Cartogenealogy

06/12/2026

Today is Miners' Memorial Day or Davis Day here in Nova Scotia. A time to reflect on the sacrifices of so many poor souls in towns like our own.

It should be no surprise that in the world of early-1900s mining - accidents were frequent. In a survey of deaths of coal miners in Inverness County we found 1/3 of those were accidental; "killed by runaway car", "fracture of the spine", "succumbed to shock from injuries". This was the harsh reality of going underground.

Surviving the hazards of the mine itself was only the first hurdle for these young men. When they reached the surface they had to contend with the infection and disease that was rampant in many boomtowns like Inverness. Another 1/3 of the deaths were caused by tuberculosis, scarlet fever or meningitis for example. While working conditions were dangerous, living conditions at the time should not be overlooked.

The average age of those who died from injury or disease was no more than 27 years. Young men still in the prime of their lives. Up until 1923 (when government restrictions were set) this unfortunately included boys under the age of 16. Such was the case with 14 year old Belgian immigrant John Peeters - a boy killed in the Inverness mines.

If you were one of the lucky ones - you escaped both and lived to "old age". The remaining 1/3 of the coal miners surveyed lived to about 53 years of age. This may seem shocking but was not too far off the first national average in Canada that was measured at 59 years of age in 1920.



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If you'd like to learn more about the history of Inverness stop by the Museum - Tuesday-Friday, 12-4pm.

We now offer genealogical services to those seeking their local roots!

The Inverness Historical Society is always seeking volunteers, if you'd like to, please contact us on facebook messenger or via our email ([email protected])

https://www.invernessminersmuseum.com/donate

05/16/2025

Tis the season for fish runs, and in honour of that - here is a series of Moise Chiasson and son Gerard Chiasson (about 1975) fishing Gaspereau on the SW Margaree River.

Photos are from the George C Thomas collection (available from Library Archives Canada)

George's photos are so valuable when they catch a unique snapshot of a family over multiple generations like this!

10/30/2024

Tried out a tutorial from John Nelson maps on Youtube about making a cool little diorama style cut out with exaggerated elevation. I think it turned out neat!

10/22/2024

Fulfilling some Find a Grave requests at Stella Maris in Inverness yesterday. Unfortunately only found 3/7. I fear there were a few requests for older headstones that have not lasted the test of time.

Also quite a few toppled stones, will have to contact the parish to see if I can do some clean up.

05/15/2023

Something amazing happens when a skilled artist sets out to create an everyday object. This Mi’kmaw sewing basket, with its hanging balls, decorative rosettes and nesting bird, is the culmination of centuries of basket-making skill. Imagine the patience and attention to detail that’s required to make a work of art like this one. The basket also demonstrates the remarkable qualities of ash as a basketry material. Both strong and supple, ash splints are equally well-suited to fashioning sturdy work baskets and fine, decorative pieces like this one.

https://museum.novascotia.ca/collections-research/made-used-found/gallery/objects/sewing-basket

05/09/2023