Charlotte County Archives

The Charlotte County Archives' collection reflects the social, political and economic history of Charlotte County, New Brunswick. Collections date back to the 18th century, and include thousands of original documents reflecting various individuals, groups, and businesses who have contributed to the county's social, cultural, economic and political life. Visitors to the Archives have access to more than 5,000 photographic images dating from the 1850s, manuscripts and theses, Charlotte County newspapers, maps and architectural drawings, letters, diaries, and ships' logs. The reference room includes family histories, and other genealogical resources, a small research library and microfilm readers.

The Charlotte County Archives, a not-for-profit organization, was established in 1975 by the Charlotte County Historical Society. The Archives has occupied the Old Gaol since 1982, and the building is provided and maintained by the Province of New Brunswick. The Province provides some financial support, but the majority of the Archives' operating funds is derived from donations and fund raising activities.^[1]

Old Gaol

Main article: Charlotte County Gaol

The Old Charlotte County Gaol was built in 1832 and sits next to the Charlotte County Courthouse. It is built of 2+¹⁄₂-foot-thick (0.76 m) square granite blocks. Each claustrophobic cell is accessed by a narrow iron door, the only daylight coming from even narrower windows. Evocative of a much earlier time, the building housed prisoners from 1832 to 1979, and leaves a marked impression on visitors.

Charlotte County Courthouse

Charlotte County Court House, St. Andrews

Build in Classical-Revival style, the Charlotte County Courthouse is the best-preserved example in New Brunswick of the typical mid-nineteenth century Maritime courthouse. It was completed in 1840 and designed by architect Thomas Berry. Now a national historic site, the building sports a large royal coat of arms added in 1858. In the early years of its history, the Courthouse was a focal point for community activities such as elections, fairs, parades, and official visits. It is now the oldest courthouse in Canada still in continuous use and serves as the seat of the Court of the Queen's Bench. It was declared as a National Historic Site in 1983 and is open to the public when not in use.

External links

• Charlotte County Archives Website

Notes

1. ^ Charlotte County Weekend, St. Stephen, NB, March 27, 2004