Naval Centennial Celebrated at Maritime Museum of the Atlantic

Merlin, a rainbow macaw and mascot of the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, is ready to welcome visitors during International Fleet Review, June 25 to July 2.

The museum is offering special activities tied to the centennial of the Canadian Navy, and Canadian Forces personnel will receive one dollar off admission during the week with identification.

"Nova Scotia families have close ties to Canada's navy," said Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage Percy Paris. "International Fleet Review is a great time for visitors to explore how those ties have strengthened over the past century through these special activities and the updated museum collection."

The centrepiece is an updated navy gallery that chronicles the history of the Canadian Navy and its connections to Nova Scotia. Visitors to the museum will learn about the navy's beginnings in the late 19th century, explore Canadian participation in two World Wars and the evolving role of the navy in the 21st century.

In addition to the new exhibits in the navy gallery, families can also dress up in costumes, participate in a gun run, and practice knot-work activities.

"Nova Scotia's museums encourage lifelong learning and attract visitors eager to learn more about our history and culture," said Mr. Paris. "By strengthening communities they help make life better for families in every region."

CSS Acadia, part of the museum's collection since 1982, is free to visit all week. Acadia's distinguished history includes serving the Royal Canadian Navy during both world wars and charting the Hudson Bay Route prior to World War II for the Canadian Hydrographic Service. She is the only surviving ship still afloat after the Halifax Explosion in 1917 and was recently presented with the official Canadian Navy centennial flag.

The museum will be closed to the public during the day on Tuesday, June 29 due to Royal Tour activities on the Halifax waterfront but we will reopen that evening from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Museum activities will continue to spotlight the Canadian Navy throughout the summer, with Navy Fridays presenting guided programs that explore the stories of the Canadian Navy.

Information about museum programs, including upcoming Canada Day activities, can be found at http://museum.gov.ns.ca/mmanew/en/home/default.aspx.