Backyard History

Lost deep in the woods of Nova Scotia on a maze of logging roads, I came across a faded sign saying “The Electric City - La Nouvelle France.” Intrigued, I followed it, and found the abandoned ruins of what had once been an egalitarian utopian society. It had been among the first places in the Maritimes to have electricity and running water, and even boasted a train which ran on wooden rails.   htt...

What are the origins of the mysterious Mount House and is it the oldest building in The Maritimes?

There aren't any wolves in New Brunswick, right? Well not according to these 19th century accounts of wolf attacks that took place throughout the province.

When disease breaks out in a remote northern community, two ace pilots battle the elements of a Canadian Winter to bring them much needed medicine.

A tale filled with ups and downs, as one man tries desperately to get his balloon into air, in what was the first ever flight in Canada, which took place in Saint John.

Christmas through the eyes and told through the diary entries of average  people living in the 19th century.

It took a while for people to adopt having Christmas trees in their homes. Perhaps because they used to be lit with open flames, and Santa once nearly met his end because of a flaming Christmas tree!

The story of how Christmas was banned, and how before Santa Claus became popular, children hung the stocking by the chimney with care in hopes that Mab, Queen of The Fairies would soon be there.

Explore the unexpected -and heartwarming- tale of the first Christmases in North America. Just like the American Thanksgiving myth, excet actually real!

An unhealthy lifestyle leads to coronation drama when King Bertie is set to take the throne but needs his appendix removed the day of the ceremony.

A young woman disguises herself as a man to go and fight in the American Civil war as a soldier, nurse, and spy.

Tasked with a mission set to cripple Canada's supply routes during the second world war, a Nazi spy abandons his orders when the locals offer him nothing but kindness.

Just two minutes before the end of the First World War, the final soldier fell: Nova Scotian George Price.

The Maritimes' biggest Prohibition Era rum running kingpin.   When you think of the Prohibition Era, the mind immediately goes to famous American gangsters like Al Capone. But The Maritimes were home to our own rum running gangsters, the biggest, most powerful and widely feared gang was “the Madawaska Mob” led by a man who chose the distinctly less-than-intimidating alias “Joe Walnut.”   Joe Walnu...

What lurks beneath the surface of Lake Utopia? Eye witness accounts tell the tale of a monster who stalked fishermen and visitors of the lake for years.