Fishing on the North Atlantic
In Nova Scotia and much of Atlantic Canada, the sea is at the heart of coastal communities. Fisheries have supported Mi’kmaq communities for thousands of years, and by the sixteenth century scores of European fishers flocked to northeastern North America to work the region’s rich fishing grounds. When Black Loyalists arrived in Birchtown in 1783, the fishery was their main economic pursuit. The fishing industry has led to the establishment of spinoff industries such as shipbuilding, forestry, and mercantile trade, and it remains an important part of our economy and diverse cultural identities.
Development of the Museum
The Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic celebrates the rich history of Canada’s North Atlantic fishery. Located in a former fish processing plant on the waterfront of the UNESCO world heritage seaport of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, the Museum began aboard the schooner Theresa E. Connor in 1967. Since that time, it has grown to include a large complex of historic buildings, theatre, exhibits and additional vessels, including the side trawler Cape Sable. Theresa E. Connor, Canada’s oldest salt bank schooner, continues as the flagship of the Museum.
Named as one of the top 1000 best places to see in the US and Canada before you die, the Museum offers a host of attractions, a maritime gift shop and restaurant. Experienced Heritage Interpreters accentuate the experience of visiting the Museum.
The Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic is operated by the volunteer Board of Directors of the Lunenburg Marine Museum Society, for the Nova Scotia Museum. Bluenose II, Nova Scotia’s sailing ambassador, is also operated by the Lunenburg Marine Museum Society.
Facility Rentals
Did you know the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic offers a variety of rental spaces! They're perfect for special occasions, meetings, and events! We also offer price discounts for community and fundraising events.
Rental spaces
Lunenburg Marine Museum Society
The Lunenburg Marine Museum Society, through the Board of Directors, is a volunteer group that operates the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic and the schooner Bluenose II for the Province of Nova Scotia.
Contact Us
Have a question for our staff? Contact us at [email protected]
Please note that due to the volume of enquiries we receive, we cannot always provide an immediate response to your question. We will aim to respond to your enquiry within 7-10 business days.
Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic
68 Bluenose Drive,
P.O. Box 1363
Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
B0J 2C0
Phone: 902-634-4794
Toll Free 1-866-579-4909
Staff
| General Manager: | [email protected] |
|---|---|
| Gift Shop/Admissions: | [email protected] |
| Senior Operations Supervisor/Vessel Dockage/Facility Rentals: | [email protected] |
| Curator of Collections/Research Inquiries: | [email protected] |
| Curator of Interpretation/Tours, Programming & School Bookings: | [email protected] |
| Events & Marketing: | [email protected] |
| Building & Maintenance Manager: | [email protected] |
| Supervisor - Vessel Restoration & Boat Building: | [email protected] |