The Tantramar Heritage Trust members and new members are cordially invited to attend the Trust's Annual General Meeting and Book Launch at the Sackville United Church. Following the business portion of the meeting, President Paul Bogaard will provide a brief update on restoration and construction activities at the Campbell Carriage Factory Museum.
The highlight of the evening will be the Tantramar Heritage Trust's second book launch in Sackville's 2008 Cultural Capital year, a major reference work entitled "Shipbuilding in Westmorland County," compiled by Charles Armour with additions by Al Smith. This represents a scholarly achievement of Dr. Armour, long recognized as one of the leading authorities on ship building in the Maritimes. His expertise and personal connection to the greater Tantramar region are the perfect blend, enabling readers to "re-discover" the major shipbuilding industry centred at the Head of the Bay of Fundy -- a contribution often glossed over in the annals of Maritime Canadian history.
This authoritative book, complete with bibliography, features the six major ship builders of Westmorland County: Christopher Boultenhouse (60 vessels), Henry Purdy (19), Robert A. Chapman (31), William Hickman (18), Gideon Palmer (15), and Joseph Salter (20). An annotated listing includes 580 vessels, presented in chronological order giving the year and date of launch, builder(s), registry information, owners, date and reason for closure. Vessels will also be listed alphabetically, including the type of rig, year built, builder, and shipyard location. All shipbuilding areas in Westmorland County are represented, including: Sackville, Port Elgin, Baie Verte, Tidnish, Dorchester, Rockland, Rockport, Salisbury, Peticodiac, Moncton, Dover, Shediac, Memramcook, Cape Tormentine, Botsford and Shemogue and Westmorland parish. Photos of twenty-six ship portraits are reproduced, most in full colour.
For additional information contact the Trust office at 536-2541 or tantramarheritage@nb.aibn.com. Refreshments will be served.