Have A Whale Of A Time During March Break

Fun and adventure await visitors to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic this March break. The museum and a local heritage education company have joined forces to proudly present the March break event, Whale of a Tale. Back by popular demand, this event gives visitors the opportunity to step inside The Finner, a life- size inflatable Fin Whale.

Young and old visitors will have a whale of a time walking inside the 18-metre (60-foot) Fin Whale replica.

The replica is owned by Heritage Explorers and is only one of many fun activities at the museum.

Visitors start their whale-themed adventure by picking up a map that will guide them on a voyage through the museum. Dress up like an old whaler, pretend to be a member of the ship's hardened crew and listen to some real-life stories from the diary of 19th century maritime whaler Benjamin Doane. Find out what was needed to outfit a sailing ship for a whaling voyage that could last up to three years.

"We feel it is important to offer our audiences a unique opportunity to learn more about these amazing marine mammals and what we can do to help them. The more we appreciate them, the greater chance they will be around for future generations," said museum curator Christine Sykora. "It is also an opportunity for Nova Scotians to learn more about our whaling heritage and the harsh conditions routinely experienced by 19th century whalers."

Visitors will also learn about Abraham Gesner, the Nova Scotian who invented kerosene. "Kerosene diminished the need for whale oil as a fuel and as a result, many whales were saved because of Gesner's invention," said Mrs. Sykora.

Like many whalers, visitors will be able to take home a memento of their whaling adventure by creating their own piece of scrimshaw on a plaster whale tooth. Scrimshaw is an art form developed by 19th century North American whalers. During long voyages, crews often made intricate designs on sperm whale teeth and bones, some of which can be seen at the museum.

Whale of a Tale will run from Saturday, March 12 to Sunday, March 20 at the museum, located at 1675 Lower Water St., Halifax. Special admission prices will be offered. See the museum's website at http://museum.gov.ns.ca/mma/ for more information.