Developing a network of historical kiosks throughout Pictou County
PRDA is working with 11 communities throughout rural Pictou County to develop a network of historical kiosks. These kiosks contain interpretive panels that explain the area’s rich history and culture through story, graphics and historical photos.
The rationale for the project is to encourage economic development in the rural parts of Pictou County and foster community pride by creating a monument to the community’s history and legacy. These community kiosks encourage destination development, offering a scenic drive with 11 destinations that invite visitors to delve into the history of Pictou County’s rural communities. It is expected that economic activity and tourism growth could result by establishing this network of kiosks across the County.
Every kiosk is developed in partnership with the community in which it is installed. The project is jointly funded by Federal, Provincial and Municipal (County of Pictou) programs and by the community. The kiosks are developed by citizen volunteers from each community in conjunction with the consultant hired to research and design the panels.
To date the following communities have completed kiosks:
Churchville
Sunny Brae / Hopewell
Eureka
Blue Mountain
Durham
The following communities will have kiosks completed by April 2012:
Kenzieville
Merigomish
Lismore
Barneys River
River John
Is your community interested in having a Kiosk?
Communities must have essential elements in place in order to have a kiosk. The best potential for development is based on strategic location, historical content and citizen engagement.
A volunteer working committee would be established and would work with a graphic historian to develop the process of obtaining, evaluating and selecting the components for the interpretative panel presentation.
Where possible the community kiosk would be developed in such a way as to direct the visitor to walk-about the community and explore historical and cultural sites firsthand. These community tours would be encouraged to link up with existing trails or develop new walking, hiking and nature trails.
The community kiosk structure is basic in design, cost effective and built for long-term sustainability, low maintenance and wheel chair accessibility. Depending on the amount of historical information and data collected, communities can choose from a one, two or three interpretative panel/kiosk presentation.
The community site chosen for the kiosk should be based on ease of access for tourist visitation, close to the road and close to a community building or structure (i.e., church, fire hall, monument or meeting place. Lighting the community kiosk would be suggested or placement of the kiosk in a well lit area.
Summary of Project Objectives:
· Increase tourist visitation to various areas throughout Pictou County; community kiosks will establish the region as a destination point.
· Promote the history and culture of rural communities in Pictou County; developing community kiosks will educate both the volunteers involved in researching the project and the visitors who come to explore.
· Encourage development of cultural, eco-tourism, living history themed routes throughout Nova Scotia; establishing community kiosks in Pictou County will encourage other communities to develop their areas as destination points to build on the experience.
· Increase community pride and self-esteem; establishing community kiosks in Pictou County will give its citizens a sense of accomplishment and hope for the future.
· Encourage economic growth; developing community kiosks will establish the area as a destination point and sustain and grow employment.
· Encourage community-gathering spots; establishing community kiosks will generate other celebrations, occasions and events to increase tourist visitation.
Summary of Expected Results:
• Increased tourist visitation and revenue for local businesses to grow.
• Increased tourist visitation allowing local employment to grow.
• Increased tourist visitation will enhance the Pictou County and Nova Scotia experience.
• Increased awareness of the areas’ rich history and culture.
• Establishing a community kiosk at Merigomish (original Mi’kmaq Settlement) will improve First Nation Peoples’ tourism market and will for each community involved.
• Improve community engagement and collaboration with Scottish, French and Mi'kmaq communities through the process of conducting genealogical and historical research.
• Inspire development of community kiosks in other areas of Nova Scotia.
• Developing community kiosks will have a positive impact on “The Future of Nova Scotia’s Tourism Plan” by developing complementary product and experiences that enhance the Nova Scotia brand and fulfill the strong market demand for historical and genealogical product.
