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The Tupperville School Museum is a living testament to the educational and cultural heritage of rural Nova Scotia. As one of the last remaining one-room schoolhouses out of the 1,500 that once existed in the province, our museum offers a unique glimpse into a bygone era. Constructed in the 1850s, this historic school was moved twice to make the location safer for children and more central for the community.

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Our museum highlights the community's progressive spirit by showcasing how the school was built and operated even before the introduction of free public education in Nova Scotia. For a century, the school was a hub of learning, maintaining strong attendance and educating up to 60 children from grades 1 to 11 at its peak.

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Inside the museum, visitors can explore a range of original artifacts, including student desks, class registers, books, and photographs, alongside interpretive panels that detail the challenges of rural education and the experience of teaching and learning in a one-room schoolhouse. The museum also tells the story of the diverse waves of European migration that settled in the Tupperville area, including Acadians, Planters, and Loyalists.

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Additionally, we feature a permanent exhibit honoring Louis Jeremy, a Mi’kmaq craftsman known for his intricate handmade items, from simple trays and bowls to complex musical instruments, boats, and sleds.

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Although the Tupperville community fought to keep the school open, its last class was in 1970.   Instead of selling off or repurposing the building, the community chose to preserve its legacy by transforming it into a museum. For over 50 years, the Tupperville School Museum has been dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of rural education and cultural heritage.

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Step back in time with us and experience the essence of rural education and community life at the Tupperville School Museum.