One of the great things about being on a road trip is that even when you have an itinerary planned you will inevitably find something that you were not expecting. We were on our way towards the Joggins Fossil Cliffs when we were suddenly approached by signs announcing something about a Heritage Models Museum…hmmm. Since we had recently been to the miniatures model show in Riverview we were drawn to the potential for something cool and we were not disappointed.
It was early morning and we were the first to arrive at the Museum. We were warmly welcomed and given a nice information binder that had stories and photos from the history of all the models and people involved. We noticed a big crock pot full of chili cooking and wondered if they were selling chili this early in the morning! It was for a big community supper they were having that evening to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the museum.
It is so cool to walk around the models and peer into the holes and corridoors; they are built with such detail and imagination! It really brought out the kid in us to be peeking into the rooms and houses of the mini town. It is a real tribute to the people and workers and past of the area. There is a carnival, drive inn, corner store, skating rink, airplanes and other curious creations.
Located at 1868 Maine Street in River Hebert, Nova Scotia, Heritage Models Museum was celebrating its 20th Anniversary on June 15th 2013. All the 43 hand build folk art models were created by Reginald “Bud”Johnston.
During our visit, the models that captured our attention were the Curling Rink and the Cinema. It was a surreal experience to be able to look into many tiny windows and doors. Some models even have a hole in the ceiling to peek in. There are many paintings, a fair, a church, a mining entrance, a bakery, a manor, a blacksmith shop and so many others; all the important buildings in River Hebert are there. We were very impressed while watching a slideshow at home at how photogenic the models were!
This was a real highlight of our weekend! To see the passion and dedication that Bud Johnston brought to the table over so many years was heart-warming. He pays a tribute to the people of his town and his generation with each of his models, celebrating the soldiers and bakers and daily life of Atlantic Canada that is really amazing.