Visit the historic Cossit House Museum to learn about 18th-century life in Sydney, Nova Scotia.
Cossit House, built just after the American Revolution of 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.
Discover more of Nova Scotia – Explore Nova Scotia Travel Guide for all your trip planning needs, and The Best Nova Scotia Road Trip Adventure – 14 Day Itinerary
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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.
Visit to the Cossit House Museum in Sydney, Nova Scotia. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Visit the Cossit House Museum in Sydney, Nova Scotia. The architecture is neoclassical Georgian. The home is furnished with 18th-century pieces, and museum staff dressed in period costumes demonstrate traditional skills like candle-making, lace-making, and butter-churning.
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.
Inside Cossit House Museum’s birthing room. This museum is located in Sydney, Nova Scotia. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
An 18th-century baby cradle and quilt are on display in the Cossit House Museum, Sydney, Nova Scotia. Sydney, Nova Scotia, has many fine historic Colonial homes that have been designated as heritage properties. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
A visit to the Cossit House Museum in Sydney, Nova Scotia, shows the architecture is neo-classical Georgian. The home was furnished in the 18th century by the Cossit family. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Antique children’s toys
Antique toys displayed on a visit to the Cossit House Museum in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Antique toys displayed on a visit to the Cossit House Museum in Sydney, Nova Scotia. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Cossit House Museum staff in period costume
Cossit House Museum staff dressed in period costumes. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Demonstrations of traditional skills
Cossit Museum staff demonstrate traditional skills like candle-making, lace-making, quilting and butter-churning.
A visit to the Cossit House Museum in Sydney, Nova Scotia. The museum staff dressed in period costumes demonstrate traditional skills like candle-making, lace-making, quilting and butter-churning. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr
18th-century garden to explore
Take a walk in the gardens during a visit to the Cossit House Museum in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Ca.rr©
A charming attic to daydream in
A visit to the Cossit House Museum in Sydney, Nova Scotia, shows the architecture is neo-classical Georgian. The home is furnished with 18th-century pieces from the Cossit family. Photo Credit Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Photo of the Cossit Family
This family photo of the Cossit family was taken in 18th-century Sydney, Nova Scotia.
Cossit House Museum displays a photo of the Cossit family in 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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About the Author:
Wendy Nordvik-Carr is a highly regarded travel writer who produces quality, well-researched articles with stunning photography and video.
She seeks out authentic experiences showcasing the people, culture and history that make each destination unique. Her focus is on solo, couple and multigenerational travel through cruising, air and road trip adventures.
Wendy is the editor & writer for LifesIncredibleJourney.com, an award-winning travel site that encourages exploration of destinations near & far.
She is a TMAC Director, Chair, National Governance Committee and Chair of TMAC's BC & Yukon Chapter, as well as a member of SATW, IFWTWA and NATJA.
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