History

A vibrant and rich history is a part of our community

Our heritage and history are a defining characteristic of Wolfville. This becomes obvious the more you explore our community.

Take a walking tour of the heritage homes, visit the Randall House Museum, stroll through the old burying grounds, or view the dykes built by the French in the 1600's. East of town, you can explore the Grand-Pré National Historic Site which documents the 1755 expulsion of the Acadians - made famous in Longfellow's poem Evangeline. Stop in Hortonville and see the iron cross which stands in memorial to the Acadians, and see the monument, which marks the landing site of the Planters.

Incorporated as a Town in 1893, Wolfville was originally settled by the Acadians who were expelled by British forces in 1755. The area was resettled by New England planters who arrived in 1760. Originally named Mud Creek, the town’s name was changed in 1830 - wisely, we’d suggest - when two granddaughters of Judge Elisha DeWolfe convinced their postmaster uncle, Elisha Junior, that a more suitable name was needed. With about half of the homeowners on the main road being DeWolfe's or DeWolfe by family connection, the name Wolfville was an obvious and poetic choice.

Preserving Wolfville's Heritage and History

Wolfville has a deep-rooted and rich heritage that we strive to preserve and celebrate. The Randall House Museum, maintained by the Wolfville Historical Society, is one such way that we do this.

The Randall House is a historic Horton farmhouse (circa 1800) and a community museum that reflects the way of life in Wolfville and its surrounding area in the 18th and 19th centuries.

The Randall family owned the house for three generations before being opened to the public in May 1949. Now, the 200-year-old traditional colonial dwelling gives a glimpse into the lives of the Randall family and the many other inhabitants of this quaint farmhouse. It displays the details of domestic and business life, and the contributions made by some of Wolfville’s leading families, farmers, merchants, artists, and clergy. Soak up the ambience of the period rooms on your own or with a guide.

Items in the collection include furniture made in Horton Township, fine costumes and textiles, paintings, china, glass, and even a collection of Victorian greeting cards. A small library and research office for local history and genealogy is located on the second floor, where copies of the extensive photograph collection are also kept.

Outside, an historic garden, which contains plants prominent in Nova Scotia circa 1840, is the perfect place to have a picnic.

Randall House is a window into the town's past and the many cultures and inhabitants that helped shape the town's history.

The Wolfville Historical Society is a registered Canadian Charitable Organization that owns maintains and operates the Randall House. The Society's mission is to interpret and maintain the Randall House as a museum for the benefit of the members of the Society, the residents of Wolfville and its surrounding communities, and visitors.