New Release
Commemorative Ceremony for Unmarked Graves
(Halifax, N.S. Tuesday, May 24, 2005)- A special commemorative ceremony will be held next Monday on Deadman’s Island, located on the Northwest Arm, to formally recognize the unmarked graves of close to 200 American War of 1812 prisoners who died while imprisoned on nearby Melville Island. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is supplying a bronze plaque, listing the names and hometowns of the POWs, which will be dedicated during the ceremony.
Colour parties from the USS Constitution, the world’s oldest commissioned warship afloat, and Maritime Forces Atlantic, as well as re-enactors from the Kings Orange Rangers and the 78th Highlanders, will be participating in the ceremony.
Historians have concluded that at least 195 American prisoners from the War of 1812 died while confined to Melville Island Prison, on the site of the present-day Armdale Yacht Club, and 188 were buried on an adjoining property, Deadman's Island.
In addition, at least 104 Chesapeake black refugees, who had fled to Canada from 1812 to 1815, died from small pox while being quarantined on Melville Island and most were probably buried on Deadman’s Island as well.
In 2000, with the then-privately held land in danger of being sold to condominium developers, Halifax Regional Municipality purchased the Deadman's Island property in order to protect the burial ground. Much of the credit for protecting this site rests with the Northwest Arm Heritage Association and the Society of the War of 1812 in the State of Ohio.
The ceremony starts at 11 a.m. Monday, May 30, 2005. The road to Deadman’s island will be blocked off, so members of the media are asked to meet at the Greek Church, 38 Purcell's Cove Road, no later than 10:30 a.m. A shuttle will take them to the site (about 1 km away). It is mandatory that you have a photo ID to get to the island. The ceremony is outdoors and will be tented, but due to the tides in this area, please be aware that ground could be wet & suitable footwear is recommended.
Due to the limited size of Deadman’s Island, the ceremony will be limited to invited guests only. The site will be open to the public following the ceremony.
Media outlets are asked to confirm their attendance at the event by end of day Wednesday, May 25th.
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John O’Brien
HRM Corporate Communications
Halifax Regional Municipality
(902) 490-6531
