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