Fredericton Region Museum
Discover Fredericton's past through unique artifacts, local legends like the Coleman Frog, and personal stories.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal interaction
Fredericton Region Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal interaction
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Fredericton's past through unique artifacts, local legends like the Coleman Frog, and personal stories.
"Packed with local stories and cool artifacts, the two things that really stood out were the legendary Coleman Frog and the war collection. "
Allow ample time for exploration
You might spend up to two hours discovering personal stories and artifacts. :clock:
Engage with friendly volunteers
Staff are happy to share extra details and stories about the exhibits. :handshake:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Legendary Coleman Frog
A massive, 42-pound stuffed frog that's a beloved local legend and a must-see quirky exhibit.
New Brunswick's Rich History
Explore diverse exhibits covering Aboriginals, Acadians, Loyalists, and local tales like the Barker House Hotel.
Military History Collection
Discover uniforms, medals, and personal stories that bring the city's military past to life.
Historic Building Architecture
Appreciate the architecture of the 1816 building, a former British military base.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Don't Miss the Coleman Frog!
Timing is Key for a Great Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Allow ample time for exploration
You might spend up to two hours discovering personal stories and artifacts. :clock:
Engage with friendly volunteers
Staff are happy to share extra details and stories about the exhibits. :handshake:
Check for seasonal events
The museum often hosts special exhibits and activities throughout the year. :calendar:
Appreciate the building's history
The 1816 structure itself is a significant part of the visitor experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Allow ample time for exploration
You might spend up to two hours discovering personal stories and artifacts. :clock:
Engage with friendly volunteers
Staff are happy to share extra details and stories about the exhibits. :handshake:
Check for seasonal events
The museum often hosts special exhibits and activities throughout the year. :calendar:
Appreciate the building's history
The 1816 structure itself is a significant part of the visitor experience.
Look for the Black Heritage exhibit
Discover virtual exhibits and walking tours highlighting early Black settlers.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find the Fredericton Region Museum to be a worthwhile stop, particularly for its unique local stories and the legendary Coleman Frog. While some exhibits could benefit from improved design and maintenance, the friendly volunteers and the depth of personal narratives make for an engaging experience, especially for those interested in regional history.
"I had a wonderful visit to the Fredericton Region Museum yesterday. I usually like visiting local museums like this because I can listen to the stories that they want to tell visitors. There are the big historical periods like the Aboriginals, the Acadians, the Loyalists, the World Wars. And then there are local stories like the burned-down Barker House Hotel, the UFOs, and the Fredericton Society of St. Andrew. I loved how many items were donated by family members and their personal stories retold in the exhibits.
For a volunteer-run operation, there was a lot more to explore than I thought. I took my time reading to not finish too early only to find yet more things to discover! I spent around two hours in the museum. The volunteer on duty at the time was very friendly and helpful, offering to keep my luggage in the storeroom during my visit.
That being said, some of the exhibits downstairs could have better designed labels and signage to explain the overall narrative for the room before diving into the significance of each artifact. I loved how the museum is bilingual (allowing me to try my hand at reading the displays in French) but a few labels are missing in French and some inconsistencies are evident (e.g. meal names in international vs. Canadian French). Overall, highly worth a visit if you have a chance and are interested in local museums!"
Lyndon Chan
"Interesting to walk around from an observational perspective. I wouldn't revisit. The upstairs porch was nice to enjoy. The displays reminded me of a collection of junior high school projects from the 90's and many of the interactive elements were not functioning. Example, pull out drawers with displays were broken and other displays with buttons and lights not working. It all felt very underfunded and not what you would expect as a representation of a provincial capital region, more like something I'd expect in a small village. I enjoyed the building and it's architecture itself more than anything. No one was present when we entered main door and I wasn't even sure if you just walked in or had to pay. There is an entrance fee, $6. Individuals greeting patrons could use some training on their welcoming of guests and level of professionalism. They weren't rude, just felt like a neighbourhood Lemonade stand type of service."
Matthew Flemming
"We came here for the Stanton Friedman exhibit. We were already planning to visit Fredericton from Ontario this weekend and were happy to find this exhibit taking place! The exhibit was awesome and the gentleman (including Jim Lawrence were quite knowledgeable. He did a great presentation for us. Overall this is a lovely museum with different exhibits. Clean and well organized."
