Revitalizing History in St. Andrews by-the-Sea: Ministers Island’s Path Forward

In a recent conversation with CHCO-TV host Jay Remer on Fundy Tidings, John Kershaw, Chairman of the Board for the Van Horne Estate on Ministers Island, shared a snapshot of the island’s growth in 2024 and its ambitious vision for the coming year. Nestled just off the coast of St. Andrews, New Brunswick, this historic gem has been nurtured by a community-based organization since 2008. Kershaw emphasized the island’s role as more than just a tourist destination; it serves as a cultural and environmental beacon that connects the past with the present.

Reflecting on the year gone by, Kershaw spoke with pride: "2024 was a remarkable year for us. We welcomed nearly 24,000 visitors," a notable milestone in the post-pandemic era. The island’s array of events, from its popular concert series to unique community gatherings like Rail Fest and Earth Fest, helped draw in both locals and tourists. "We saw fantastic turnout, with over 700 people attending Earth Fest," Kershaw noted.

Among the standout events of 2024 was the art exhibit featuring works by and collected by Sir William Van Horne. The exhibit, displayed within the historic Covenhoven House, posed challenges in terms of space and lighting, but its success left Kershaw optimistic for the future. "Having the exhibit within Covenhoven alongside the artifacts was a major accomplishment," he remarked. Going forward, he envisions creating a dedicated exhibition space, elevating the island’s cultural offerings even further.

Looking ahead, the board has crafted a new six-year business plan with an emphasis on heritage, tourism, education, agriculture, environmental sustainability, and governance. "We want to protect the island’s terrestrial side, its woodlot, and the surrounding marine environment," Kershaw explained, highlighting the organization’s commitment to ensuring that Ministers Island remains an unspoiled, sustainable destination for future generations.

A key focus of the upcoming years is enhancing the island's connection to Indigenous history. "We need to do much more to improve the narrative around the Indigenous peoples who have called this island home," Kershaw acknowledged. This effort, he stressed, is part of a broader commitment to forging meaningful, respectful partnerships with local Indigenous communities to tell a more inclusive and accurate story.

For 2025, the Van Horne Estate plans to build on the success of existing events while introducing new attractions designed to offer immersive, hands-on experiences. Kershaw is especially excited about the return of fan favourites and the potential inclusion of the Fredericton Pipe and Drum Band. "We don’t want the island to become a static museum; it’s a living, evolving space," he said, stressing that the island’s transformation into a dynamic, engaging destination remains a top priority.

Despite the exciting plans, the organization faces ongoing challenges with financial sustainability. Kershaw pointed out that, unlike larger attractions like King's Landing, which receives $2.8 million annually, the Van Horne Estate operates on a fraction of that amount despite similar visitor numbers. "We need increased funding to ensure we can continue to grow and enhance the visitor experience," he stated, highlighting the disparity and the pressing need for greater investment.

Infrastructure improvements are also on the horizon, with vital projects underway, including a new roof for Covenhoven and heating installations that will extend the visiting season. These updates are crucial to preserving the island’s historic structures and ensuring that future generations can continue to explore its rich legacy.

In closing, Kershaw expressed heartfelt gratitude for the ongoing support of the community and offered an invitation to all. "We hope people will continue to support us—renew their memberships, buy new ones, and, most importantly, visit the island often," he said, encouraging the public to engage with this unique heritage site.