Pirates, explosions, the Titanic and so much more can be found at this museum on the waterfront!
The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is the perfect place to learn about the history of the sea, including the famous Titanic disaster.
Located on the lively waterfront in downtown Halifax, NS, the site is home to exhibits on the city’s military and naval history, the enormous explosion that nearly destroyed it during World War I, and the 10,000 shipwrecks along the coast of Nova Scotia.
It’s a place where you can learn about boat building, pirates and let the kids burn a little energy at the nearby playground.
It has a permanent exhibit on the building, and sinking, of the Titanic. Cable ship crews led the recovery of bodies after the ship sank in 1912, and hauled in many artifacts as well. You can even sit in a reproduction of the big ship’s deck chair.
During the summer you can visit the CSS Acadia, a historic ship, built just a year after the Titanic disaster. You can walk through history on the only surviving Canadian vessel to have service in both world wars.
There always seems to be a critter mascot living at Halifax museums. At the Martime Museum, his name is Merlin, a very bright, and very loud, Rainbow macaw parrot.
He has his own awesome live webcam show on Facebook Live called Squawk Talk with Merlin the Macaw. To find out more about when Squawk is happening by checking the museum’s Facebook page.
I’m not kidding about the loud part though. Merlin is noisy, so if you have sensory issues and are going to see him in person I would recommend bringing headphones or any other sensory things you may need.
The museum does offer school programs! Right now because of COVID-19 you should check online to find out more about what virtual school programs the museum offers.
I’m a former Maritime Museum staff member, I know how amazing the staff are. They’re happy to help if you have any questions.
I was a visitor interpreter. My job in the museum’s gallery spaces helping people find their way around and helping them understand a little bit about Nova Scotia’s maritime history.
It’s not quite fully accessible just yet, but the museum does have automatic door buttons, an elevator, plenty of seating and a few wheel chairs you can borrow. Depending on your ability, I might recommend a support person especially as this is more of a self-guided museum.
During the summer the Maritime Museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Be sure to double check the hours before you go, especially in the off season.
Hope you have enjoyed your time exploring and learning about Nova Scotia's maritime history !!!!!!!!