Blowing in the Wind

Hello Everyone,

As noted several times, the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic is perched on the edge of Lunenburg’s front harbour.

Our front harbour has been witness to a great deal of history. The month of June always puts me in mind of Lunenburg’s first settlers. The Foreign Protestants who first populated our town came in two small waves of settlement, arriving on June 8 and June 17.

The weather played havoc with the plans and good intentions of the British military, who organized the settlement.

The initial flotilla of 14 transport ships that brought the first Lunenburgers to port, left Halifax at the end of May. The trip was expected to take only a day or two, but provisions for one week were packed, to ensure victuals for the voyage and the first few days in their new home.

Unfortunately, crew members eager to embark on their voyage put the provisions deep in the holds of the vessels, along with the settler’s baggage. Food and water were inaccessible. While the vessels waited out a period of "flat calm breeze" (i.e., no wind), word was sent to Halifax that fresh provisions were required. Settlers and crew waited a week before they were able to get a good sailing wind. Very early on the morning of June 7th, they left a cove near Halifax and ventured forth.

The early hours of June 8 saw the first Foreign Protestants grace the surface of Lunenburg’s front harbour. The second wave arrived on June 17, after a mere two days at sea.

From that point onward, the fine settlers put down roots and established a world-famous seaport - although most of the first generation Foreign Protestants were farmers!

Wishing you Smooth Sailing,
Heather

Hello Everyone,

The Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic is heavily involved with the Toronto Nautical Festival, running this weekend (Friday, 20 June to Sunday). In addition to a fine display booth highlighting both the Museum and the town of Lunenburg, our boat builder is constructing a Lunenburg dory at the Festival.

The Province of Nova Scotia has also sent Lunenburg's fine ambassador, Bluenose II, to be the flagship of the event. The Province issued the following press release:

Nova Scotia's sailing ambassador, the world famous schoonerBluenose II, is sailing into Toronto, bringing with it the sights and sounds of Canada's seacoast province. The visit is part of the 2008 Nautical Festival at the Toronto Harbourfront Thursday, June 19 to Sunday, June 22. "We are thrilled to have Bluenose II at the Toronto Nautical Festival," said Bill Dooks, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage. "While she was born in Nova Scotia, Bluenose II is a symbol of endurance and achievement for all Canadians and remains a wonderful ambassador for our province."

The event will feature a Nova Scotian pavilion, including a wide range of industry professionals demonstrating new products, sharing experiences and offering samples from Canada's seacoast province. It will also give the public an opportunity to stroll the deck of Bluenose II.

Popular entertainers, such as the Barra MacNeils, will perform at the festival, immersing Toronto residents in Nova Scotia's rich and lively music. Information about Nova Scotia as a travel destination will be featured at the Nautical Festival. Included will be an outline of air travel options available to those interested in visiting Nova Scotia from Toronto's Pearson International and City Centre airports.

The original Bluenose was launched from a shipyard in Lunenburg on March 26, 1921. Because of wins in the races of Grand Banks schooners between Canada and the U.S., the Bluenose became known as Queen of the North Atlantic. In 1963, the ship's replica, Bluenose II, was launched from the same shipyard, also built by many of the same men who worked on the original Bluenose.

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If you're in Toronto this weekend, drop in an visit with our staff from the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic!

Wishing you Smooth Sailing,

Heather

Looks can be Deceiving

Hello Everyone,

Brightly painted red buildings on the waterfront in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia are eye-catching, gorgeous and almost a dime-a-dozen. The Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic stands out from the crowd, with a large parking lot and attractive flags at the entrance, but for those who approach by land and not sea, looks can be deceiving.

Many first-time visitors to the Museum have no idea how large the site is, with several inter-connected buildings, an authentic fishing schooner, a retired fishing trawler (both open to the public), a theatre, exhibits and an aquarium.

The boat shop, at the far end of the property, is often a hive of activity. The boat builder constructs dories, as well as special projects of various types of small boats.

The Whaling and Whales exhibit is tremendously popular, especially with school groups. A traditional, albeit Norwegian, whale arch frames the entrance. The arch is composed of the jaw bones of a fin whale. Laughter and excitement bubble to the fore, when students measure out the length of fin and blue whales, on the wharf.

Described as friendly and fascinating, the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic has many exhibits and activities for visitors. Rather than being "too small", the Museum offers delights that have enraptured visitors for many hours, as well as days!

Wishing you Smooth Sailing,

Heather

Ride the Lobster!

Hello Everyone,

The Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic is open for the summer season, with more activities and delights than you would ordinarily imagine.

One of the special events that came our way is the Ride the Lobster ( www.ridethelobster.com ) unicycle race! It is an international race, with 36 teams racing 800 km along the length of Nova Scotia (apparently we’re the crustacean-shaped province).

The cyclists came rushing through Lunenburg, yesterday, and the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic was one of the official check-in stations. It was simply amazing to see the riders balanced atop large unicycles, cycling at speeds of upwards of 25 km per hour. On the open highway, the more experienced racers are able to go even faster.

One of the special treats that we had on-site for the afternoon was a trio from the Lunenburg County Fiddlers. They blended into the festive spirit of the day, with their lively Down East music. One of the unicycle team members, a fellow from British Columbia, was ecstatic with the chance to listen and to perform with the group. A trained violinist, he has been picking up various forms of violin (or fiddle) music - and his dulcet tones and remarkable ability enriched the musical experience for everyone.

Ride the Lobster continues through the rest of the week, moving into Cape Breton for the grand finale.

Wishing you Smooth Sailing,
Heather