Your Museum of Natural History
The journey to this permanent location encompasses many stops and identities along the way: from its rooms in the Post Office Building in 1868 as the Provincial Museum; quarters at the Burns & Murray Building on Hollis St in 1898; to a section of the Nova Scotia Technical College Building on Spring Garden Rd in 1910, and a name change to the Nova Scotia Museum of Science in 1947.
In 1970, to accommodate the expanding needs of the Nova Scotia Museum, the site at 1747 Summer St was established. The museum was responsible for the natural and applied sciences' and human activities' in Nova Scotia as well as local museums throughout the province.
By 1993, the Nova Scotia Museum underwent a sweeping reorganization. The museum as a single entity would blossom into a network of 27 museums across the province including historic buildings, living history sites, ships and specialized museums. As a result of this change The Museum of Natural History was created and moved into the building at 1747 Summer St.
This building houses not only the Museum of Natural History, but also the staff and administrative offices of the Nova Scotia Museum.
The Museum of Natural History, as it's known now, is responsible for the collecting and recording of artifacts of cultural significance to Nova Scotia as well as promoting Nova Scotia's natural landscape.
Volunteering at the Museum
All volunteer roles are currently full.
In January 2026, we will be seeking public program volunteers.
Public program volunteers talk to visitors in the exhibits and start conversations about natural history topics. Museum specimens and props are used to engage with visitors in a fun and informative way. The volunteer commitment is 2 hours the same day and time each week.
For questions and applications, please contact Liz at 902-424-6512 or [email protected]
The volunteer process is application, interview, reference checks, background checks, and training with successful applicants. All applicants work with the public, including youth and young children.
Contact us
General 902-424-7353
Gift Shop 902-424-6548
Accounts Payable & Receivable 902-424-6510
School Class Bookings 902-424-6512
Nature and Science Enquiries [email protected]
Facility Rentals [email protected]
Societies
The Museum of Natural History hosts regular meetings for a number of local and provincial societies. These societies host their own events which are not administered by the Museum.