The Argus Quarterly Newsletter
The Argus is one of Nova Scotia’s most successful and unique regional publications. This quarterly newsletter is devoted to the recording and preservation of the history of the Argyle region, within Yarmouth County, and maintains over 400 subscribing members. The Argus publishes historical and genealogical articles pertaining to the history of the families, communities and institutions that make up the Municipality of Argyle. The newsletter reflects the unique blend of Acadian, Planter and Loyalist heritage that permeates this area of Nova Scotia. The Argus is published by the Argyle Municipality Historical & Genealogical Society from their archives and museum in Canada’s oldest standing courthouse in Tusket, Nova Scotia.
Canada’s Oldest Court House & Jail Museum
The Argyle Township Court House & Gaol is Canada’s oldest standing courthouse, built in the village of Tusket, Nova Scotia in 1805. It operated as a working courthouse and jail from 1805 until 1944. The building served as the Municipal Offices for the Municipality of Argyle from 1945 until 1976. In 1982, the building was partially restored and re-opened as a museum and historic site. In 2005, the building was declared a National Historic Site.
Hours of Operation – Museum
2024 Season - June 14 - October 25
Monday to Friday: 9 am – 4:30 pm
Select Saturdays (July & August): 10 am – 4 pm
Call 1-902-648-2493 to arrange a tour.
Argyle Township Court House Archives
The Argyle Township Court House Archives was established in 1983 and became the first Municipal Archives in Nova Scotia. The archives was formed around the large body of municipal records that remained in the Argyle Township Court House when the Municipal Offices removed from the building in 1976.
The archives continued to operate from the Court House from 1983 to 2006. In 2000 the Argyle Municipality Historical & Genealogical Society took the bold move of purchasing the former Seventh-Day Adventist church building.
Hours of Operation – Archives
Open year-round:
Weekdays: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm (closed: 12 pm – 1 pm)
Argyle Municipality Historical & Genealogical Society
The Argyle Township Court House is owned and supported by the Municipality of Argyle. Their assistance has been, and continues to be, invaluable. Many people in the community, however, felt there was a need for additional support, and as a result, the Argyle Municipality Historical & Genealogical Society (AMHGS) was incorporated in 1989. The Society’s mission is to first preserve, protect, promote and make available to the public the Argyle Township Court House.
