Taylor Z.

Bridgewater, Nova Scotia

Southern Alberta Regional Heritage Fair

Mather Byles DesBrisay - "A Man of Many Hats"

My Heritage Fair project is about Mather Byles DesBrisay.  He was a prominent man in the history of the Town of Bridgewater, Nova Scotia. His legacy helped shape the town and form what is now the DesBrisay Museum.

 

 

What was the most interesting thing you learned about your topic?

The most interesting thing I have learned is that Mather Byles DesBrisay was a unique man who contributed to daily life in the Town of Bridgewater and Province of Nova Scotia. He took great pride in being involved in public service. He was an avid historian and truly a man of many hats.

What important lessons have you learned that you want to share with other Canadians?

I have learned how important it is to be actively involved in your community and give of yourself and your time. I realize now how interesting and important local history is. I understand what it means to leave a legacy and how each and every one of us is important to history.

How would you compare your life today to the lives of those studied in your project?

My life is very different from that of Mather Byles DesBrisay. I get to enjoy modern luxuries that he didn't have. He lived during the 1800s when there was no electricity or cars. He wrote a 585 page book titled "History of the County of Lunenburg" during a time when there were no computers.