News Release Archive
EDUCATION/CULTURE--Growing Up Chinese in Halifax Exhibit
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In 1916, nine-year-old Chuck Lee arrived in Nova Scotia from
China. Like hundreds of others, Chuck's father had left China in
search of a new life in Canada.
Rather than work on the railroad or in the gold-fields out west,
some immigrants settled in Halifax and took advantage of the
entrepreneurial opportunities of a port city. They opened
restaurants and laundries, creating a dynamic Chinese community.
Now for the first time, Nova Scotians are able to learn more
about this rich heritage through the eyes of the people who lived
it. From Nov. 8 to Jan. 4, visitors to the Nova Scotia Museum of
Natural History can see Growing Up Chinese in Halifax, an exhibit
by Albert Lee, Chuck's son. Through old photos and memorabilia
like an old laundry ticket and restaurant menus, the exhibit is a
wonderful tale of Chinese life in Nova Scotia.
"I would encourage all Nova Scotians to visit the museum and view
Mr. Lee's exhibit," said Education and Culture Minister Robbie
Harrison. "Nova Scotia has a rich history of cultural diversity
and we are all well-served to learn as much as we can about it.
The exhibit is an intriguing look at Chinese life in Nova Scotia
and reflects the hard work and valuable contributions people of
Chinese descent have made to our province."
Albert Lee shares what it felt like to grow up Chinese in Halifax
with images from his life experiences and of family and friends.
During his school years, he was often the only person of Chinese
descent in his class.
Mr. Lee also has a long history with the museum dating back to
his days as a museum kid in the 1960s where he first discovered
his love for photography and nature. It was at the museum where
young Albert and many other children made friendships, learned
great things and found mentors.
His work as a freelance photographer has since taken him around
the world. But the Museum of Natural History still holds a
special place in Mr. Lee's heart, and it was he who requested
that the exhibit be displayed there.
Almost 200 photographs and other pieces will be displayed in the
exhibit. There are photos of early Halifax, of buildings and
businesses that may be familiar, but the stories and people
behind them are new to most.
Visitors to the display will discover how high risks, hard work
and determination reunited families despite stiff immigration
policies.
Growing Up Chinese in Halifax is supported by the Cultural
Component of Canada's Year of Asia Pacific 1997 and members of
Halifax's Chinese community.
The Museum of Natural History is on Summer Street in Halifax. A
special tour of the exhibit with Albert Lee will take place
Sunday, Nov. 9, beginning at 2 p.m. All are welcome.
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Contact: Doug Hadley
Education and Culture
902-424-3999
E-mail: hadleydj@gov.ns.ca
NOTE TO EDITORS: Photos from the Growing Up Chinese in Halifax
exhibit are available by contacting Brenda Boutilier at the
museum, 902-424-6513.
ngr Nov. 4, 1997 10:00 a.m.
