Our Story
Why was this society formed?
1
To enable the large percentage of the population the County of Cumberland and the Chignecto region with Acadian ancestry to have a voice and the means to know and celebrate their culture and heritage.
2
The need to have a broad-based organization to advocate for an improved treatment of the Beaubassin national historic site at Fort Lawrence, leading to its further development as a monument to its significant role in the history of Acadia.
The founding meeting of our society took place on February 15, 2023, at Amherst. It adopted the name of “Cumberland Acadian Society” and this object in its memorandum of Association: “To provide all persons in Cumberland County and all persons who have a connection with an interest in Cumberland County with the opportunity to enhance their awareness of their Acadian ancestry, heritage and history; to promote Acadian culture in all its forms, as well as to promote greater awareness and appreciation of historical sites and work towards the enhancement of historical sites in Cumberland County.”
The bylaws which were adopted at that same time provide for four standing committees, which are described as follows:
1. Membership Growth: this includes publicity, public relations, a webpage, social media postings, speaking engagements and membership support.
2. Ancestry and History: to encourage members to research their ancestry, teach how to do it, share history of people and places and events through speakers, print material, videos, documentaries, and organize trips to historic places.
3. Arts and Culture: to promote Acadian music, dancing, organize a festival, hold and host competitions, lessons on Acadian cuisine, organize a dinner featuring Acadian dishes; invite chefs such as Alain Bosse and promote attendance of cultural events elsewhere.
4. Promote Historic Sites: primarily Beaubassin Village in Fort Lawrence needs to be much more developed and cared for. There are other historic places: Les Planches, LaButte,Nappan, Maccan,River Hebert, Minudie. Who knows the story of Refugee Cove? What happened at Shulie?
These four committees outline how the object of the society is hoped to be achieved. The meeting also endorsed the suggestion that the “Bell of Beaubassin”,superimposed on the Acadian flag, be adopted as our society’s logo.
Meet our dedicated team
Officers and Directors
Antoine Gerard Cormier
Vice President/Acting President
He is a tenth generation (since 1644 with four generations at Beaubassin from 1672 to 1750) pure blooded ACADIAN. Born in Cheticamp, Inverness County, Cape Breton, NS in 1944, he is bilingual, holds degrees in atomic physics and computer engineering, and served for 40 years with Canadian National Defence - 27 of these in the RCAF - as an aerospace engineering officer in procurement projects. He resides in Parrsboro, Cumberland county, NS since 2002 where he volunteers with FORCE (Fundy Ocean Research Center for Energy), Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Global Geopark, Parrsboro Shore Historical Society / Ottawa House museum and National Association of Federal Retirees Cumberland Branch.
Bill Casey
Treasurer
Bill Casey was born in Amherst, Nova Scotia. He is a graduate of St. Francis Xavier University and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree and Engineering Diploma. His business experience includes operating his own automotive, housing, investment and hospitality businesses. His political career included seven successful federal elections over a period of 30 years. Mr. Casey lives in Brookdale near Amherst where he provides advice and direction to several business and community organizations. He is married to Rosemary, and they have three grown children Michael, Holly and Allison, and three grandchildren Willow, Jasper and Autumn.
Morris Haugg
Secretary
Morris J. Haugg serves as a Director and as the Secretary. He is a native of Bavaria, who emigrated at age 18 to this area in 1960. He worked as a lawyer for 41 years, with part-time positions as a university lecturer (21 years) and Small-Claims Court Adjudicator (10years). He has been active in a variety of community organizations (54 years with the Rotary Club). He and his wife Susan now reside at Tidnish Bridge. They have two daughters and four adult grandchildren, two of whom have some Acadian ancestry. "Even though I have no Acadian blood in me, I have believed for a long time that we need an organization which recognizes and promotes the significant Acadian history and heritage of our area. I am very happy to be part of this society."
Michele Maltby LeBlanc
Michele Maltby LeBlanc serves as a Director and Chair of the Arts and Culture Committee. Michele resides in Nappan and is of Acadian descent through her mother Sharon (Terrio) and Father Stanley (Gould). She worked as a manager in the long-term care industry for 27 years serving a two-year term as Provincial President of the Nova Scotia Recreation Professionals in Health Association. Michele also served several terms as President of the Kidney Foundation of Canada Amherst Chapter. For a number of years, she and husband Phil owned and operated an antique business in Downtown Amherst. During this period, she served as chair of the Downtown Amherst Advisory Committee, in addition to serving as chair of the Downtown Amherst Festivals and Events Committee. At present, she serves as a Director with the Minudie Heritage Association, in addition chairing Acadian Day celebrations in Minudie. Michele has a daughter residing in Halifax, two sons living in Alberta and five grandchildren. A lover of music, she is known for her involvement with Showcase Production through the years in addition to vocal performances in the area. She is extremely proud of her Acadian roots and looking forward to working with others on Arts and Cultural events and delighted to serve as a Director with the Cumberland Acadian Society.
