Collections

Focused on the History of Sydney


The Old Sydney Society Collections are focused on the history of Sydney and surrounding areas, in fact, most of the objects have been donated over the years by members of the community!

All of the objects at the Old Sydney Society are housed in one of our three different storage rooms: the collections room for general items, the archive room for photographs and documents, and the clothing room for textiles. Humidity, temperature, and exposure to light are all controlled for the continued preservation of the objects.

Each item in the collection is tagged, and those tags are cross-referenced with paper files containing all the relevant information (where it came from and who it may have belonged to, etc.), The numbers are also uploaded to a Nova Scotia Museum database that includes information about all of the items in all of the collection of museums and historic sites across the province. The database is cross-referenced to show where it is physically located in the collections room.

This means that workers in museums across Nova Scotia can see what objects other museums have, and allows us to have conversations about sharing or borrowing objects. It also allows the public a glimpse into collection rooms across the province with the NovaMuse website!

NovaMuse Curated Galleries

NovaMuse is a collection of collections; community museums that serve multiple functions: archives, art galleries, cultural and interpretive centres. Each has its own focus – based on community boundaries, industries, or specific themes. These collections are held in the public trust, and museums work to preserve, research, interpret and exhibit the objects in their care.

Tools of the Trade

Many of these tools were used by Sydney craftsmen and farmers during their daily work duties. The design of some of them has not changed for thousands of years and are still recognizable today

What’s for Supper

A collection of historical kitchen tools. Many women throughout history have worked very long, hard hours in their own kitchens and work kitchens alike, using these very tools throughout the day.

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Sydney’s Historic Harbour

After the turbulence of many years of war with the French, and the terms of the Treaty of Paris in 1763, the English were determined to establish a military and trading port in Cape Breton. 

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Military Medals

An extensive collection of 51 military medals, donated from the Estate of James McMullin,

Down in the Mine

A collection of equipment used for mining coal. Safety lamps and pit helmets were very important pieces of equipment as they kept miners as safe as possible while working in the mines.

Let’s Play

A collection of toys and games enjoyed by children throughout our history. From homemade playthings to store-bought favourites, these objects capture how generations of local kids spent their free time.

Sydney Steel

A collection celebrating the Sydney Steel Plant, the industry that helped shape Cape Breton for over a century. From tools and equipment to photographs of the workers themselves, these artifacts tell the story of the steelworkers who built the community around them.

Society and Culture

A collection reflecting community life in our community, from local clubs and social organizations to the traditions that brought neighbours together. These artifacts show how residents built a sense of belonging over the years.

St. Patrick’s Museum

This collection of artifacts, archived photographs, and religious texts all relate to the history of St Patrick’s Church. Founded in 1804 as a family chapel, it was expanded in 1828 by Margaret Coverly Wilson into a parish church.

Early Governance in Sydney

A collection tracing the early days of local government and civic life in Sydney, from council records to documents and objects tied to the the city’s elected officials. These pieces show how the community organized itself in its formative years.