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I'm Gillian Wesley, Welcome to the Local Traveler Your online resource for responsible travel,
green travel tips, and finding adventure in your own backyard.
Well history is one of the main reasons that we choose to travel
but sometimes in our pursuit for adventure we forget to look right in our own backyard.
Today I'm going to take you on a historic tour of Halifax, my hometown, using metro
transit. Our first stop is the Black Cultural Centre
in Cherrybrook The museum here tells the history of African
Nova Scotians, from Mathieu De Costa to Africville and offers in-depth information on the various
waves of black immigration to Nova Scotia. "Blacks came in four major migrations to Nova
Scotia. There were the maroons, there were the refugees from the war of 1812, the Black
Loyalists, and of course there was the migration that came from Jamaica. If you look from the
United States when people come here, the first thing they want to do is trace their own family
lines It's the only one in Canada like this here
and it's very important that it's here when my grandkids have kids."
The space is also home to a library and resource centre and as for getting here ...
"It's easy! It's a bit of a ride but you get on the 61 at Scotia Square and it'll bring
you right to the door". Make sure to also stop at the newly rebuilt
Africville Church, assessable by bus # 9 and #7.
Nearby, you'll find the Titanic Graveyard, located in the Fairview Cemetery.
121 victims of History's most known ill-fated voyage are buried here. The markers are set
in the shape of a ship. Blair Beeds book, Titanic Victims in Halifax Graveyards, suggests
this was a coincidence, placed to follow the slope of the hill.
One of the most discussed markers is that of the unknown child, a young victim of the
Titanic who remained unidentified until 2002. Visitors are known to leave children's toys
on this marker. Route #1 and #90 will get you close by but
you'll need to take a short walk with either route.
Next, we ride bus #15 to York Redoubt, a National Historic Site in Ferguson's Cove.
It was built to defend the Halifax Harbour in 1793 when war broke out between the French
and English. Prince Edward had the round Martello Tower built and named it York Redoubt in honour
of his brother, the Duke of York. A century later, the fortifications were extended
to the water and guns were upgraded for iron ships. During the second world war, a net
was installed across the entrance to the harbour to prevent German submarines from entering.
Edward wasn't just building fortifications, he also built himself something of a love
nest. By taking the #80 along the Bedford Highway, you can reach the Rotunda, the last
remaining edifice from Edward's estate he kept here. This was the home he shared with
his French mistress, Julie, Madame de Saint Laurent.
Edward had a keen interest in designing gardens, which he explored in an area that is today
Hemlock Ravine Park. This included the heart shaped pond, which he had made for Madame
de Saint Laurent. Finally, we'll take the #60 to the Shearwater
Aviation Museum. This accredited Canadian Forces Museum has expanded significantly since
it was founded in 1978. Today it includes several aircraft and over 6,000 artifacts
representing the history of the Canadian Forces, as well as archives, and a reference library,
gift shop, conference room, and 50-seat theatre. Thank you for joining me for a tour of historic
Halifax by bus. Now I want to hear from you! What's your favourite historic gem in your
hometown? Leave where you are from and your favourite piece of history in the comments
below. IF you liked this video, go ahead and give
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Thanks again for joining me, and I'll see you next time!