Mary Comeau
Mary is a Cumberland native & with exception of 19 years, has lived her entire life in Nappan. She currently lives on land where a small Acadian village once stood & feels the history in the Bay of Fundy breeze. A proud Acadian, she has fond memories of visiting family in Cap-Pelé. Her Comeau family tree has been traced back to 1600 France. A history major in university, she is often found in museums & cemeteries. Passing along her ancestry and love of history to her two teenagers is very important & she is proud that they embrace their heritage and lineage. One of their favorite stories in childhood was the story, Fiddles & Spoons~Journey of an Acadian Mouse & she highly recommends this story to families. Mary is grateful for those who continue to bring attention to the Acadian experience in Nova Scotia.
Michel Gaudet
Michel (Mitch) Gaudet, a proud 13th generation descendant of Je(h)an Gaudet, hails from the picturesque Clare Digby County in Nova Scotia. With roots deeply entrenched in Acadian heritage, Mitch's journey has been one of preserving and celebrating the legacy of his ancestors. Twenty years ago, Mitch relocated to Amherst, Nova Scotia, only to find a noticeable gap in the understanding and appreciation of the region's original Acadian settlers. It was this realization that fueled his passion for preserving the cultural tapestry woven by his ancestors. Upon the creation of the local historical society, Mitch wasted no time in becoming an active participant. For him, it was the perfect avenue to share his knowledge and ignite interest in the rich Acadian history that permeates the area. He saw it as his duty to ensure that the stories and struggles of the early Acadians were not lost to time. Mitch's dedication to his heritage is particularly evident in his fervent exploration of the history of the original township of Beaubassin. Through meticulous research and a deep reverence for the past, he has unearthed untold narratives and shed light on the profound impact of Acadian settlers on the landscape of Nova Scotia. With unwavering commitment, Mitch continues to champion the cause of Acadian preservation, serving as a beacon for others to follow. His efforts serve as a testament to the enduring spirit of his ancestors and inspire future generations to honor their legacy.
Tammy Smith
I grew up in Sackville, NB and moved to Cumberland County in 1991, where I raised my family. I have always been interested in my heritage and genealogy, so I became a member of Cumberland County Genealogical Society, and then Cumberland Acadian Society to further my research, and promote and share my knowledge with others. I am a local volunteer leader with the Sunrise 4-H Club and enjoy fibre arts.
Betty Tattersall
Joe O'Byrne
What has our society done since its founding and incorporation on February 15, 2023?
Large directional sign at the Fort Lawrence Road
The Society created and erected a large directional sign at the Fort Lawrence Road to improve signage to Beaubassin Historic site.
Pamphlet about historic Beaubassin Village
We designed and produced an interpretive pamphlet about historic Beaubassin Village, including directions for visitors, and about our society. These were made available to four Provincial tourist bureaus around Nova Scotia, as a well as to attendees of our Acadian Festivals.
Street banners on poles throughout downtown Amherst
For the month of August 2024 many street banners on poles throughout downtown Amherst drew attention to Beaubassin and Acadian heritage.
First Acadian Festival
On August 17, 2023 the first Acadian Festival was held, together with an official flag raising and a "Tintramar Parade"
Museum visits
Museum visits have been arranged for members to the Acadian Museum at the University of Moncton, as well as to the Cumberland Museum in Amherst
Free guided tours of the Beaubassin National Historic
Free guided tours of the Beaubassin National Historic site in Fort Lawrence have been offered to the membership and the public at large. Seven, so far.
Second Acadian Festival
A second Acadian Festival, complete with flag raising in four locations throughout Cumberland , took place in Amherst on August 8th, 2024,as a well as a noisy "Tintramar " parade.
Facebook page
A Facebook page was created in early in 2023, which has constant posting on Acadian history and culture, the French language, as well as Society news and events.
Parks Canada travel exhibit
The Society arranged for a Parks Canada travel exhibit, featuring the history of the Isthmus of Chignecto, including its significant Acadian history, to be displayed in Amherst's Town Hall for three months in the summer of 2024.
Members of the Society's Executive met with local politician
Members of the Society's Executive met with local politicians ( MLA, M.P.) to appraise them of Society's goals and objectives. They also made formal presentations to the Councils of the Town of Amherst and the Municipality of the County of Cumberland, at which the further development of the Beaubassin Historic Site was a primary focus.
A Society's webpage has been created.
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A genealogy/ ancestry research course with the Cumberland Public Libraries at the Amherst Library.
A genealogy/ ancestry research course for beginners was held on January 25th , 2025, in cooperation with the Cumberland Public Libraries at the Amherst Library.