• The Pier Goes To War: Halifax’s Pier 21 and the Second World War
    by Steve Schwinghamer, Historian (Updated January 28, 2022) Aerial view of Ocean Terminals c. 1940. Credit: Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 Collection (DI2013.1197.1) As Canada prepared for war in late 1939, the advantages of Halifax’s port were considered of value for military purposes. …
  • Who Do You Define as Family?
    For generations, families have arrived as immigrants to Canada. This journey leads to major changes in people's lives. So, what does the journey entail? The journey not only involves the physical movement of coming over by ship or plane, but also the process of preparing for your trip and saying …
  • What if the Magic of Christmas Could Travel With Us?
    The end of the year is the most preferred time for most people. At least it may be for some people, but for others it is not the greatest time. Some people consider Christmas time as a moment of sharing. A moment of the year when we go to see family and friends. This Christmas tradition changes …
  • Anyone Could Be a Refugee; No One Chooses To Be a Refugee
    When there is a war in a country, it can become difficult for its citizens to leave... People lose their lives and leave their homes to escape to neighboring countries. Or, they might simply stay put and instead move around the country while waiting to return to their homes. Each of these …
  • My Last Ten Years as an Immigrant to Canada and Working at an Immigration Museum
    At the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, we collect and tell the stories of immigrants who came to Canada and continue to come to Canada to make a new home for themselves. Some of these stories are used in the permanent exhibitions, online and in current and future travelling exhibits. …
  • A Taste of Something New: Adapting to Food in a New Country
    Settling in a new country may pose many challenges for immigrants There are language barriers, cultural differences and, often, difficulties getting accustomed to the climate, to name only a few. Though there are countless other adjustments we may discuss relating to immigration, one important and …
  • My Immigration Journey
    One of my favorite questions to ask visitors here at the museum is “what made you leave your home and decide to come to Canada?” Some respond that it is for new opportunities, to improve their living conditions, to flee war, for better jobs, safety, adventure and love. My story is not unlike …
  • If Luggage Could Talk…
    One of the greatest things about my job as a Visitor Experience Interpreter here at the Museum is helping people imagine the experience of being an immigrant during the time that Pier 21 was open as an immigration facility. Sometimes I even do this on my own. One of my favourite ways to imagine …
  • Reflections on a Green Door I: New Beginnings
    “I know this door”, the thought was almost overwhelming. Somehow I has been mentally catapulted back in time almost 47 years and my brain kept repeating: “I know this door. It belongs here, almost in this position, but not quite…” But, how does one ‘know’ a door? I was standing, somewhat …
  • First Families of Pier 21
    First Families of Pier 21 …