Local & Family History

Local & Family History

Local & Family History

Melville Island: From Jail to Sail

Apr 22nd | 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Local historian William Breckenridge details the dynamic history of Melville Island, from wartime prison to an idyllic sailing club.

NS 1713-1763: Conflicts, Treaties & Early Settlements

Apr 22nd | 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Take a step back into Nova Scotia’s past. This talk explores 1713-1763, a time shaped by shifting alliances, conflicts, and treaties.

Books by Map - A Walking Tour Through HRM

Take a unique walk through your own neighbourhood with true stories, recipes, and poetry from across the Halifax Regional Municipality.

History You Can't Put Down

Have a look at the most in-demand history titles at Halifax Public Libraries in 2026 (so far).

National Poetry Month: Atlantic Poets

April is National Poetry Month. Explore the poetry of Atlantic Canada with these collections by East Coast writers.

International Women's Day: Atlantic Canadian Experiences

Explore the history of feminism in the Atlantic Provinces: from the women's suffrage movement to individuals whose courage broke barriers.

Online Resources

Halifax Municipal Archives

The official repository for historical municipal government records from Halifax, Dartmouth, Bedford and the former County of Halifax.

Ancestry Library Edition (In-Library Access Only)

When visiting any of our branches, you can access thousands of genealogical records from around the world.

CBC Corner

Browse trusted news, local stories, TV shows, award-winning podcasts, free English/French language app, news in foreign languages and more.

Nova Scotia Archives: What's Cooking?

This online treasury features approximately 1,000 old handwritten or early printed recipes from Nova Scotia's past.

Recent Arrivals

Recent Arrivals in the HRM Collection

Have a look at these recent publications about the people, places and culture of Halifax Regional Municipality.
Back to Top