News release

Maritime Museum Celebrates Nova Scotian on Canada Day

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

The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is celebrating Canada Day with activities and a new display about an historic Nova Scotian.

The museum's navy gallery will unveil a new addition to its collection on Thursday, July 1, the Victoria Cross awarded to William Hall, the first African Nova Scotian to receive that honour. The artifact is part of an updated gallery exhibit coinciding with Canadian Navy's centennial.

"Mr. Hall's story is an important part of Nova Scotia's history and Canada Day is a perfect time to learn more about his contribution to our military heritage," said Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage Percy Paris. "Nova Scotia's provincial museums bring our history and culture alive and make life better for families in every region."

Able-seaman William Hall was born near Hantsport in 1827. After serving on merchant ships, he joined the British Royal Navy in 1852. In 1857, while serving aboard HMS Shannon, Mr. Hall was part of the relief force sent to Lucknow, India, where mutineers had besieged the British garrison. All the naval gunners on board were killed except an injured naval lieutenant and Mr. Hall, who continued to load and fire his gun until the fortress fell. He was awarded the Victoria Cross in 1859 for his gallant conduct.

The museum will be open July 1 from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Families can enjoy crafts all day long, dress up in costumes, practice knot-work activities and participate in a pirate scavenger hunt.

Visits to CSS Acadia are free and Canadian Navy and Canadian Forces personnel will receive one dollar off museum admission with identification until Friday, July 2.

Information about Canada day programming and other events can be found at http://museum.gov.ns.ca/mmanew/en/home/default.aspx.