This summer, the Fredericton Region Museum is inviting the community to celebrate 200 years of Scottish heritage in Fredericton! Opening on Sunday, May 25 at 2pm, the museum’s new exhibition, Celebrating 200 Years of Scottish Benevolence in Fredericton, offers a fascinating look into the rich history of the Fredericton Society of Saint Andrew.

One of the key highlights of the exhibit is a ram’s horn snuff mull, featuring sterling silver mounts created by Fredericton silversmith Benjamin Wolhaupter in 1826. The piece was engraved by Robert Gowan, the Society Piper who arrived in Fredericton with the 74th (Highland) Regiment. This snuff mull was used during the Society’s inaugural Feast on November 30, 1826, held at Miller’s Hotel on Queen Street, now known as 526 Queen Street.

Visitors will also learn about the tradition of snuffing, derived from the Gaelic word “smuiden,” meaning dust. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the practice of snorting finely ground tobacco was believed to “mightily refresh the brain” and became a popular social activity.

The exhibition promises to be a captivating celebration of the Scottish community’s history in Fredericton. Everyone is welcome to join the museum for the grand opening on May 25 and explore this incredible part of the city’s past.