William Hall Victoria Cross Exhibit Opens

To mark African Heritage Month, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic launched a temporary exhibit today, Feb. 8, featuring the Victoria Cross of a 19th century naval war hero.

William Hall, originally of Horton's Bluff, King's Co., was the first man of African descent, and the first Nova Scotian, to receive the Victoria Cross. Mr. Hall was recognized for the courage he exhibited in the assault on a key fortification in the siege of Lucknow, India, in 1857.

"For years Mr. Hall's achievements were overlooked by Nova Scotians and Canadians in general," said David States, a historian with Parks Canada. "This exhibit helps us fully appreciate his accomplishments by highlighting the outstanding career of this African Canadian who accomplished so much without having the social and economic advantages of his contemporaries."

In a time when countless barriers were faced by African citizens on land and at sea, Mr. Hall built a career starting with small schooners, large merchant ships and even fought in the Mexican War with the U.S. Navy before settling on a career with Britain's Royal Navy. Mr. Hall may have been an exception in his act of courage but, in his choice of career, he was typical of several generations of Nova Scotians during the age of sail.

"At the museum, we recognize the rich cultural diversity of Nova Scotia's maritime heritage and believe it is critical that we reflect this diversity in our exhibits and programs," said John Hennigar-Shuh, general manager of the museum. "This special exhibit on William Hall and his valour is, for us, an important beginning."

The official opening of the exhibit by Lt.-Gov. Myra Freeman takes place today at 7:30 p.m. to be followed by a talk on the life and times of William Hall by David States. Other activities celebrating African Heritage Month at the museum include illustrated talks scheduled for Feb. 15, 22, and 24.

The Exhibit of William Hall's Victoria Cross runs at the Maritime Museum until Feb. 27. Admission is included in the regular cost of a museum pass. The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is located at 1675 Lower Water St. in Halifax.