The "Sixties" was a period of dramatic and

turbulent social and cultural change. Some

disillusioned young people rejected their

parents’ values and institutions, creating

their own youth-oriented counterculture.

They thought they could change the world

with peace, love, protest and pot. But the
initial idealism and optimism soon gave way

to the harsh realities of the Vietnam war,

political demonstrations and social protests.

Some decided to "drop out" and go

"back to the land" to pursue a romantic dream

of living an independent, self-sufficient rural

lifestyle, one in harmony with their

neighbors and Mother Earth.

 

By the 1970s, Nova Scotia had become the

favorite destination for many young

Canadian and American "back to the

landers", attracted by its "far-out" location,

unspoiled countryside, friendly people and

ready supply of cheap land. For brothers

Peter and Chris Murphy, the unexpected
arrival of these "come from away" hippie

homesteaders in their community suggested

they could also be part of this youthful

movement. While most of the inexperienced newcomers eventually
left, others stayed and created interesting and productive lives which have had a real impact on Nova Scotia society.

Fifty years later, we thought it was time to document the lives of these interesting people – to explore their reasons for taking part in the continent-wide migration that led them to Nova Scotia and explore their unusual migration story. Based on interviews with more than 50 remaining "back to the landers", author Chris Murphy has produced an illustrated oral history and memoir entitled Far Out - The Untold Story of the 60s-Inspired Back to the Land Migration that Changed Nova Scotia. His filmmaker brother Peter Murphy has created companion videos which introduce us to people in the book, and Peter’s wife, artist Anna Syperek, has contributed period sketches, drawings, and the cover art.