Nova Scotians and visitors from across the country will have an opportunity to learn about Canada’s triumphs and sacrifices during the First World War through new stories and artifacts that will be included in an exhibit at the Army Museum in Halifax.

Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister Leonard Preyra was joined by retired military officers and volunteers at the Army Museum, Halifax Citadel, today, Sept. 5, to announce upgrades and improvements to the museum’s exhibits ahead of the upcoming First World War centennial.

“Nova Scotians are proud of Canada’s important role during both World Wars, and the legacy those conflicts have for the men and women in the military today,” said Mr. Preyra. “Visiting the Army Museum is an excellent way for families to remember the tremendous sacrifices of Canadians who defended our freedom, as well as the freedom of people in other parts of the world.”

The new exhibition, entitled The Road to Vimy and Beyond, developed by the Army Museum, Halifax Citadel, will open in May 2014 and run until Remembrance Day 2018. The province is contributing $61,000 toward the design work required to improve the exhibit’s visual impact. This will be the largest exhibit transformation within the Army Museum in its more than 60 year history.

“Over this winter, our project team and our other volunteers will transform the first two exhibit rooms to establish the World War I Centennial Exhibit,” said Major (ret) Ken Hynes, director of the World War I Centennial Project. “Over the course of the next four years, we will continue to expand on the stories and artifacts commemorating the regiments and the lives of individual soldiers who served our country during the great war.”

2012-2015 is also the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, and in 2014, Halifax saw the arrival by ship of Chesapeake Blacks from the United States. The Army Museum Board of Governors presented the province with Freedom Halifax 1814, a print from an original painting by Halifax artist Richard Rudnicki.

The Army Museum is a volunteer driven institution located in the Cavalier Building of Halifax Citadel National Historic Site. It has an extensive collection depicting the stories of Atlantic Canada’s military heritage and exhibiting uniforms, decorations, edged weapons and firearms.

Source: Release