You know the face of the monarch belongs on a stamp. Charles Connell disagreed. When he served as New Brunswick’s postmaster general, he replaced Queen Victoria’s face on the five cent stamp with his own. It cost him his job. Today, you can explore his legacy at the Connell House Museum in Woodstock. According to a recent CBC News report, the Carleton County Historical Society maintains this 1839 home and offers visitors a unique look into local history.

The Infamous Stamp

Connell made his fortune in the lumber industry before entering politics. His decision to print his own face on the colony’s stamps caused an uproar. “It didn’t defeat him long,” Joanne Barrett, executive director of the Carleton County Historical Society, told CBC. “He came back into popularity eventually, and he was involved in Confederation in 1867.” Legend says locals burned most of the stamps in a pile behind the house. Only two sheets survived. Collectors now pay thousands of dollars for individual stamps at auction. The historical society owns one, but they keep it locked in a secure, undisclosed location rather than on display.

Hands On History with Rare Instruments

You will not see the famous stamp at the museum, but you can get your hands on dozens of historical musical instruments. Collector and society president John McKinley provided the collection. Unlike most museums, Connell House encourages you to play the instruments. “They can’t believe they’re actually allowed to touch,” Barrett said. “They’re pretty happy when they think that they can sit down and make music.” You can try out harps, lutes, and harpsichords. You will also find a theremin, an electronic instrument played by moving your hands around two antennas to produce a spooky sound often heard in horror films.

An Army of Toy Soldiers

The museum also highlights Carleton County’s military history. The standout exhibit features hundreds of lead toy soldiers. The Vince family, which includes generations of veterans, donated the entire collection. Barrett explained that a family member purchased a soldier for his son every year he returned from a conflict. They stopped in England to buy the figures, eventually amassing over 1,000 lead soldiers.

The Courthouse Revival

The historical society also operates the Old Carleton County Courthouse. Built in 1833, residents originally expected the building to serve as the center of town. As more settlers arrived, the town hub shifted toward the river. The county eventually built a new courthouse and sold the old one to a farmer. The farmer turned the historic legal building into a horse barn. The horses chewed on the original judge’s bench, and the farmer removed the balcony and furniture. Volunteers later took on a massive renovation project to restore the building to its former glory.

Plan Your Visit

You can visit the Connell House Museum on weekdays from May to September between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you want to see the Old Carleton County Courthouse, you need to book an appointment with the society.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Connell House Museum located?

The museum is located in Woodstock, New Brunswick.

Can I see the Charles Connell stamp at the museum?

No. The museum owns one of the rare stamps, but they keep it in a secure, undisclosed location.

Are visitors allowed to touch the exhibits?

Visitors can touch and play the historical musical instruments on display in the music room.

When is the museum open?

Connell House is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. between May and September.