating 150 years – Célébrons 150 ans. This topic provides an opportunity to recognise New Brunswick’s role in Confederation, as well as to reflect upon the many past contributions made by the people of New Brunswick to our nation of Canada.

Dusan Kadlec, Province House Ball, 1864

(Source: Parks Canada)

The 2017 New Brunswick Heritage Week poster features a "crazy quilt" from the collection of the Kings County Museum in Hampton. It was made by dressmaker Fannie Parlee between 1864 and 1895, from fabric taken from dresses worn by those who attended the Charlotte Conference ball of 1864. This historic conference, where Confederation was first discussed, was noted for its extravagant ball held in the name of union on September 8, 1864.

Also within the 2017 Heritage Week poster can be found the faces of the many individuals who witnessed New Brunswick’s transition into Confederation. Notably, Sir Arthur Hamilton Gordon who was Lieutenant-Governor at the time, as well as Chief Gabriel Acquin, Sir Samuel Leonard Tilley, Amand Landry, Lady Alice Tilley, and The Paris Crew (only to name a few).

This Heritage Week, join with us in celebrating 150 years of making history in our province. On National Flag of Canada Day (February 15) take time to consider how our past has shaped our sense of identity as Canadians, and on National Heritage Day (February 20) reflect upon how heritage provides us with a legacy for the future.

Now is the time to do your part in planning your Heritage Week event. Let your imagination be your guide! The scope is endless --- you may choose to host, compose, perform, explore, research, record or organise --- the possibilities go on and on! We invite you to join in, plan an event, and share your information with us through our online registration.

Choose to celebrate and participate! All events registered by January 31, 2017 will be posted on the Heritage Week web site and will be included in listings prepared for public distribution. All individuals and groups registering events will also receive a Certificate of Participation.

Join with us in celebrating Canada 150 during New Brunswick Heritage Week, February 13 to 20, 2017!

For more information please visit the NB Heritage Week 2017 web site.