New Virtual Exhibit Celebrates Changing of the Guard

People with an interest in the province's history will now be able to see what the old garrison city of Halifax looked like, thanks to a new online exhibit by Nova Scotia Archives and Records Management.

The exhibit,"The Royal Engineers in Halifax: Photographing the Garrison City, 1870-1885", was launched today, July 20, at the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, in partnership with Parks Canada.

"This new online exhibit is a perfect fit with this week's Changing of the Guard celebrations," said Len Goucher, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage. "Looking at these photographs reminds us of just how significant a role the British military played in shaping Halifax as a community, right down to today's streetscapes. It represents an important part of our heritage."

The images date back about 125 years, when Halifax was home to thousands of British army and navy personnel and played a significant role in maintaining the Empire. Huge areas of prime city land were occupied by the citadel and dockyard complexes, while a string of fortifications lined the Halifax Harbour.

The images, taken by the Royal Engineers, reveal a city dominated and defined by the presence of the British military with offices, storehouses, repair facilities, fortifications, magazines, guardhouses, barracks, landmarks such as the Garrison Hospital and Garrison Chapel (both long gone) and official residences (many of which are still standing). In total, the exhibit features 260 black and white images which have rarely been seen.

Nova Scotia Archives and Records Management acquires, preserves and makes available the province's documentary heritage."The Royal Engineers in Halifax: Photographing the Garrison City 1870-1885' is available on the archives' website at www.gov.ns.ca/nsarm/cap/royalengineers.