The goal of the Port Joli Community Association is to restore, renovate and then maintain the historic Port Joli School (Community Hall). Plans include establishing a local history museum on the upper floor of the building, and maintaining the main floor for community meetings and small functions.

The association was incorporated in September 1961, but membership and interest has declined in the past decade—and the hall is in disrepair. A small but enthusiastic group of community members has recently started things moving again. The building’s exterior will be restored to a period around the turn of the last century (1800-1900), celebrating its history dating back to 1868. The building’s original purpose was to house the school and later the community hall.
 

A small cairn will be erected on the property to commemorate the 225th anniversary of the Loyalists who founded Port Joli.

Many community members have offered to assist the restoration with labour and some have offered materials—for example a local lumber business is donating lumber. A genealogist has provided information for the project.

The group hopes to participate in Project Matchmaker, which pairs high school students wishing to volunteer in exchange for school credits with community groups looking for volunteers.

Fundraisers include bake sales, teas, potluck suppers and yard sales. Money has also come from individual donations and memberships, and the group has applied for grants. When renovations are complete revenue generated from renting out the hall will be used to maintain the building.

“Our church is being sold—this will be the only public building in our community,” says treasurer Danielle Robertson. “It will be an asset to the community visually, culturally and practically.” 

For more information contact:
Danielle Robertson, Treasurer
Port Joli Community Association
RR 1 Port Joli, NS, B0T 1S0
(902) 683-2573
 

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