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Association of Nova Scotia Museums and Partners Collaborate on a new project to share the story of Halifax’s first Black Physician, Dr. Clement Ligoure

 

Halifax, NS – The Association of Nova Scotia Museums (ANSM) is proud to announce a new province-wide initiative celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Clement Ligoure, Halifax’s first Black physician, thanks to support from The John Bragg Award for Atlantic Canada. This award honours projects that highlight the stories of individuals who have shaped Atlantic Canadian history.

In partnership with the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia, Africville Museum, Loyalist Connections Creative Society, and community museums across Nova Scotia, ANSM will develop a travelling exhibit and educational resources to share the powerful and often overlooked story of Dr. Ligoure — a physician, editor, advocate, and hero of the Halifax Explosion.

Born in Trinidad and trained in medicine in Canada, Dr. Ligoure became a tireless advocate for African Nova Scotians. He was an editor of The Atlantic Advocate, provided critical care to over 200 people per day in the wake of the Halifax Explosion, and was a recruiter for the No. 2 Construction Battalion — Canada’s only all-Black battalion in military history.

The project will feature:

  • A bilingual pop-up exhibit
  • Educational resources 
  • Two podcast episodes
  • Cultural competency training sessions

Together, these materials aim to deepen understanding of African Nova Scotian heritage and inspire youth by connecting them with powerful stories of community, resilience, and leadership.

For more information, please contact:

Juanita Peters
Africville Museum
gmafricvillemuseum@gmail.com
902-422-1116

Devin Casario
Association of Nova Scotia Museums
director@ansm.ns.ca
902-423-4677

Russell Grosse
Black Cultural Centre of Nova Scotia
rgrosse@bccns.com
902-434-6223

Shawn Smith
Loyalist Connections Creative Society
info@loyalist-connections-creative-society.com
902-818-5267