Maritime Museum Celebrates Ships DO Start Here, Christmas at Sea

The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is continuing the shipbuilding celebration with Ships DO Start Here, a new initiative to encourage discussion and pride in the shipbuilding industry.

As part of the celebration, the museum is hosting a free open house Saturday, Dec. 10 and Sunday, Dec. 11.

The museum is the oldest and largest museum of its kind in Canada. It collects and interprets items of maritime heritage including shipbuilding and stories of notable seafarers.

"Shipbuilding is a major part of who we are and it will continue to shape our future," said David Wilson, Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage. "We invite everyone to explore the museum's galleries, exhibits and artifacts to learn more about this fascinating part of our history."

People are also invited to help kick off the museum's Christmas at Sea program. Visitors can see what it would have been like for a captain and his family to celebrate Christmas on a square-rigged ship at the turn of the century. Daily activities will allow visitors to create traditional Christmas and nautical crafts.

As part of the Christmas as Sea program, the museum is participating in the Halifax Mission to Seafarers Shoebox initiative. Visitors are encouraged to bring personal care items, mittens and scarves, and souvenirs from Nova Scotia to the museum as a donation. Donations go to international merchant seafarers stationed at Halifax Harbour during the holidays. Donations to Feed Nova Scotia will also be accepted.

"We see the museum as a community gathering place, especially during the holidays," said Kim Reinhardt, manager, Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. "We're excited to welcome everyone to our open house to celebrate Ships DO Start Here. It's the season for learning and giving back to others."

For more information on activities and the Halifax Mission to Seafarers Shoebox program, visit the museum website at http://maritime.museum.gov.ns.ca or call 902-424-7490.

The museum is located at 1675 Lower Water St., Halifax.