Museums
ATLANTIC CANADA AVIATION MUSEUM
Many civilian and military aircraft are on display, as well as artifacts and exhibits depicting Atlantic Canadian aviation history, including an exact replica of the Silver Dart. The original Silver Dart, developed by Alexander Graham Bell, made the first powered flight in Canada and the British Empire, from Baddeck, N.S. in February 1909. Open daily 9 am to 5 pm, until mid-Oct., or by appointment year-round. Free admission, donations welcome. Exit 6, Hwy. 102 near the airport. 873-3773
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BLACK CULTURAL CENTRE FOR NOVA SCOTIA
The first site of its kind in Canada, this museum, cultural and education centre is dedicated to the preservation, protection and promotion of black history in Nova Scotia. The centre houses history archives, static and audio visual displays, a library and an amphitheatre for cultural performances and lectures. Guided and self-guided tours include displays and video presentations on request. Open year-round, Mon. to Fri. 9 am to 5 pm.
COLE HARBOUR HERITAGE FARM MUSEUM
A small, community-run museum surrounded by modern housing and commercial development, "the farm in the city" features farm animals, heritage buildings, old farm tools and equipment, and old-fashioned gardens. The site adjoins a natural marsh and woodland walk. Tea room and gift shop on site. Open until Oct. 15, Mon. to Sat. 10 am to 4 pm, Sundays and holidays noon to 4 pm. Open year-round for inquiries, scheduled tours and events. 471 Poplar Dr., Dartmouth. 434-0222/462-0154.
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COSTUME STUDIES INSTITUTE AND MUSEUM
This small museum, housed in an historic residential building, displays the work of students of the Dalhousie Costume Studies program. Costumes based on records of early residents of Halifax. Open end of May to end of August. For times and days call 494-6515. Carleton House, 1685 Argyle St.
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DARTMOUTH HERITAGE MUSEUM
Utilizing a broad range of exhibits, interprets Dartmouth and area's natural, historical and cultural heritage. Archival reference service are available by appointment. Open year-round, Wed. to Sat., 1:30 pm to 5 pm. W. Duration of visit: approximately an hour. At 100 Wyse Rd., Dartmouth, just off the MacDonald Bridge. 464-2300.
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DISCOVERY CENTRE
More than 80 hands-on exhibits illuminate the entertaining and educational principles of science. Make giant bubbles, experiment with magnets and check out the optical illusion of the distorted room. Changing exhibits, interactive workshops and live science demonstrations. Open Monday to Saturday 10 am to 5 pm, Sunday 1 pm to 5 pm. 1593 Barrington St. (corner of Sackville St.) 492-4422.
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http://www.discoverycentre.ns.ca
EVERGREEN HOUSE
Built in 1867, Evergreen is a fine example of a mid-Victorian gentleman's residence. The main floor of the house is decorated with Victorian furnishings and selected art works. Open June through Aug., Tues. to Sun. 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Donations welcomed. 26 Newcastle St., Dartmouth. 464-2301.
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FISHERIES MUSEUM OF THE ATLANTIC
Bright red buildings and well-maintained vessels welcome you to this museum on the edge of Lunenburg's harbour. Inside, touch tanks and displays illustrating life in fishing communities allow you to experience Atlantic Canada's seafaring heritage. Out aboard the vessels, visitors have the treat of talking with retired "old salts." Open daily. Through Oct. 29: 9:30 am to 5:30. Oct. 30 to May 7: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Phone ahead during the off-season. 68 Bluenose Dr., Lunenburg. (902) 634-4794.
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FISHERMAN'S LIFE MUSEUM
This tiny house and gardens have been preserved just as they were at the turn of the century when this was the home of an inshore fisherman, his wife and their 13 daughters. There's always a kettle on the stove for tea and a knowledgeable guide ready to share stories of days gone by. Open June 1 to Oct. 15, Mon. to Sat. 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Sun. 1 to 5:30 p.m. Jeddore Oyster Pond. Call 889-2053.
