Our Research Library

Research Library

Our Research Library provides access to historical and photographic records about our community, with a focus on Bridgewater’s history.
Items available include:

Bridgewater business records, photographs, postcards, original documents, local architecture, early maps, historic fire and police department records, biographies, community histories, local churches, local schools, family histories, books about Bridgewater and/or written by local authors, and more. Learn more below.

Online Indexes

Our searchable indexes available to you at the research centre and online. See list of indexes below: Research Library holdings, Biographical files, and Reference files (includes businesses and significant events).

Research Library

Holdings

Biographical Files

Reference Files

Collections

DesBrisay Museum’s artifact collection is available to view and search from wherever you are. As much as we love to see you in-person, we realize that’s not always possible.  Our artifact catalogue, including details on each object, is hosted online by NovaMuse.

NovaMuse is a collection of collections. These collections are held in the public trust, and museums right across Nova Scotia work to preserve, research, interpret, and exhibit the objects in their care through this site. To view the Nova Muse Collection and other online resources, click on each of the sections below:

Local Histories

Click through the tabs above to explore human stories, milestones for Bridgewater and local landmarks.

The Town of Bridgewater and its surrounding villages in Lunenburg County have produced many legendary characters over the years. Their stories provide us with a glimpse into what life was like along the Atlantic Coast in a time that spanned the age of wood, wind, and sail, as well as the rapidly industrializing world. Click through the tab above to explore the stories behind some of Bridgewater’s best known individuals, organizations, and locales.

Human Stories

The Town of Bridgewater and its surrounding villages in Lunenburg County have produced many legendary characters over the years. Their stories provide us with a glimpse into what life was like along the Atlantic Coast in a time that spanned the age of wood, wind, and sail, as well as the rapidly industrializing world.

Click the names below to explore the stories behind some of Bridgewater’s best known individuals, organizations, and locales:

Robert Dawson, the Entrepreneur

Dr. Ernst, the Real Estate Tycoon

Jumbo Oxner, the Merchant of Bridgewater

Dr. Frank Davis, the Politician

W.T. Ritcey, the Man with the Vision

The Little Fire Brigade That Could

History of the Bridgewater Tennis Club

Dean Wile, the Carding Man

Fletcher Wade, the Railway King

E.D. Davison, the Lumber King

History of Middle LaHave

Ivy Banks

Milestones for Bridgewater

The Town of Bridgewater has certainly grown over time. It began as a rural, inland trading stop in the early 1800s, grew to become the de facto shiretown of Lunenburg County by 1900, and is now the professional and essential service hub of the South Shore.

Check out the links below to learn about some of the community’s noteworthy “firsts,” and take a look at some of the more significant architectural heritage that can be found throughout the neighbourhoods:

Bridgewater’s Noteworthy Firsts

Bridgewater’s Historic Landmarks

This pamphlet was produced by the Heritage Advisory Committee and the DesBrisay Museum to aid in learning about historic homes, churches, streetscapes, cemeteries, and industrial structures found in the community.

A Historic Walking Tour

Take 35 minutes and walk through Bridgewater’s oldest neighbourhoods to witness some of the wonderful 19th century and early 20th century architecture.

A Pleasant Walking Tour

Take 45 minutes and stroll down Pleasant Street and take note of its 19th century and early 20th century architecture.

Online Resources