Titanic in Nova Scotia

Halifax Connection

Considered one of the greatest marine disasters in recorded history, the story of RMS Titanic begins in Southampton on April 10, 1912, when the vessel left on her maiden voyage.

For some of those who lost their lives aboard the ill-fated vessel, Halifax, Nova Scotia is where their story came to an end.

Learn how citizens throughout Nova Scotia took on the grim responsibility of providing victims of the sinking with a final place to rest. Read more...

Artifacts & Records

Some of the most significant artifacts and records related to RMS Titanic can be found in Nova Scotia. The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic has what is generally recognized as the world's finest collection of wooden artifacts from Titanic. These fragments, including a near perfectly preserved deckchair, are featured as part of the museum's permanent exhibit.

The Nova Scotia Archives' Titanic resource contains unique photos, documents, newsmagazines and the most complete known record of bodies recovered from the site of the disaster. Learn more...

Titanic 2012

News

April 15, 2012, will mark 100 years since the tragic sinking of RMS Titanic. Having played a major role in the vessel’s story, the city of Halifax and the Province of Nova Scotia offer authentic settings for sharing, remembering and learning about the impact of this significant event.

For those who plan to visit Nova Scotia during this time, details about notable anniversary events can be found at Tourism Nova Scotia and Destination Halifax.

Titanic History

RMS Titanic newsprint image from The Daily Graphic - London, 20 April 1912

On April 10, 1912, the RMS Titanic left Southampton on her maiden voyage. After stops at Cherbourg and Queenstown (now Cobh), she steamed for New York carrying over 1,300 passengers and a crew of about 900.

Four days later, on Sunday, April 14 at 11:40 pm, Titanic struck a giant iceberg and by 2:20 am on April 15, the “unsinkable ship” went down. In less than three hours, the Titanic had gone from being the pride of the White Star Line to one of the greatest marine disasters in recorded history.

Within days of the sinking, the White Star Line dispatched the first of four Canadian vessels to search for bodies. The first two vessels to carry out this grim task were the Halifax-based cable ships Mackay-Bennett and Minia, which recovered 306 and 17 victims respectively. In all, 150 unclaimed victims were laid to rest in Halifax, forever linking the city to the vessel’s tragic tale.

Today, the city of Halifax and the Province of Nova Scotia retain many reminders of the way in which the tragedy of the Titanic touched the lives of those who lived here. From the gravestones of victims, to memorial monuments; preserved fragments of the vessel, to original photographs and documents; stories passed down through generations, to new insights and discoveries; Nova Scotians have remained respectful keepers of the vessel’s memory.

To mark the Centennial Anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, commemorative events across the province have been planned. For those who intend to visit Nova Scotia during this time, details about notable anniversary events can be found at Tourism Nova Scotia and Destination Halifax.

Photo: RMS Titanic newsprint image from The Daily Graphic - London, 20 April 1912. Source: Nova Scotia Archives