3rd edition tour with a new itinerary!
The 2024 Working Class Heritage Tour will focus on the story of immigrants and migrants to Halifax, both those who came by choice, force or a lack of other options. It will shed light on how these people shaped the physical landscape of the city, the lives of those who lived here and how their stories have been largely erased. Engaging the public through stories they may have some familiarity with, such as the story of Black sleeping car porters and the Acadian Expulsion, this tour will also introduce lesser known stories, like the story of who built the forts in the harbour, the Chinese community who found a home in Halifax, and the Lebanese and Syrian immigrants who worked as peddlers and the enslaved people who were sold on the Halifax waterfront. We will also talk about the lost community of Greenbank, located in the South End and the nearby foundries that employed people in dangerous work that kept the province running. This tour will be of particular interest to those from racialized and migrant communities who do not always see themselves reflected in the stories about the province’s history.
With Labour folklorist, Emma Lang
Emma Lang is a public heritage professional, folklorist and tour guide. She’s been sharing her research and excitement in labour history to anyone interested for more than 20 years.
ASL interpretation will be available on May 11.
 Green Bank area, 1953 – HRM Archives |
 Charlie Wah laundry back room – Photo: J.J. Lee |
 Grain dock 1987 – W.R. MacAskill NS Archives |
