Ian Malcolm (summer student), His Honour Graydon Nicholas and Samira Torabi (volunteer) with the beaded cap (1969.371.1).
Fredericton New Brunswick (Aug. 10th, 2012) – On June 20th, 2012, the Fredericton Region Museum received a forty-pound crate, heavily padded and packaged with the utmost care –- in it was one of the museum’s most valuable yet mysterious artifacts: A blue beaded Maliseet cap. The cap was returning from the Canadian Conservation Institute, where it had been undergoing extensive conservation work since April of 2009.
The headpiece first arrived at the museum many years ago, and was in poor condition –- its interior fabric was deteriorating, its colors were fading, and its top portion displayed a large tear. However, the sheer intricacy of its beadwork and its dazzling array of colors were enough to convince the C.C.I. of its value. The cap was accepted under a conservation grant, where the cost of its repairs and refurbishment were to be covered by the Institute itself. Upon its return, the cap is truly a sight to behold –- restored to what conservators in Ottawa were able to discern was its original appearance, the cap’s bright colors and intricate beadwork make it a stunning addition to the Fredericton Region Museum’s already-extensive collection of native craft.
Despite the item’s unmatched quality and beauty, the details of its history remain mysterious. As one of the museum’s earliest acquisitions, very little documentation exists concerning its prior ownership or history. The museum invites the public to come see this one-of-a-kind artifact for themselves. Who knows — maybe somebody in Fredericton will be able to shed some light on this historic treasure!
About the Fredericton Region Museum:
The Fredericton Region Museum was founded in 1934 by the York Sunbury Historical Society. In 1959, the Museum found permanent headquarters in the Officers’ Quarters (571 Queen Street) in the heart of downtown Fredericton. The Society and Museum remain a non-profit enterprise with a small paid staff and numerous volunteers who work tirelessly to create informative exhibits based on the history of Fredericton and surrounding areas, as well as publish a local history periodical, The Officers’ Quarters.
Hours of Operation:
April – June
Sunday and Monday: Closed
Tuesday to Saturday: 1 to 4pm
By appointment or by chance
July – August
Sunday to Saturday: 10am to 5
September – November
Sunday and Monday: Closed
Tuesday to Saturday: 1 to 4pm
By appointment or by chance
December – March
By appointment or by chance
Please note that the building is unheated and therefore uninsulated so if you plan a visit please bundle up! It’s a cool place to visit … literally!
Admission Fees:
Adults $5
Students $2
Family $10 (two adults and two or three children)
Children under 6 Free
Tour of 10 people or more $1 a person
Thank you, your admission helps to keep the Fredericton Region Museum open.
I have a very similar antique beaded cap, probably owned by my great grandfather, Wilson A. Loudoun, Auditor General
for Province of NB. I was amazed to find the museum article. Just wondering what is it’s dollar value. I am asking as I am
75 years old and will need to sort out my estate. I live in Fredericton and would like the museum to have a look at it. I believe
It should remain in NB. Looking forward to your comments.
Diana Cowland
450-3313