Heritage Day: Nominate Now
Nova Scotia Heritage Day is more than a holiday. It is a chance for Nova Scotians to learn about the people, places and events that shaped the province we live in today.
Students play an important role in this work. By submitting a nomination, you help decide who or what will be honoured on Heritage Day in the future!
You can nominate a:
- person or group who has been deceased for at least 25 years
- place or event that is at least 40 years old
Submit your nomination by 15 May 2026.
Why you should submit a Nova Scotia Heritage Day nomination
When you submit a nomination, you will:
- become a researcher, storyteller and historian
- receive a letter of recognition from the Government of Nova Scotia*
*Letters will be provided to either the student, group or class who submitted the nomination.
You learn how the past connects to the present and why local stories matter. Many important contributions to Nova Scotia's history are not found in textbooks - they live in communities, families and everyday places. Your nomination can help bring those stories forward and ensure they are recognized.
This program also gives students a voice. You do not need to choose someone who is famous or widely known. The selection committee is looking for nominees who had a meaningful impact on Nova Scotian life. That impact might be cultural, social, economic or community based. Your nominee could be:
- a person who helped others
- a place that represents an important part of history
- an event that shaped a community
Submitting a nomination builds valuable skills. You practice research, critical thinking and clear writing. You learn how to use reliable sources and primary evidence, such as photographs, newspaper articles or interviews. These skills support classroom learning and help prepare you for future studies.
Most importantly, your work can make a real difference. Selected honourees are recognized across the province.
If your nominee is chosen
If your nomination is chosen, you, your class or group will be acknowledged, and your story will be shared with all Nova Scotians. Even if your nominee is not selected, your work still contributes to preserving local history.
All individuals, classes or groups who submit an application will receive a Letter of Recognition from the Government of Nova Scotia in appreciation of their submission.
Simple steps to nominate an honouree
Step 1: Choose a nominee
Select a person, place or event that is important to Nova Scotia's history. Make sure it meets the guidelines:
- people or groups must have been deceased for at least 25 years
- places and events must be at least 40 years old
Step 2: Research the story
Find out who or what your nominee is, when and where they were important, and why they matter. Use reliable sources and include at least one primary source if possible.
Step 3: Tell the story
Explain the nominee's impact on Nova Scotia and why their story should be shared. Your submission can be written, visual, audio or multimedia.
Step 4: Complete the nomination form
Fill in the required contact information and attach your submission.
Step 5: Submit your nomination
Email your nomination to HeritageDay@novascotia.ca or mail it to the Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage. Submissions are accepted until 15 May 2026.
Your story could help shape how Nova Scotia remembers its past. Take part and make history!