by hagnel2 on March 13, 2008
Meeting cousins and my aunt aged 89 was the highlight of my trip to the East coast. Weather was glorious and re connecting with folk that I hadn’t seen in forty years priceless. Quite a lot of our conversations covered family history and names of ships that brought my grandparents to Canada in 1923 and so on our way back home we detoured in order to visit Pier 21 in Halifax. Pier 21 was the landing place of thousands of immigrants and also the place that troops left for world war two, I had uncles and relatives that left in that war and thankfully all returned. My mother did not return. She left in 1935 to join my father in England, she died there nine years later and so this port was especially poignant for me. This National historic site is a must see for everyone who’s ancestors made the trip through its doors and as modern day travelers enter they are transported into the world of thousands of folk from all walks of life as unfolds the journey of millions of immigrants. Located on the upper level of the port building you will enter the world of the immigrant through donated letters photographs and a compelling video Named Oceans of Hope. I would recommend viewing this before exploring the remainder of the museum. Many cruise lines stop here and while we were there the Grand Princess was in dock I thought it added to the authenticity to the area, it is still a busy port. Downstairs there are a myriad of shops encompassing the length of a football field selling all kinds of mementos, high end tee shirts, and clothing plus coffee shops. Also on the ground floor is the research center. Staff there will assist you in finding passenger lists of arriving immigrants. There is no charge for this. I was delighted to obtain two passenger lists; the first my grandfathers arrival on the ship the Doric in 1923 and my grandmothers arrival on the ship Regina in 1924. Copies for the passenger lists are ten Dollars and if you wish to purchase a black and white photograph of ships including caption, shipping, the cost is $30. The research center depends on donations and sales of ships photographs. Admission $8 over 60 $7 students $5.50 Family $20 Open Daily 9 30- 3 30 May- Nov Parking on site.
http://www.igougo.com/review-r1345808-Pier_21_Immigration_Museum.html
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