Town Clock

Developed as early as 1400 BC by the Babylonians, the water clock was created to replace the inaccurate sundial. Further developed by the Chinese and Egyptians, the water clock too had its imperfections. Water temperature and pressure fluctuations slightly impair the clock’s accuracy. Nonetheless, it is a pleasure to view this interesting piece of timekeeping history.

There are roughly 20 water clocks on display world-wide, and only three known in North America. The clock is located adjacent to Town Hall on Commercial Street.

Railway Museum

Enjoy a free visit to the Memory Lane Railway Museum, where you can view hundreds of unique railroad artifacts. Items in the collection include model railways, railroad implements, antique station paraphernalia, historical books, manuscripts and pictures. The site also features several artifacts outdoors, including a trolley railway, gardens, a picnic area and canteen. “All aboard!” for a fun learning experience the whole family can enjoy.

Hours of Operation:
Monday to Friday: 8:30am - 5:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am - 2:30pm

Annapolis Valley Macdonald Museum

The Macdonald Museum is housed in Canada’s first Consolidated School. It features the Nova Scotia Museum’s collection of antique clocks and pocket watches, a circa 1940 classroom, a depression era general store, a community art display, a temporary exhibition center, an art gallery featuring works of local artists, a natural history exhibit in the attached green house, and Middleton’s Sports Heritage Wall of Fame. The Museum also features a fine genealogical research library which focuses mainly on Annapolis County families.

The Museum is open year around, so take a step back in time with a visit to the Annapolis Valley Macdonald Museum. www.macdonaldmuseum.ca

Hours of Operation:
June 15 to Sept. 30: Monday to Saturday 9:00am to 4:30pm and Sunday 1:00pm to 4:30pm.
Oct. 1 to June 14: Monday to Friday 10:30am to 4:30 pm and closed on weekends.

Old Holy Trinity Church

The foundations of church life in Middleton were laid by the first settlers who cleared the land of the Annapolis Valley in the middle of the eighteenth century. Work began on the church in the fall of 1789, and the first service was held on August 14, 1791.

The church’s design is an elegant example of colonial Nova Scotian church architecture. Enormous windows bathe the interior with natural light, lending a sense of spaciousness.

This 210 year old masterpiece is situated at the west end of town. It is one of five surviving Loyalist Churches in Nova Scotia. www.oldholytrinitychurch.ca

Chimney Swifts

Chimney swifts are well-known throughout eastern and mid-western North America. They are small brown-gray birds, seldom more than 13 centimeters in length, and have long, pointed, narrow wings. Their distinctive bow and arrow silhouette makes them easy to identify. The swifts possess a very irregular flying style which makes viewing their graceful aerobatics a beautiful sight.

In addition to this flying style, one will seldom see a swift resting on a branch because their tiny feet are not well adapted to perching, and so they remain in flight from the moment they leave their roosting place in the morning until their return at dusk.

The swifts can be seen in Middleton putting on a show at the Middleton Regional High School. The best time to view the spectacular display is around dusk Mid-May to Mid-August when up to 500 swifts can be seen entering the big chimney at 18 Gates Ave.

Sports Heritage Wall of Fame

The purpose of the Wall of Fame is "to preserve the history of sport in the area in written form and in pictures”.  People of all ages can see and read about our local sport heroes of the past and hopefully the young people of today will be motivated to achieve their best in sport activities.  The Sports Heritage Wall of Fame is located at the Annapolis Valley Macdonald Museum.

Middleton's Parks

Middleton features several parks for your enjoyment. The Riverside Park is a seven-acre public park along the banks of the historic Annapolis River. Stroll along a scenic walking path while enjoying a panoramic view of the river, gardens and maple trees. This park is also a wonderful place to have a picnic; benches on site.

The Rotary Raceway Park is an outdoor recreation area that features a half-mile track, baseball and soccer fields, a basketball court, tennis courts, horseshoe pits, a children’s playground, and a pavilion which is available for picnics and gatherings. Located at the corner of Marshall and King Street, this park is perfect for the sports enthusiast.

Centennial Park, formally named Canada 125 Park, is a small, peaceful picnic area located in downtown Middleton. A pergola was constructed in the park to commemorate the Town of Middleton’s Centennial year in 2009.