Located in the historic North-End of Sydney, Nova Scotia, the Jost House is one of the oldest remaining wooden buildings in Colonial Sydney, and is the oldest standing residence.
Samuel Sparrow, merchant and ship owner, built the house in 1786 and owned it until 1787 when he sold it to Colin Fraser, a member of the 33rd Regiment of Foot, whose members fought the French-Indian War and the American Revolution for the British. Thomas Jost, a Halifax merchant, bought the property in 1836, his descendants remaining in the house until 1971.

Today, the museum covers three periods: the 18th, 19th, and 20th century as they were for the town of Sydney and the house itself, accompanied by historical artifacts from the appropriate time.

Joan E. Harriss (1919 - 2001) was a local business woman and the one responsible for saving the Jost House, restorting and converting the property, out of her own pocket, into a museum in 1991. 

Mrs. Harriss was born in Bathurst, New Brunswick, later moving to Sydney. She served as Norwegian Vice-Council during World War II, receiving the Knight of Olaf Medal for long-time family service. In 1964, she took over her father's businesses and retired in 1985 as owner and manager when it sold.

Throughout her life, Joan had interest in anything marine related, going on to serve the Sydney Harbour Ports Regional Development Board, advocating and later being one of the reasons cruise ships from around the world visit our port today, which is named the "Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion." In 1986, Joan was given the title of "Citizen of the Year."

The next big project for Mrs. Harriss would be one to leave behind legacy not only for herself, but also Sydney, which was the founding and restoration of the Jost Heritage House, something we are extremely proud of. 

As a registered charity, Jost House is funded by visitors and donations.