For centuries, Nova Scotia has been both base and battleground for rival navies. Empires seeking to control North America were drawn to Nova Scotia’s superb harbours and strategic North Atlantic location. From these vast and bloody imperial struggles, a Canadian navy would slowly evolve and in 1910, the Royal Canadian Navy was created. It would control Canada’s waters and play its role on the world’s oceans.
The Maritime Museum has put a new look on its Navy Gallery with many new images and artifacts which together tell a more complete Canadian naval history. Included is a very special story about the Victoria Cross awarded to William Hall, who was the first Black person, the first Nova Scotian, and first Canadian sailor to receive the Victoria Cross. The V.C. is the highest award for bravery in the British Empire, and one of the world’s rarest military medals.