Emily Burtnik
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Public transport options are available within the city, and driving is also a common way to reach it. Parking information can be found on their website or by contacting the museum directly.
While specific parking details aren't always highlighted, street parking or nearby public lots are typical for attractions in Fredericton's downtown area. It's best to check the museum's official website or call ahead for the most current parking advice.
Yes, the Fredericton Region Museum is centrally located, making it easily accessible on foot from many downtown hotels and attractions. Enjoy a pleasant stroll through the city to reach it.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees are typically modest, reflecting its volunteer-run nature. One visitor mentioned an entrance fee of $6. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most up-to-date pricing.
Hours can vary, especially as it's volunteer-run. For example, one artist mentioned hours like Mon, Fri, Sat - 12:30-4:30pm and Thursday - 3-7pm. Always confirm current hours on their website or by calling.
Advance booking is generally not required for regular visits. However, for special events or group tours, it's advisable to inquire with the museum beforehand.
While the historic building has charm, accessibility can be a consideration. Some exhibits are downstairs, and visitor experiences may vary. It's recommended to contact the museum directly to discuss specific accessibility needs.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The legendary Coleman Frog is a major draw! Also, don't miss the extensive war collection and exhibits detailing local stories like the Barker House Hotel and the city's Black heritage.
Visitors often spend around two hours exploring the exhibits at their own pace, especially if they enjoy reading the detailed stories and personal accounts.
Some visitors have noted that certain interactive elements, like pull-out drawers or button-activated displays, may not always be functioning. However, the personal stories and artifacts offer a rich, engaging experience.
Yes, the museum is bilingual, offering displays in both English and French. However, some labels might have inconsistencies or be missing in French.
Take your time to read the personal stories behind the artifacts. Engaging with the friendly volunteers can also enhance your visit with extra insights.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed, but it's always best to check for any specific restrictions on certain exhibits or areas. Flash photography might be prohibited to protect artifacts.
The historic building itself offers great architectural shots. The unique exhibits, like the Coleman Frog, also make for memorable and shareable photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While some interactive elements might be inconsistent, the overall experience is still rewarding. Consider visiting during seasonal events, as the museum team works to keep things fresh and fun for families. The manageable size of the museum also means kids can explore without getting overwhelmed.
🏛️ History Buffs & Local Enthusiasts
The museum's strength lies in its collection of donated artifacts and the personal stories that accompany them, offering an intimate look at the lives of past residents. The bilingual displays are a bonus for those who enjoy exploring historical texts in different languages.
🎨 Art & Culture Explorers
Even without specific art exhibits, the museum's historic building and its quirky artifacts, like the Coleman Frog, offer a rich visual and cultural experience. The building's architecture itself is a point of interest for those who appreciate historical design.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of the Coleman Frog
This quirky artifact embodies the spirit of local storytelling that the museum aims to preserve. It's a reminder that history isn't just about grand events, but also about the colorful characters and tall tales that shape a community's identity. The Coleman Frog is a testament to the enduring power of local legends.
Exploring New Brunswick's Diverse History
Beyond the major historical eras, the museum also shines a light on more localized narratives. Stories of the Barker House Hotel, intriguing accounts of UFOs, and the history of the Fredericton Society of St. Andrew are all presented, often through artifacts donated by local families. This personal touch makes the history feel relatable and deeply connected to the community.
Furthermore, the museum actively engages with contemporary historical narratives, such as its virtual Black heritage exhibit and walking tours that highlight the sites of early Black settlers, marking important occasions like Emancipation Day. This commitment to diverse storytelling ensures a well-rounded understanding of the region's complex past.
The Museum Building: A Historical Landmark
Visitors often appreciate the building's architecture as much as the exhibits within. The structure itself tells a story of a bygone era, offering a glimpse into the past through its design and enduring presence. The upstairs porch, in particular, has been noted as a pleasant spot to enjoy the surroundings.
This historic edifice not only shelters the artifacts of regional history but also stands as a monument to the city's evolution. Its continued use as a museum ensures that its own story is preserved while it continues to serve the community by safeguarding and presenting the stories of others.
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