Visit the historic Cossit House Museum to learn about 18th-century life in Sydney, Nova Scotia.
Cossit House, built just after the American Revolution 1787, is the oldest standing house in Sydney and one of the oldest houses on Cape Breton Island. It was the home of the first Anglican Minister of Sydney, Reverend Ranna Cossit, and his family.
Connecticut born Reverend Ranna Cossit, his wife, Thankful Brooks and six of their surviving children moved from New Hampshire to the home in 1788.
Thankful gave birth to another six children in the home. She died in 1802 giving birth to their 13th child.
The designated heritage site is located in the North-end Conservation District on Charlotte Street and is listed on Sydney’s walking tour. This museum is included in the Nova Scotia Museum Annual Pass.
Cossit House Museum Features
Neo-classical Georgian architecture
The home’s architecture is neo-classical Georgian. The structure is made from wood brought in from New England.
Cossit family household items from the 1700s
Birthing room
This is where Reverend Ranna Cossit’s wife, Thankful Brooks gave birth to six children. Sadly she died giving birth to her 13th child in 1802.
Antique children’s toys
Cossit House Museum staff in period costume
Demonstrations of traditional skills
Cossit Museum staff demonstrate traditional skills like candle-making, lace-making, quilting and butter-churning.
18-century garden to explore
A charming attic to daydream in
Photo of the Cossit Family
This family photo of the Cossit family was taken in 18th-centurey Sydney, Nova Scotia.
The museum is open whenever a cruise ship is in port.
Learn more about the Cossit House Museum.
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