Nova Scotia
The early settlers of Nova Scotia came from both England and France. The French originally came as fishermen, where they caught fish in the coastal waters and used the coastline of Nova Scotia to dry their bountiful catch of fish. The English claim for the land was a result of John Cabot's explorations while trying to find a westward sea route to Asia. After many years of struggle and war between England and France for possession and control of this island treasure, the English finally took control in the 1700's. As a result the province is rich in French and English history. From Port Royal, one of the oldest cities in North America, to Halifax, an important Canadian port city, this Atlantic Province of Canada provides exciting learning for any history student.

Citadel
As newcomers to the Halifax area, we could be startled by the sound of a cannon's roar at noonday. It is the blast from the historic Halifax Citadel. As we visit this fortification situated on a hill, we can overlook the heart of downtown Halifax. This massive, star-shaped masonry structure is surrounded by a huge deep ditch that is accessed only by a narrow bridge. Although the fort was never attacked, this restored fortification was home to over 300 British soldiers that protected the city of Halifax as early as 1749, the year of the founding of Halifax. During World War II the Citadel was used as a temporary barracks for Canadian troops going overseas. We can enjoy the Coffee Bar and sample food served much as it was in the mid-nineteenth century.

Titanic Museum & Cemetery
Halifax has an intimate connection with the sinking of the Titanic. Survivors found refuge in the homes and hotels in Halifax as coffins were piled in the streets outside the mortuary.

As you roam the streets and wharf of this area of Halifax, you will get the feel for the tragedy that shook the city. You can visit the Fairview Cemetery and learn the stories of the 121 people buried there that died on the Titanic, from the presidential secretary of the White Star Line to stewards, stokers, and "the unknown child." The Maritime Museum houses artifacts and memorabilia from this historic tragedy.

Pictou & "Hector"
Pictou was the first permanent settlement in Nova Scotia. It began when the ship "Hector" brought Scottish immigrants to the New World in 1773. We can visit a reconstructed replica of this ship in the harbor. Even though the settlers faced a harsh and unfriendly land, we will feel and see that the character and charm of Pictou today is a direct result of the culture and hospitality the Scots brought to this area. Since the early economy was based on the sea, the fishing industry is still very important to this seaside town.

Alexander Graham Bell Museum
On Cape Breton Island along the Cabot Trail we come upon a museum that should be of interest to all of us. Everyone is familiar with the genius of Alexander Graham Bell. The village of Baddeck was Bell's Canadian residence and workplace. This museum has the most comprehensive collection of artifacts, personal mementos, and photos relating to Bell's work and life. In viewing the family estate and surrounding scenery, we will understand why Bell enjoyed making this his home.

Yarmouth
Some historians believe that Yarmouth was the site of the first settlement of Norsemen in North America, about A.D. 1000. The areas first English speaking settlers came from New England in 1761. French people lived in the area earlier.

Halifax
Micmac Indians lived in what is now the Halifax area before white explorers arrived there. In 1749, the British government sent Governor Edward Cornwallis and about 2,500 settlers to establish a fort and town. The town became the capital of Nova Scotia that year.

Halifax served as a major British naval base during the Revolutionary War in America and the War of 1812. Military officers governed the city until 1841. That year, Joseph Howe, a newspaper editor and statesman, led a campaign that brought the city incorporation and self-government. Halifax had 20,749 people in 1851. By 1901, its population had reached 40,832.

In 1917, during World War I, a French ammunition ship exploded in the city's harbor. This disaster killed about 2,000 people and wrecked much of Halifax. Military activities caused the city to grow. During World War II, Halifax became the chief North American base for Allied ships carrying food and war supplies to Europe.

Prince Edward Island
French colonists first began to settle on the island around 1720. During the French and Indian War, British troops took over the area and drove out most of the French. It became the property of England in 1763 and they made it a part of Nova Scotia. In 1769 it became a separate British colony and King George III renamed it after his son, Prince Edward. In 1873 Prince Edward Island became the 7th province of Canada. The island is made up of small communities and farming areas. Today the people are working to create a stable economy and a comfortable living.

Charlettown
The British founded Charlottetown in 1763 and made it the capital of the island. They named it after Queen Charlotte of Britain.
Charlottetown is one of Canada's most historic cities. In 1864, representatives from several British North American colonies met in Charlottetown and discussed plans to unite. This meeting led to the formation of the Dominion of Canada in 1867.

Green Gables House
Lucy Maud Montgomery is one of Canada's most beloved writers. The setting of her classic novel Anne of Green Gables was based in the community of Cavendish where she grew up. We can visit the 1937 farmland and house that has been furnished and preserved to portray life, as it would have been during Anne's life in the Green Gables Home.

Woodleigh
As a young soldier during WWI, Ernest Johnstone, while searching for his ancestral home in Scotland, visited the architectural masterpieces and literary shrines of the British Isles. He came back to Prince Edward Island and re-created them on the farmland that he purchased. We will be able to visit the life work of Colonel Johnstone as we stroll through this internationally known architectural work. We can enjoy these homes, massive castles, cottages, and gardens set amongst ponds and streams shaped and sculptured to portray the feel and texture of the British countryside.