Welcome to the Pictou County Roots Society
What's on for Summer 2026
The Pictou County Roots Society is proud to support special events happening in Pictou County and nearby areas this summer. New events will be added as details become available. Of course, don't forget to join us for an upcoming Society meeting on August 12, 2026, in the Community Room of the New Glasgow Library. Here's what's on deck for July and August:
June 23 to July 14, 2026
Past Forward: Stories that Shaped Nova Scotia
All are welcome to attend a history speaker series hosted by the Pictou branch of the Pictou-Antigonish Regional Library. Talks take place every Tuesday at the Pictou Library (99 Water St., Pictou, Nova Scotia) from June 23 to July 14, 2026. Each presentation will also be live streamed on Zoom (email the library at
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July 18, 2026
Ship Hector Passenger Descendant Reunion
For anyone with a connection to (or interest in) the famous Ship Hector (which arrived in Pictou County in 1773, initiating a wave of Scottish immigration to Nova Scotia), join the passenger descendant reunion on Saturday, July 18, from 12 to 3 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person (or $15 for children 12-years old and under), and a selection of delicious food items will be served. This event will take place at the McCulloch Genealogy Centre (86 Haliburton Rd, Pictou, Nova Scotia), with all proceeds from the reunion being donated to the Centre. Please RSVP by July 9 by sending an email to
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July 18, 2026
Digitization Lab at the New Glasgow Library (drop-in or by appointment)
Don't have a scanner? Unhappy with your attempts to reproduce images of old papers or old photos? Have your documents digitized at the library! This event will be happening at the New Glasgow Library (located at the rear of the Aberdeen Business Centre, 610 East River Road, New Glasgow, Nova Scotia). Call to make an appointment, or drop in between on Saturday, July 18, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (and take your chances, if there's time available!). For more information or to make an appointment, please call the library at 902-752-8233 or email
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August 8, 2026
Book Launch: More Tragedies and Triumphs (with author Clyde Mcdonald)
On Saturday, August 8, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., join Pictou County author (and retired judge) Clyde Mcdonald for a book launch to celebrebrate his most recent publication, More Tragedies and Triumphs. This event will be hosted by the Pictou County Roots Society and will take place at the New Glasgow Library (located at the rear of the Aberdeen Business Centre, 610 East River Road, New Glasgow, Nova Scotia). Light refreshments will be served. Come out to met Clyde, purchase a book, and have a great time! All sales proceeds will be donated to the Pictou County Roots Society. The Society is grateful to Clyde for his ongoing support.
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August 13-16, 2026
Festival of the Tartans
Save the date! The 2026 Festival of the Tartans will be taking place in various locations across Pictou County from Thursday, August 13, to Saturday, August 16. More details to be shared soon. There will be a wonderful line up of events, workshops, vendors, music, language, a highland dance competition, history, and customs of the Scots. Information can be found on the Facebook page www.facebook.com/Festivalofthetartans .
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August 22, 2026
Heritage Alive: A Living History Fair
Visit the New Glasgow Library (temporary location) on Saturday, August 22 to learn and celebrate the history of community groups, sports teams, church congregations and businesses based in New Glasgow. This is a great opportunity to learn about local organizations and to connect with the community. BBQ hotdogs will also be available for purchase. To learn more, or to register your organization in order to participate in this event, email New Glasgow Library staff member Susan Parker at
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August 29, 2026
Presentation by Matthew Moat
On Saturday, August 29, British genealogical researcher Matthew Moat (who researches Pictou County families who lived along the Sherbrooke Road) will be giving a talk. Further details to come.
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June 30 to Fall 2026
Crossing Borders, Keeping Connections
Visit the Antigonish Heritage Museum (20 East Main St, Antigonish, Nova Scotia) to see their new exhibit, "Crossing Borders, Keeping Connections: Antigonish Stories Across North America." This exhibit explores the experiences of Antigonish people who left their native communities for opportunities in western Canada, the Boston States, and beyond. Drop by the museum now before this great exhibit wraps up for the summer!
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About the Pictou County Roots Society
The Pictou County Roots Society is a registered non-profit organization. The society held its first monthly meeting on November 11, 1998 for the purpose of assisting the public in genealogical research and preserving historical records so that they may be available for public use. Pictou County, located in the province of Nova Scotia, Canada, is the focus of the Society's expertise and resources.
To further these aims, the society has formed working partnerships with the New Glasgow Branch of the Pictou Antigonish Regional Library, the town of New Glasgow and the Pictou County Historical Society.
Monthly meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at 2:00 p.m. in the Community Room of the New Glasgow Library (temporarily located at the rear of the Aberdeen Business Centre, 610 East River Road, New Glasgow, Nova Scotia). Members and guests are always welcome.
We also have an office to house our resources in the Heritage Room of the New Glasgow Library and have regular open hours from Tuesday to Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Volunteers and staff are available to assist the public.