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HMCS SACKVILLE
World War II convoy escort corvette has been restored as a floating naval memorial to the courage and sacrifice of all who served in Canada's navy. Immediately adjacent is an Interpretation Centre with a multi-media presentation. Both HMCS Sackville and the centre are open to the public during the summer months. Admission is free. 1675 Lower Water St. Call 429-2132 or 427-0550, ext. 2837.
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MARITIME COMMAND MUSEUM, ARCHIVES, LIBRARY
History of the Canadian maritime naval forces, especially in Halifax. Duration of visit: 45 minutes. Open year-round, Mon. to Fri. 10 am to 3:30 pm. In Admiralty House, 2725 Gottingen St., at CFB Halifax. Call 427-0550, ext. 8250.
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MARITIME MUSEUM OF THE ATLANTIC
Nautical and marine history of Atlantic Canada. Exhibits include Titanic: The Unsinkable Ship, Halifax Wrecked: The Story of the Halifax Explosion and Shipwreck Treasures of Nova Scotia. CSS Acadia, a 1913 hydrographic research vessel, is moored outside (open May to October). Admission charged. W. 1675 Lower Water St. 424-7490.
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MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
Stand next to a moose or go eye-to-eye with a real pilot whale skeleton. Live bees, sealife tanks, dinosaurs, mushrooms and more. W. 1747 Summer St. 424-7353.
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MUSQUODOBOIT RAILWAY MUSEUM
Housed in the former Canadian National Railway Station (c. 1918) and several railway cars, the museum traces the history of the railway and its importance to the development of this region. The collection includes photographs, maps, posters, tickets, artifacts (such as baggage wagons and a sled), a model train exhibit, a small library and gift shop. Open May 22 to Oct. 10, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Musquodoboit Harbour. For more information, call 889-2689.
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NOVA SCOTIA ARCHIVES AND RECORDS MANAGEMENT
Holdings include inactive records of government departments and corporate bodies (churches, businesses, organizations, municipalities and communities); papers of families and individuals; a 70,000-title library; newspapers; genealogical sources; documentary art and photographs; maps and architectural plans, and sound recordings and moving images. Open Mon. to Fri. 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Sat. (limited services) 9 am to 5 pm. Closed Sun., statutory holidays and Saturdays falling within holiday weekends. W. Public Archives, 6016 University Ave. 424-6060.
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NOVA SCOTIA SPORT HALL OF FAME
Nova Scotia's rich sport heritage is displayed through artifacts, exhibits and hundreds of photographs dating back to the 1850s. Interactive computer programs, miniature hockey rink and basketball court. Duration of visit: about 45 minutes. Open Mon. to Fri. 10:30 am to 4 pm, Sat. 10:30 am to 3 pm. Free admission. W. 1645 Granville St., corner of Sackville Street. Call 421-1266.
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PIER 21
Overlooking Halifax Harbour, this National Historic site chronicles the arrival of one million immigrants from 1928 to 1971, recounting the emotional experience of the immigrants, refugees, war brides, evacuee children and Canadian military troops who passed through its doors. Interactive exhibits, multimedia presentations and activities for all ages. Also offers the movie Oceans of Hope, narrated by a fictitious immigration officer and using a 3-D hologram effect. Call for viewing times. 1055 Marginal Rd. 425-7770.
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http://www.pier21.ns.ca
QUAKER HOUSE
Within easy walking distance from the Dartmouth Ferry Terminal, Quaker House features costumed guides. The house was built in 1786 by Quaker whalers from Nantucket and is sympathetically restored and furnished. 57-59 Ochterloney St., Dartmouth. 464-2253.
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SHEARWATER AVIATION MUSEUM
Displays Canadian maritime military aviation as it evolved at Shearwater through the American and Canadian militaries. Hours vary, so phone ahead. Duration of visit: one hour. At 13 Bonaventure Ave., 12 Wing Shearwater (take Rte. 322 toward Eastern Passage). 460-1083.
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