Maritime Museum Partners to Light Sambro Lens

The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and the Nova Scotia Lighthouse Preservation Society plan to shed some light on a recent topic of public debate.

On Wednesday, Nov. 28, the museum and the society will host a free demonstration of lighthouse equipment that will feature the lighting of the Sambro Island lighthouse's Fresnel lens, as well as a discussion on topics such as the recent decision to silence the Sambro Island foghorn.

Measuring 2.8 metres in height and composed of crystal glass prisms set in bronze frames, the lens was built in 1906 by the Barbier, Bernard and Turenne Company in Paris. For more than 60 years, it illuminated the mouth of Halifax Harbour until it was replaced in 1967. The lens has since become one of the Maritime Museum's most iconic artifacts.

The presentation, which will be led by members of the society and museum curator Dan Conlin, will also include hands on demonstrations of various foghorns, from newer air horns, to hand cranked classics.

"This is a fun and rare opportunity to make a fog horn roar or see a small light turn a beautiful crystal lens into a glowing orb of fire," said Mr. Conlin. "It is especially significant now because these sounds and lights are rapidly disappearing from our coastlines."

The demonstration will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the museum, 1675 Lower Water St., Halifax. Reports of regular society activities will be provided at 7 p.m. and the public is welcome.

Admission is free, but donations to the Nova Scotia Lighthouse Preservation Society are appreciated.