CSS Acadia Celebrates 100th Birthday

Nova Scotians will have an opportunity to experience the mystique of one of the province's most unique ships, the CSS Acadia, during its 100th birthday celebrations.

Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister Leonard Preyra was joined by staff at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and guests today, May 8, to announce the vessel's anniversary summer events.

"Nova Scotians are proud of our marine heritage, our continuing role in exploring and mapping the oceans, and the development of innovative research and technology," said Mr. Preyra. "CSS Acadia was the first vessel specifically designed and built to survey Canada's northern waters, and her career took her from the dangerous, ice-filled, waters of Hudson's Bay to Nova Scotia's South Shore.

"I thank former crew members, staff at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and all of our partners who have helped share the tremendous story of Nova Scotia's Grand Old Lady."

CSS Acadia is the largest artifact at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. Designed by Ottawa Naval Architect R.L. Newman, it was launched in Newcastle in 1913 as a Canadian Hydrographic Survey vessel. It worked for 56 years as a survey and research ship and is the only vessel still in existence that served Canada in both world wars.

"The Acadia's endurance is as a result of a special bond between steel and the men who designed and built her and served aboard," said Rod Desborough, who spent more than 12 months as a member of the CSS Acadia's crew. "Her crew, officers and staff all deserve our recognition by ensuring the Acadia is preserved well into her second 100 years.

"In the words of Chief Officer Dingee in 1983, she absorbed us into her soul."

The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic will host an open house aboard the CSS Acadia on July 8, and open a new exhibit, CSS Acadia: 100 Years Exhibition, on Aug. 3. A crew reunion and homecoming is scheduled for Natal Day Weekend, and some of the museum's Tuesday Night Talks in the fall will focus on the vessel's story.

To learn more about the CSS Acadia and events, go to museum.gov.ns.ca/mmanew/ .