News release

Maritime Museum Launches Christmas at Sea, Donation Campaigns

Communities, Culture and Heritage (Jan. 2011 - Aug. 2021)

The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic will launch Christmas at Sea on Thursday, Nov. 20, with the Boatload of Toys and Mission to Seafarers donation campaigns.

"We have a Maritime tradition of gathering and sharing our history at the museum," said Kim Reinhardt, museum manager. "At this time of year, we encourage families to start a special holiday tradition by spending memorable time with us and bring a donation to Mission to Seafarers shoebox program, or toy for those less fortunate, and share in the giving."

The Boatload of Toys campaign will support Bryony House and Boys and Girls Clubs of Dartmouth and Halifax. The museum also partners with Mission to Seafarers for the annual Christmas shoebox program, which collects items into gift-wrapped shoeboxes for crews of visiting ships.

This year the museum is introducing a new knitting marathon for people to participate and donate home-made scarfs and mittens for international crew aboard ships stationed in Halifax over the holidays. The museum hopes to generate 100 shoeboxes of items to welcome them during their Maritime stay.

"Last year, the museum donated 50 shoeboxes from generous donors, and we hope to double that amount this year," said Matthew Hughson, visitor services staff member at the Maritime Museum. "During the season of giving, sharing, togetherness, and being mindful of what we have, we invite Nova Scotians to take part in this worthwhile cause with us throughout the holidays."

With donations to either of the campaigns, the museum offers free family admission to explore the holiday sights and sounds, including:

  • Theodore Tugboat and friends display in a wintery Halifax Harbour
  • Merlin the rainbow macaw and his colourful, festive corner
  • the LEGO: City by the Sea display
  • the LEGO Model Competition for youth age 7 to 18

For more information about activities, go to http://maritimemuseum.novascotia.ca .

Like the Mission to Seafarers shoebox campaign at: https://www.facebook.com/maritimemuseum#!/video.php?v=10152108668389085&set=vb.60704669084&type=3&theater .