As a year-round community museum, we offer a variety of exhibits and have on hand a very diverse collection of artifacts from household items to farm equipment. The following are the largest.
Clock Collection
Over 150 antique clocks and watches on permanent exhibit from the Nova Scotia Museum. These objects were collected by the late Norman Phinney and sold to the Nova Scotia Museum with the understanding that they be displayed in the Middleton area. More …
Archives – Genealogical Research Library
The library contains many sources for those seeking their family roots or just wanting to do research on local subjects. Contains information on, but not limited to, Annapolis County families and local communities. More…
Rusty Nail Collection
This collection consists of over 500 items assembled and catalogued by the students of Middleton Regional Junior High School history teacher, Mrs. Leonie Cumming, who began teaching at the school in 1949. Housed first at the high school, the collection moved to the museum in 1980 and is an integral part of its collection.
Permanent Exhibits

This permanent exhibit showcases items collected by the late Norman Phinney and was one of the primary reasons for establishing the Macdonald Museum. Many of the clocks are in working condition. There are a wide variety of clocks and watches on display, with some dating back to the late 17th century. Anyone interested in clocks would do well to see this exhibit – one of the best in Eastern Canada.
> More info and photos
(photos to come – tower is currently under renovation)
West Nova Scotia Regiment
“West Novas in Peace and War” – the WNSR is an active Canadian Army Reserve Infantry Regiment with 4 locations in western Nova Scotia. The museum displays include:
- West Novas in WW2
- Scout sniper Platoon
- West Novas in the Afghanistan war
- West Novas with outstanding careers
- West Novas in the Devil’s Brigade
(Canada-US Special Service Force)