Quaker Whaler House, Heritage house in Dartmouth, Canada

The Quaker Whaler House is the oldest building in Dartmouth, built in 1785 with an asymmetrical front and solid stone foundation. The structure shows traditional building methods and materials used by the early settlers who came to this area.

William Ray, a craftsman from Nantucket, built the house during the migration of Quaker whalers to Nova Scotia following the American Revolution. The arrival of this community marked the beginning of a new chapter in the area's development.

The Quakers who came to Dartmouth were Nantucket whalers and craftsmen, and their community stayed about six years, from 1786 to 1792, before many left for England. The best-known member was the abolitionist Lawrence Hartshorne. The house keeps Nantucket building habits, such as the asymmetrical facade and stone foundation.

The house stands in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, and is the area's oldest building, dating to 1785. It is a private residence rather than a museum, so visits are best made from the street, where the asymmetrical facade and stone foundation are visible. Look for the heritage designation markers that identify the property.

The house's stone foundation and asymmetrical facade copy Nantucket Quaker building practice, a detail visible from the street. The best-known Quaker in Dartmouth was abolitionist Lawrence Hartshorne, who lived there during the community's 1786-1792 stay. Most of the settlers left for England after six years.