William Hall to be honoured for Heritage Day

CITYnews halifax / By Mark Hodgins

An African Nova Scotian awarded the British empire’s highest award for bravery is this year’s Heritage Day honouree in Nova Scotia.

The son of African Americans who fled slavery in Maryland and settled in Nova Scotia, Hall joined the Royal Navy in 1852 and was awarded the Victoria Cross.

An event celebrating the life and legacy of Hall will be held at the Admiralty House Navy museum on Monday.

The Downtown Halifax Business Commission is also showing a light show in downtown Halifax starting Friday evening.

“The Heritage Day light show is two minutes in length and will run in tandem with two other light shows, including the 2024 African Heritage Month light show,” said a release. “The shows start nightly at dusk and play until 11 p.m. on the façade of the former Halifax Memorial Library, on the corner of Spring Garden Road and Grafton Street.”

Monday is also a recognized holiday for many in Nova Scotia. You can expect most businesses, including malls and grocery stores, to be closed.

In the Halifax area there will be no garbage collection on Monday, most recreation centres will be closed and transit will be running on a holiday schedule.