Construction of the replica of the Ship Hector and the Hector Heritage Quay began in 1990 and the Hector was launched in 2000, quickly becoming a popular tourist destination. The site was owned by the Town of Pictou and received financial assistance from the Hector Foundation.
In 2010 the Town of Pictou sold the Hector and the Heritage Quay buildings to the Hector Quay Society. In 2015 the Hector Quay Society and the Ship Hector Foundation merged to become the Ship Hector Society. This group consists of business people and volunteers who are committed to ensuring the site continues to be successful.
The Board has embarked upon the monumental task of restoring the Ship Hector to a fully rigged and operational tall ship in time for the 250th anniversary of the landing in 2023. Government funding, fundraising and community support will make this dream a reality.