When you visit a museum, you expect to see ancient artifacts and dusty exhibits. At the Restigouche Regional Museum in Dalhousie, you get a direct look at local justice. The building housing the museum previously served as the county courthouse and jail. According to a recent report from CBC News, this unique setup prompts surprising honesty from the people who walk through its doors.

Inside the Former Drunk Tank

The jail operated until 2014. This means visitors experience a very recent slice of history. The holding cell remains well preserved. Student tour guide Sarah Perry notes that guests often share personal stories about their time inside. Some visitors recognize the space and admit they spent time there after drinking too much. Former police officers also visit and share funny stories about the people they locked up and the escape attempts they handled.

A Complete Justice System Under One Roof

The building functioned as a complete justice center. Suspects stayed in the downstairs cells. When it was time for trial, they simply walked upstairs to the courtroom. Depending on the verdict, they went right back downstairs to serve their sentence. The courtroom opened in 1924 and officially closed in 2011. Perry says the space remains highly preserved and gives visitors a clear picture of historical legal proceedings. The site also holds a darker piece of history. The last hanging in New Brunswick took place in Dalhousie in 1957.

Giant Fossils and Local Legends

The museum offers much more than legal history. You will find exhibits covering the entire history of Restigouche County. The fossil section features discoveries from northern New Brunswick. A giant sea scorpion highlights the collection. Researchers discovered this massive creature in 1995. It measures nearly six feet long. You will also find a tribute to a beloved local figure. Dalhousie hosts the Bon Ami festival every year. The festival mascot is Mr. Bon Ami. Arthur Paradis wore the traditional lumberjack outfit for 48 years. The museum honors his contribution to the community with a dedicated display.

Plan Your Visit

You can explore the Restigouche Regional Museum from Tuesday through Sunday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. During July and August, the museum extends its Thursday hours from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can you find the Restigouche Regional Museum?

You can find the museum in Dalhousie, which is now part of Heron Bay, New Brunswick.

When did the Dalhousie jail officially close?

The jail remained in operation until 2014.

What kind of fossils can you see at the museum?

The museum features various fossils found in northern New Brunswick, including a giant sea scorpion that measures nearly six feet long.

Who is Mr. Bon Ami?

Mr. Bon Ami serves as the mascot of the local Bon Ami festival. Arthur Paradis portrayed the character in a traditional lumberjack outfit for 48 years.