Archives Launches Extensive Second World War Exhibit

NOTE: A social media version of this release, including photographs, video and audio clips, is available at www.gov.ns.ca/news/smr/2009-09-10-war-exhibit.asp .

On the 70th anniversary of Canada's entry into the Second World War, Nova Scotians can explore Halifax in wartime through a new online feature presented by the Nova Scotia Archives.

East Coast Port: Halifax in Wartime, 1939-1945 is a collection of seven virtual exhibits containing more than 5,800 historical photos, film clips, and print material documenting the lives of ordinary Nova Scotians living with war on their doorstep.

"During the Second World War, residents of Halifax lived with the constant threat of danger," said Percy Paris, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage. "East Coast Port captures the lives of Haligonians before, during, and at the end of the war, so that we may not forget the sacrifices made at home and overseas."

Between 1939 and 1945, no other community in Canada was more involved in, or more marked by, the events of war than Halifax. The city was the principal staging point in Canada for the war in Europe. For security reasons, it was not named in radio and newspaper coverage, but was instead identified only as "an East Coast port".

"We are pleased to present the story of Halifax during those six long years," said provincial archivist Brian Speirs. "The visual material featured in East Coast Port gives anyone with Internet access an opportunity to explore the look-and-feel of Halifax during wartime."

The seven virtual exhibits showcase different aspects of the wartime city through archival material. Topics include what Halifax looked like on the eve of war, wartime censorship and convoy movements, women and families responding to the war, and entertaining the troops. A separate section of online film clips includes footage of a German U-Boat being captured off Shelburne and coverage of the VE-Day Riots in Halifax.

Additional information on East Coast Port: Halifax in Wartime, 1939-1945 is available at www.gov.ns.ca/nsarm/virtual/eastcoastport/.

Nova Scotia Archives and Records Management acquires, preserves and makes available the province's documentary heritage.