Started as a “mini-museum” and incorporated in 1978, the Tracadie Historical Museum is one of its kind in Canada. Home to two permanent and some rotating temporary exhibitions, the museum mainly focuses on presenting the history of leprosy in New Brunswick in the 19th century.

It aims to create a visual representation of what the leprosariums of Sheldrake Island and Tracadie looked like between 1844 and 1965. A model, various photos, a pharmacy and other objects that belonged to lepers all aid in visually presenting these historical hospitals. Additionally, Mi’kmaq artifacts and religious items can also be viewed here. The museum is located on the 2nd floor of the Sainte-Famille Academy.

Walking distance from the museum, a trail leads visitors to the historic Leper Cemetery, where multiple aligned crosses have the names of 59 lepers on them.

The museum is open from June to August from 9 am to 4:30 pm on weekdays and Saturdays by appointment.

Photo: http://rmne.ca/musee-historique-de-tracadie

A heart of the community, the Saint-Jean-Baptiste et Saint-Joseph Church is another designated Local Historic Place for its historical and architectural significance. The church was built on the site of the first stone church, which burned down in 1925. The new church was designed by René A. Fréchet and produced by the community in 1949. The community of Tracadie-Sheila, for generations, has taken immense pride in their ancestors’ joint effort in building a place of worship. The church is representative of the Gothic Revival style. The sandstone exterior, tall bell towers, cornerstones of the current and former churches on the foundation, the blue-coloured nave recalling the Virgin Mary, terrazzo floor, stained-glass windows and the 12 candles and crosses all add to the beauty and value of this church. Standing 212 feet tall, this church is a marvel to look at. Don’t miss out on this piece of history when you visit this town!

Photo: Dr Wilson, CC-BY-SA-3.0