By Bill Clarke, Restigouche Regional Museum
A few years ago, while we were preparing the old Restigouche County courthouse and gaol to be the new home of the Restigouche Regional Museum, a couple visiting from Texas wanted to see the buildings. I explained that we really weren’t supposed to take visitors over there, but they he gave his explanation. He was a lawyer; his wife was the clerk of the court in their community.
So, I made an exception and gave them a tour, visiting the courtroom, some of the cells. I pointed out where the last hanging in New Brunswick had taken place. We discussed the similarities and differences in the way such buildings are designed.
They had a great time, and before he left he handed me a nice crisp American $50 bill to put in the donation box. And that started me thinking. For this couple, a courthouse had a special meaning. I think I mentioned that there were others in the province operated by local historical societies and suggested some they might find interesting.
We’ve had other visitors for whom the courthouse or the jail is particularly fascinating. Sometimes there’s a retired judge; sometimes there’s a lawyer or a former sheriff. Sometimes, it’s even somebody who served time in ours or some other provincial jail. (And, no, we don’t put a special watch on them.)
But this all got me thinking, and I imagined that it might be a good idea if all the societies that have such buildings got together it might be good for everybody. Early this year, I plan a teleconference involving people from all those societies. I’ve been in touch with most or all, and there’s general enthusiasm. I’m not proposing a new society or anything that’s formal in any way. I just think that we can help each other out by having a website that lists the “Crime and Punishment” museums. I think we can recommend each other to our visitors, particularly those that express a special interest. We might have a brochure that lists jails and courthouses that are open to visitors. Just where all this will lead is a good question, but everybody seems to think it’s worth a try.
I’m sure if there are other museums that fall into specific groups. Perhaps those dealing with sport fishing or with agriculture or with forestry could form groups. Of course, there are all the historic house museums. The main point, I think, is that we find ways to promote each other.
By the way, I never tell visitors, as they are leaving, to “have a nice day.” What I often do is ask them which way they’re going. Then, I suggest that they visit a particular museum. The recommendation is usually based on something they showed a particular interest in. And I tell them to mention that we recommended them. I don’t know how often this happens, but it can’t help. And I’m pretty sure that the visitors will remember us because we did that rather than falling back on the hackneyed “have a nice day.” I also tell them that we’d love to have them back for another visit. Sometimes I say that we’ll keep a cell available.
Bill Clarke is Director of the Restigouche Regional Museum in Dalhousie (NB). He is also Editor Emeritus of the Campbellton Tribune and AHNB Founders Award recipient.
