2012 Institutional Award

Sinclair Inn Museum
232 St. George Street, Annapolis Royal, NS
Annapolis Heritage Society

Sinclair Inn Museum post-restoration.

The 2012 Institutional Award went to the Sinclair Inn Museum in Annapolis Royal, owned by the Annapolis Heritage Society. The museum is a designated Provincial Heritage Property and a National Historic Site. Even in a town as rich in architectural heritage as Annapolis Royal, the Sinclair Inn Museum is a standout. The Inn is the result of the joining of an Acadian home, Soullard House (1708-1710), and a French home, Skene House (1711). At the time of amalgamation in 1781, a new roof was added to unify the buildings, and architectural details were added to give the appearance of a Georgian structure with Classical elements. Frederick Sinclair completed these changes and opened as the Sinclair Inn and Tavern. The building continued to serve as an Inn into the 20th century. In the 1980s, when the Annapolis Heritage Society acquired the building, the decision was taken to expose the varied construction techniques and finishes used over its 300 year history. The social history of the site is brought to life by the use of videos with local actors portraying 10 people who lived or worked in the building, the Sinclair Ghosts.

The recent restoration project focused primarily on exterior work to the cladding, roof, chimney, windows and doors, as well as increasing structural support. The quality of the work was exceptional, most notably on the windows. The windows were removed to the contractor's shop, painstakingly restored and reinstalled. Five windows were unsalvageable and replacements were custom milled. Some of the carpenters on the project, employed by contractor Sefton Squires, are graduates of NSCC's Heritage Carpentry program at the Lunenburg campus. With the completion of this project, it is anticipated that the Sinclair Inn Museum will continue for many years to inspire visitors and remain an iconic element in the streetscape of Annapolis Royal.