About Us
In 1997, a group of concerned citizens took steps to preserve the former property of Charles and Mabel Macdonald in Centreville, Nova Scotia. As a result "The Charles Macdonald House of Centreville Society" was formed.
OUR VISION
Charles Macdonald is widely known as Nova Scotia's Uncommon, Common Man. The Charles Macdonald Concrete House Museum contains and exhibits the life works of Charles and Mabel Macdonald.
WHAT WE DO
As a member of The Association of Nova Scotia Museums we receive a small grant from the province to help maintain our property and to share Charlie's legacy with the public during the summer months. Provincial and Federal grants allow us to employ students as museum/gallery guides
OUR COMMUNITY
Located in Centreville, on the road to Hall's Harbour, Nova Scotia's third most visited tourist destination, we've enlightened visitors from around the world for almost 25 years.
Board of Directors:
Kevin West (Chairperson)
"I would describe myself as a parent, grandfather, folk artist, a haywire mechanic, and a
volunteer in the arts community. I am now retired after 42 years in Vocational Services for a non-profit organization. I have been involved with the Concrete House Museum for approximately
20 years. I liked the story of Charlie and his accomplishments. He was a person who stood up
for the benefits of others even though it was unpopular at the time. He made art with what he
had on hand. He does not get the recognition he deserves and I am part of a team who is
working to change that."
Terry Havlis Drahos (Vice Chairperson)
Originally from Chicago, IL, Drahos received her Bachelor of Design from Southern Illinois University and Bachelor of Education at Acadia and NSCAD Universities, specializing in Art and Technology. Over the past 20 years she has been increasingly involved in the Nova Scotia arts community, serving on board of directors for numerous arts organizations. Drahos has exhibited nationally, and is passionate about art education dividing her time between her studio and sharing the love of making with children. Drahos’s work can be seen at Secord Gallery (Halifax, NS), Gallery 78 (Fredericton NB), and Harvest Gallery (Wolfville, NS) www.terryhavlisdrahos.com
Elisha Harper (Treasurer)
Elisha Harper received her Bachelor of Business Administration from Acadia University. She is a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) and a Certified Payroll Manager (CPM). She has over ten years of experience in payroll and finance. Elisha has lived in Centreville all her life and has been a part of the Society since 2011. Growing up in Centreville has made her realize what an important landmark the Concrete House is and she is looking forward to when it is brought back to life.
Isabel Luce (Secretary)
Isabel Luce is a PhD Candidate in Art History with Queen's University. Her research focus is on the visual culture of Victorian & Edwardian Canada, interior spaces and built heritage. Isabel is passionate about making history accessible. She has worked for many years as a tour guide and researcher, and as an art history lecturer at Queen's University and York University. In her spare time she researches local history and legends from the Annapolis Valley, and shares them, along with her photography, on Instagram (@AnnapolisValleyViews), Facebook (@AnnapolisViews) and her Website: www.annapolisviews.com.
Andrew Hurst
Andrew Hurst is a retired mechanical engineer living in Port Williams. He enjoys history, travel, nature, art and design. During his career he specialized in innovative design solutions and project management. He has taken on a lead role with the Concrete House “Rehabilitation Project”.
John Neville
John Neville was born in 1952 in Halls Harbour, Nova Scotia. While completing his B.F.A. at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design University, he studied at the Centre De Gravure Contemporaries, Geneva, Switzerland. John is both a printmaker and painter who has exhibited widely in the Maritime Provinces, the Eastern Seaboard, and Scotland. His work is in Public Collections in Canada, Scotland and Switzerland. As a result of his prominence in the Nova Scotian arts community, he is an Honourary Life Member of Visual Arts Nova Scotia.
Geof Turner
If you are interested in volunteering email charlesmacdonaldsociety@gmail.com