Past Presidents Roxanna Smith and Jane Ritcey were re-elected, as was Councillor Ronnie Bachman, the Town of Lunenburg appointed representative.

Retiring Board Members were warmly commended for all of the time, effort and contributions put forth during their terms. Many will continue to work on behalf of the Lunenburg Academy Alumni. The Foundation particularly wishes to thank David Afford, Terry Conrad, Hugh Corkum, Rita Glen, Nancy Haughn, Brian Jobb, Roberta MacDonald, Roberta McNab, Jill Martin, Lisa Wright, and Robert Young.

At the first meeting of the new Board, held on October 16, 2017, John Harker was elected President, Melanie Comstock Vice President, and Graham Eisenhauer Secretary/Treasurer. Board renewal and rejuvenation has been undertaken in advance of the Foundation working with the Town of Lunenburg to explore an expanded role in the management of the building.  

Scott Burke, currently serving as the Lunenburg Academy Development Coordinator on behalf of the Town of Lunenburg, has been engaged by the Foundation as its Interim Executive Director.  

Over the next six months the Board will be exploring potential areas of operations at the Academy it may take over in collaboration with the Town, the owner of this National, Provincial and Municipal Heritage Site.

“These are exciting times for the Foundation,” said Past President Roxanna Smith, “Since 1981 the Foundation has taken seriously the care, preservation and restoration of our iconic ‘Castle on the Hill’ as the Academy has affectionately come to be known. So many people have assisted us in our mission over the years, and it is gratifying to celebrate their achievements while passing the torch to a new generation.”

Since the implementation of the Academy’s Future Use Business Plan in 2015 a great deal of work has been done to the facility as it transitions from a public school to a vibrant Community Cultural Centre. Over $1.5 million in tenant readiness renovations took place in 2015/2016, funded jointly by Atlantic Canada Opportunity Agency (ACOA), the Town of Lunenburg and the Lunenburg Academy Foundation.

Currently interior renovations are underway to create a state of the art library space in anticipation of the Lunenburg Branch of the South Shore Public Library relocation in 2018. In addition, a $2 million Exterior Restoration is taking place including paint removal, repairs to windows, wooden architectural features and cladding. Parks Canada, the Province of Nova Scotia, The Town of Lunenburg, and the Lunenburg Academy Foundation jointly fund this latter project. A landscape and parking improvement plan is in development.

Tenants of the Lunenburg Academy include the Lunenburg Academy of Music Performance (LAMP), Class Afloat West Island College International, South Shore Genealogical Society, Sculptor Chippie Kennedy, and Craig Munroe Financial Management. A Heritage Interpretive Classroom and further development of space on the first floor are in the works.

“Newly recruited Board members bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the contemplated expanded role of the Foundation,” said John Harker, incoming President, “It’s an honour for us all to work with Roxie, Jane, and others in support of a priceless community asset that is so deserving of national attention.”

The Lunenburg Academy is a key landmark in the town of Lunenburg and one of the most remarkable heritage buildings in the Province. Well-known New Brunswick architect H.H. Mott designed the Academy in 1893. The building was completed in 1895, and opened for class on November 7, 1895. It was constructed as part of Nova Scotia’s shift from one-room schoolhouses to public academies and operated continuously as a public educational building from 1895 until 2012. The Lunenburg Academy is the only surviving intact 19th century Academy building in Nova Scotia.

For more information, please contact:

Scott Burke                                                                                                 

Interim Executive Director                                                               

Lunenburg Academy Foundation

902-802-4710

ed@lunenburgacademyfoundation.com