The An Drochaid Museum and Historical Society was formed in 1980 and is located in Mabou, Nova Scotia

Mabou, Nova Scotia

Mabou -Mȧbu is a small Canadian rural community located in Inverness County on the west coast of Nova Scotia's Cape Breton Island. The population in 2001 was 1,289 residents....

. The museum and historical society was founded to catalogue and support Gaelic

Gaels

The Gaels or Goidels are speakers of one of the Goidelic Celtic languages: Irish, Scottish Gaelic, and Manx. Goidelic speech originated in Ireland and subsequently spread to western and northern Scotland and the Isle of Man....

 culture in the Mabou area. It also functions as keeping records of Mabou’s history. Built in 1875, it served as a general store and lecture hall until the late-1970s, then in the 1980s the building was purchased and used to create a heritage museum. The museum also functions as a cultural center, giving step-dancing, fiddle

Violin

The violin is a string instrument, usually with four strings tuned in perfect fifths. It is the smallest, highest-pitched member of the violin family of string instruments, which includes the viola and cello....

 and piano

Piano

The piano is a musical instrument played by means of a keyboard. It is one of the most popular instruments in the world. Widely used in classical and jazz music for solo performances, ensemble use, chamber music and accompaniment, the piano is also very popular as an aid to composing and rehearsal...

lessons, holding Gaelic-related events and workshops. “An Drochaid” means “The Bridge” in Gaelic, which is the name Gaelic settlers gave Mabou.