Maritime Museum Marks 20 Years on Halifax Waterfront

The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is celebrating its 20th anniversary on the historic Halifax waterfront this week. The museum is marking this milestone by hosting a year-long series of events.

"Our museums are valued by visitors to the province because of the rich stories they tell and the insights these stories provide about the lives of Nova Scotians" said Tourism and Culture Minister Rodney MacDonald. "In its 20-year history, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic has told our province's stories to millions of visitors."

The Maritime Museum also plays a significant role in preserving for all Nova Scotians the artifacts and images that represent our maritime heritage. The museum has more than 24,000 artifacts and 25,000 photographs in its collection.

"Stewardship is an integral part of what we do and we take the responsibility seriously," said Michael Murray, director of the museum. "Museum staff are proud of what we have been able to achieve and look forward to what new challenges lie ahead."

The coming months promise many new events and programs. Kicking off a series of special events will be the museum's display at the Halifax International Boat Show, Feb. 14-17. The display will feature the Elson Perry, a 21-foot (6.4-metre) replica of a 19th century boat the museum has in its collection. The replica was built by museum staff as a millennium project.

For two weekends following the boat show, Feb. 23-24 and March 2- 3, the museum will host a special event called Two if by Sea: Two Weekends of Maritime Traditions. The event will feature a variety of demonstrations including boat-building, sail-making, and wood- carving.

As well, the 18th Annual Modelmakers Showcase is scheduled for mid-April and the museum will be holding a 20th Anniversary Birthday Bash in May.

The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic has had several additions to its galleries in recent years including exhibits on North Atlantic convoys, sailing alone, Theodore Tugboat, Sable Island, the Titanic and Halifax, and most recently, shipwreck treasures of Nova Scotia. Staff are also actively planning greater things for the years ahead -- innovative and exciting new programs, and an expansion of its role on the waterfront and as a centre for the promotion and celebration of Nova Scotia's small-craft heritage.

When the museum opened on Jan. 22, 1982, former director Niels Jannasch said that the Lower Water Street location would be ideal and would draw people down to the waterfront. His words would prove to be prophetic. Many of the events planned for this year are in tribute to Mr. Jannasch, who passed away in November 2001. He was director of the museum from 1959 to 1985.