Whitney Pier Historical Society Museum — Attraction in Sydney

This was included as part of a cruise bus tour. We drove around and eventually stopped at what looked like an old house or shop. I was not initially impressed but what was inside stunned me! This is per square foot one of the best collections of 20th century "Canadiana" (or even Americana) I've ever seen. From metal clip-on roller skates using "keys" in their original box to wringer washing machines and motion picture equipment. There were original optometrist kits that fit in a suitcase and telegraph and radio technology. If people used it commonly, it was there. Many of these might have only been seen in old movies or cartoons. Spectacular - I only wish my town had such a collection. The human faces of the resident docents was especially good - and everyone was knowledgable and grateful for the visits. Many small towns are ruined by the cruisers overwhelming them - the folks of Cape Breton Island have...

Very impressive collection of the area's history. Not just books and pictures but artifacts, instruments, household appliances, tools, uniforms, projectors, sewing machines, cameras, from years past. Records of marriages, schools and local war heroes listed on carefully edited binders. A window into the past history of Whitney Pier that was once a thriving neighborhood when the steel...

Interesting little place, has a lot of different histories. Not the most incredible stuff, but they pack a lot of history in a small place. The people there are very, very nice and hospitable, and they provide coffee and oat cookies for free downstairs. I would definitely recommend stopping by; it's a great way to spend around half an...