Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic - Exhibits

Exhibits

Marine Life Gallery

The Marine Life Gallery explores initiatives taking place with the common goal of protecting our diverse marine environment. To preserve our fishery, we must preserve the ocean. Discover how the efforts of the Ocean Tracking Network, Ocean School, and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans are making positive strives to conserve and protect our ocean.

First Fishers

This visually rich exhibit highlights traditional fishing methods used by Nova Scotia’s First People. It explores relationships between natural stewardship and Mi’kmaq culture, connections between the past and present, as well as the contemporary Mi’kmaq fishing industry which remains at the heart of many communities.

Fisheries Gallery

This impressive space is divided into of three galleries: Offshore Fishery, Inshore Fishery, and Spin Off Industries. Combined, they provide an encompassing overview of the Nova Scotia fishing industry, particularly as it relates to Lunenburg County.

The Bank Fishery/Age of Sail (bilingual)

This exhibit is a Parks Canada feature at the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic. It covers a 400-year period and traces the development of the Banks Fishery on Canada’s East Coast. The models and displays offer extraordinary detail and are a delight to behold.

Ship Model Shop

The South Shore Ship Modellers Guild began in 1997. Museum visitors regularly are given the opportunity to observe the skilled hands of the Modellers who volunteer their time at the Ship Model Shop building a variety of vessel styles.

Stormy Seas Gallery

This gallery reflects on more challenging aspects of life and work at sea. It discusses marine disasters and loss of life, the evolution of life-saving equipment, and wartime experiences. It also showcases navigational and weather forecasting techniques used in the tumultuous waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

The Fishermen's Memorial Room

Once located within the Lunenburg Community Centre, this space is dedicated to the memory of fishers lost from Lunenburg County vessels. Included are large paintings by noted marine artist Joseph Purcell, and a list of the known individuals and vessels who perished while working at sea.

Salt Seas and Sailors

"I went to sea because my brothers did, and they went to sea at quite a young age. I could see life no other way at the time"

Captain George Himmelman

In a world of tall ships and fishing banks, vessels were places of hard and often grueling labour. Work was intensely physical, the weather was harsh, and dan-gerous seas required tireless vigilance. For hardy crews the ships were not only demanding workplaces, but also homes away from home for long. periods at sea. Bunks and galley tables were among the only places of refuge. Food, tobacco, musical instruments, games, and tall tales provided meagre but welcome comfort and entertainment. Away for weeks or months at a time, sailors were closely knit groups who relied heavily on one another. Distinct traditions, language, and art forms emerged to define their unique and vibrant lifestyles.

Bluenose Gallery

The Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic houses the largest known collection of artifacts associated with the original Bluenose. Learn about Canada’s Queen of the North Atlantic by exploring these impressive objects and the remarkable stories they tell.