News release

Archives Launches Exhibit Celebrating Nova Scotian Olympian

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

In celebration of the Olympic Torch relay's arrival in Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia Archives and Records Management has launched a new virtual exhibit commemorating one of the province's finest athletes.

Aileen Meagher: Olympic Medallist and Canada's Flying Schoolmarm contains nearly 100 digitized photographs, documents, newspaper clippings, programs and art works showcasing the life of this outstanding Canadian.

"Nova Scotia has a strong tradition of producing exceptional athletes," said Percy Paris, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage. "We are pleased to celebrate the accomplishments of our province's Olympians, both past and present."

Aileen Meagher was an Olympic athlete, inspiring school teacher, accomplished artist, and intrepid world traveller. She was born in 1910 in Halifax and joined the Dalhousie University track team in 1928. Her award-winning career culminated in a bronze-medal win at the 1936 Summer Olympics as part of the Canadian relay team.

Ms. Meagher also took medals at the British Empire Games in London, England, 1934, and Sydney, Australia, 1938. She was a member of both the Nova Scotia and the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame.

"Aileen Meagher is an Olympic athlete for Nova Scotians to remember and be proud of," said Lois Yorke, director, Public Services. "We've used her personal papers kept at the Archives to create an online exhibit showcasing her accomplishments on and off the track."

In addition to her career in sports, Meagher was a well-known artist. The virtual exhibit includes drawings and sketchbooks featuring scenes from Nova Scotian coastal villages, Halifax, and scenes of Europe, particularly Ireland and Irish crosses.

Additional information on Aileen Meagher: Olympic Medallist and Canada's Flying Schoolmarm is available at www.gov.ns.ca/nsarm/virtual/meagher/ .

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