Diamond Jubilee Open House

Nova Scotians and visitors are invited to an open house on Thursday, July 5, at historic Province House in Halifax, to celebrate Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee.

Tours will feature royal portraits and symbols around the building. A video from Her Majesty's Coronation will be playing in the Hollis Street foyer.

Many special items from the Province House collection will also be featured, including the 2002 Golden Diamond Jubilee cup, a replica of a specially commissioned NovaScotian Crystal bowl presented to Her Majesty during the 2010 Royal Tour, stools from the Coronations of King George V, King George VI, and Queen Elizabeth II, and photo albums and scrapbooks from previous Royal Tours.

"Province House is the birthplace of responsible government, so it’s very fitting to celebrate and recognize this significant milestone in such a historic building," said House of Assembly Speaker Gordie Gosse. "Several rooms that are not usually open to the public will be included in the tours. This is a great opportunity for guests to view important royal artifacts and appreciate what a major role the monarchy plays in our lives."

In celebration of the open house, Lt. Gov. John James Grant and Her Honour Joan Grant will join Speaker Gosse at 12:45 p.m. in the Red Chamber to cut the Diamond Jubilee cake.

A Diamond Jubilee Commemorative Message Book will be available to sign, and will be sent to Her Majesty The Queen at the end of the Diamond Jubilee year.

The open house will take place from noon to 3 p.m. at 1726 Hollis St.

For more information on the Diamond Jubilee, visit novascotia.ca/diamondjubilee.