News release

250th Anniversary Exhibit Opens at Maritime Museum

Tourism, Culture and Heritage (Dec. 2003 - Jan. 2011)

To coincide with the 250th Anniversary of the historic final siege upon the Fortress of Louisbourg, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic will open an original, bilingual exhibit today, June 3.

Created in partnership with the Army Museum of the Halifax Citadel, Halifax vs. Louisbourg: The Final Siege, is a compelling look at the important role Halifax played in an event that would become a major turning point in North America's destiny.

In 1758, the North American colonies of France and England were in the midst of the Seven Years War. The British government knew victory depended upon successfully attacking Quebec and to do so, it first needed to take control of the Fortress of Louisbourg.

Founded nine years earlier in 1749, Halifax was the perfect location from which to launch an attack. On May 29, 1758, after weeks of training and preparation, more than 150 British sailing ships, carrying more than 27,000 men, left Halifax and headed north to lay siege.

"Halifax was specifically founded for a campaign like this," said Gerry Lunn, the museum's curator of interpretation. "From the very beginning, Halifax was meant as a counter to Louisbourg. Few realize how significant this city was to that final siege and also, how significant that final siege was in North American history. That's exactly what this exhibit delves into."

The exhibit will feature about 100 items and artifacts, including an 8,000 pound mortar, a recreated troop transport ship, an array of weaponry, and an actual letter from the front lines, written by Lt.-Col. Alexander Murray to his wife Marie.

The most notable item in the exhibit is General James Wolfe's cloak, on special loan to the Maritime Museum from the Royal Collection of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. It is believed General Wolfe, one of the appointed brigadier generals who lead the attack on Louisbourg, died on the cloak after being fatally shot in Quebec.

The exhibit will be on display until Nov. 2. The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is located at 1675 Lower Water St., Halifax.