The Killam Brothers were general insurance agents and represented a number of first-class marine insurance companies. The firm continued to sell cordage and twine and it became one of the largest dealers in hard and soft coal in western Nova Scotia. The Killam Wharf, which was home to coal sheds, warehouses and offices, covered about 50,000 square feet. The company owned 16 vessels at this time.
We offer our visitors a guided tour of this 19th-century setting. One of our unique displays is the original half-model of the 1861 ship Research, with the storytelling of its “Voyage of Many Rudders.” Another feature is the prominent “double stand up” desk, in which the cash drawer has grooves worn into the wood by hands making change. On view are ledgers and daybooks from the 1800s and early 1900s.
