It's time to deck the Hall - the 1870 Community Hall at the Albert County Museum! Visit for shopping and great food, coffee or hot chocolate to warm you up as you travel through Albert County shopping for Christmas. For only $5 you can have a bowl of Country Harvest Soup and a bun - what a great deal! You can also win a $50 gift card! See you the first weekend of December!
Most people in Albert County have heard the story of the Hillsborough Mastodon—a remarkable ice-age discovery made right here in 1936. But fewer people know that this ancient giant, uncovered by pure chance during dam repairs, was given a name: Marmaduke.
Yes, the young mastodon who roamed our region nearly 80,000 years ago has been known for decades by this memorable nickname, adding a surprisingly personal touch to one of New Brunswick’s most iconic paleontological finds.
The discovery took place on the property of Conrad Osman in Hillsborough, when workers encountered unusual bones buried deep in a peat-filled sinkhole. What they had found was extraordinary: the nearly complete remains of a teenage American mastodon—an 8-tonne creature that once browsed the forests of southern New Brunswick.
The site would later reveal more than bones. The surrounding layers of peat, clay, and glacial deposit helped scientists piece together a vivid environmental story: warm interglacial forests, fresh waterways, and the treacherous sinkholes formed by the gypsum bedrock below. Poor Marmaduke likely became trapped in one of these natural pitfalls, preserved by the earth for tens of thousands of years.
Though no one can say with certainty who first coined the name, the newspapers quickly began referring to the Hillsborough Mastodon as Marmaduke—a name that stuck. It gave personality to the prehistoric giant, turning it from an anonymous fossil into a character woven into Albert County’s heritage.
Today, the remains of Marmaduke reside at the New Brunswick Museum in Saint John, but the story belongs to Albert County. It’s one of the most detailed and scientifically valuable mastodon finds in Atlantic Canada—and it happened right in our backyard.
For the Albert County Museum, Marmaduke’s story is a reminder of how rich and surprising our natural history can be. Beneath our feet lies a landscape shaped by glaciers, ancient forests, and creatures that vanished long before humans walked these shores.
Join us to honour the men and women in service as we pay tribute to their legacy. We are hosting a Sunrise Ceremony in the Hopewell Cape Square starting at 7:00 am, to be on site for the sunrise at 7:15 am. There will be a flag lowering ceremony and recital, and placement of poppy crosses and wreaths near the WWI field guns, with guests invited to participate. Coffee, tea and pastries will follow in the Community Hall.
Presenting: Writing and Publishing your own Story. Calling all writers (or want-to-be-writers). The Albert County Historical Society is pleased to offer a writer’s workshop taking place on Wednesday, August 13th from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm in the Hopewell Cape Community Hall. Admission is by donation and $25 donations receive a copy of Richard’s memoir “Backwoods Boy” about his early life in rural Albert County.
Best Wishes for a Merry Christmas! As you celebrate the joys of the season, may your Christmas be filled with warmth, love and cherished moments with your family and those close to you. “May the sparkle of the season brighten every corner of your life.” Christmas Blessings! Dawne McLean, President, Albert County Historical Society
Please join us in honour of the men and women in service - past and present. We are hosting a Sunrise Ceremony in the Hopewell Cape Square starting at 7am to be on site for the sunrise at 7:14. There will be flag lowering and recital and placement of poppy crosses and wreaths near the WWI field guns. Coffee, tea and pastries will follow in the Community Hall. Between 1 and 4pm, the Albert County Museum will be open including the County of Heroes Exhibit. Admission and food & drink are by donation.
An Outdoor Concert at the Albert County Museum will be taking place Saturday, August 24th between 1 – 4 pm. Three local acts are performing in support of the Court House Conservation Campaign to help the restoration of the 1904 treasured building. The stage for the concert is the Exhibition Hall, and seating is on the grounds between the Court House and the 1845 Albert County Gaol (jail). Tickets are at https://www.albertcountymuseum.com/onlinegiftshop
Announcing the 3rd Annual Children’s Festival at the Albert County Museum on Friday, August 9th and Saturday, August 10th from 10am to 3pm. This years theme is “We Dig Dinosaurs”. Tour the museum and see “Albert” the Albertosaurus, real fossils from Albert County and the Hillsborough Mastodon display and take part in an archaeological dig and find hidden dinosaurs! Join the event with regular paid admission to the museum!
The Albert County Museum and RB Bennett Commemorative Centre are honouring the legacy and contributions that Prime Minister Brian Mulroney made to Canada, by flying the Canadian flag at half-mast, where it will remain until his state funeral later in March. He will be honoured in Parliament on March 18th.
Today, we remember the birthday of Albert County’s legendary Captain Molly Kool, who was born on February 23, 1916 in the Fundy coast village of Alma. Molly grew up sailing on the Bay of Fundy with her father, learning the skills to navigate the scow named the “Jean K’ on the dangerous tidal waters. Molly loved the sea and was determined to become a ship’s captain.
