Major Grants Awarded to Knaut-Rhuland House Museum by Parks Canada and Nova Scotia Heritage
Press Release: August 19, 2024
Lunenburg Heritage Society
The Lunenburg Heritage Society is thrilled to announce the receipt of two significant government grants to support the conservation efforts for the Knaut-Rhuland House, a circa 1793 National Historic Site and registered Provincial Heritage Property located at 125 Pelham Street in Old Town Lunenburg.
The grants include:
- Up to $153,436 from Parks Canada’s National Cost-Sharing Program for Heritage Places
- $15,000 from the Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage’s Heritage Development Fund.
These funds will be instrumental in Phase Two of our multi-year conservation plan for the Knaut-Rhuland House. Current restoration efforts are focused on rebuilding and fortifying the building’s stone foundation, installing a modern drainage system, conducting paint analysis, and upgrading the electrical system.
"We’re proud to support the preservation of the Knaut-Rhuland House, a vital part of Nova Scotia’s history,” said Susan Corkum-Greek, Minister of Economic Development and MLA for Lunenburg. “These grants will help ensure that this historic site continues to be a cherished part of Lunenburg for years to come. The Lunenburg Heritage Society’s dedication to conserving this landmark is truly commendable.”
The Parks Canada contribution represents a major portion of the $340,000 required for this crucial renewal work. The Lunenburg Heritage Society is committed to matching the $153,436 contribution from Parks Canada and has already raised $113,500 toward this goal. This total includes $15,000 in Nova Scotia government grants, $17,000 from private foundations, $71,000 from individual and business donations, and $10,500 from community events.
Restoration work is currently underway, with East Coast Masonry of Chamcook, NB, leading the repair and reinforcement of the original stone foundation. The project is overseen by engineer Dr. Tom Morrison of Heritage Standing Inc. and architect Greg Munn of Munn Architecture Ltd., with site excavation monitored by archaeologist Laura De Boer of Davis of MacIntyre and Associates.
The Knaut-Rhuland House, operated by the volunteer-run Lunenburg Heritage Society, is the oldest public home in Lunenburg and attracts approximately 5,000 visitors each season from across Canada, the U.S., and over 30 other countries. The dedication of our volunteer board and members ensures the preservation of this historically significant site and its rich heritage for future generations. Designated a national historic site in 2002, the Knaut-Rhuland House is celebrated for its exemplary British classical design and detailed craftsmanship (historicplaces.ca).
The Lunenburg Heritage Society, a registered charity, is dedicated to preserve and honor the distinctive heritage of Lunenburg, while also telling the story of its cultural, social, and economic development over time. Since its establishment in 1972, the Society is committed to preserving Lunenburg’s historical authenticity, fostering cultural vibrancy, and enhancing the overall livability of the community through advocacy, stewardship, and active engagement.
The Lunenburg Heritage Society acknowledges that we are in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral territory of the Mi’kmaq people.
Donations can be made via the Lunenburg Heritage website: Donate – Lunenburg Heritage Society
The Lunenburg Heritage Society gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Government of Canada, through Parks Canada’s National Cost-Sharing Program for Heritage Places and recognizes the support of the Province of Nova Scotia. We are pleased to work in partnership with the Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage to develop and promote our cultural resources for all Nova Scotians.
CONTACT: Patricia Nicoll, Chair, Knaut-Rhuland House Renewal Committee
Lunenburg Heritage Society
lunenburgheritagesociety.ca
lunenburgheritagesociety@hotmail.com
902-315-1859
