PCHC - Pesikitk Cultural Heritage Centre
The West Hants Historical Society (WHHS) has undertaken an ambitious five-year plan to build a significant cultural, heritage, and tourism facility in Windsor. This centre will reflect our diverse history and highlight our current and emerging culture. It will capture national attention, attract tourism, promote growth, enhance reconciliation, entertain our residents, and provide a legacy for donors. We invite you to invest in your community, your past, and your future with a contribution to the Pesikitk Cultural Heritage Centre.
The land surrounding Fort Edward was called Pesikitk long before colonists renamed it Windsor. Many cultural groups arrived on our shores as our story merged with the formation of our province and country.
- Indigenous peoples welcomed the Acadians.
- European wars echoed in Pesikitk as French and British forces fought for control.
- Americans resettled Acadian farms in waves of Loyalist and Planter immigration.
- Missionaries brought religious and educational traditions.
- International trade in timber, furs, and produce brought prosperity to the community.
- Military recruitment for two world wars left its legacy in Windsor.
It was as if the tapestry of history was woven here. Pesikitk Cultural Heritage Centre will honour that history and preserve the cultural traditions that continue to evolve.
The PCHC will be a year-round centre that illustrates the history of Windsor and how the various cultural groups have influenced the community we have today. It will continue to showcase cultural activities as they evolve into the future. It will consist of four major elements.
To read how this adventure all started, please read here.
Please read our Newsletter below to stay up to date on all things PCHC. If you would like to contact us, please email: pchc@whhs.ca
How can you help? Glad you asked. As with any initiative, funding is needed. This is where you come in.
Click here to explore ways to donate
Mi’kmaq
On the grounds outside the centre will be a genuine Mi’kmaq longhouse built by skilled elders. It will be used for instruction, ceremony, and cultural exploration. Beside it will be an outdoor amphitheatre where small theatrical productions, musical events, or educational programs can be staged when the weather permits. There will also be room around the centre for a healing medicine garden or sculpture park.
West Hants History
The Great Fire of 1897 First agricultural fair in North America First private school in the British Commonwealth Birthplace of hockey Raising of the Jewish Legion in WW1
Historical interpretation
Visitors will be drawn to a semi-permanent display which demonstrates the 300+ year development of the West Hants community and the interchange of cultures including Mi’kmaq, Acadians, Black Loyalists, Planters, Americans, British, French, and Gaels. They participated in military, agricultural, educational, industrial, and business initiatives. Significant events that shaped Windsor will be highlighted: the Acadian expulsion the Great Fire of 1897 first agricultural fair in North America first private school in the British Commonwealth birthplace of hockey raising of the Jewish Legion in World War 1