News Release
New Interpretive Panels for Melville Park Site and Deadman’s Island
(Monday, March 13/06)--- New interpretive panels depicting the story of both Deadman’s Island and Melville Island have been recently installed at the sites on the Northwest Arm.
Councillor Linda Mosher, HRM staff and the Deadman’s Island Committee worked together to develop the content for the panels and to have them installed on the sites in an effort to have Melville Island and Deadman’s Island designated as a site of international historic significance. An official ceremony to mark the grave sites of American prisoners of war was held at Deadman’s Island in May 2004.
“Interpretive sign panels will enhance the public's understanding of the history of these areas,” says Councillor Mosher. “Also, we thought it appropriate to emphasize the involvement of Chesapeake Blacks, Irish immigrants and French prisoners of war in the history of Melville and Deadmans Island. It is important to highlight and remember the other groups in the history of the area and these panels help to do that.”
The interpretive panels tell the story of Melville Island from the early 1800's to the present day. Melville Island, now home of the Armdale Yacht Club, formerly served as a military prison for French and American prisoners captured in conflicts between the British and French prior to, and during, the War of 1812. The story is also told of black refugees, known as the “Chesapeake Blacks”, fleeing slavery in the United States, who were quarantined in hospital on Melville Island, and Irish immigrants, who fled Ireland during the Great Famine of 1847. A number of those prisoners, immigrants and refugees died of illness during their time on Melville Island and are believed buried on nearby Deadman’s Island.
HRM purchased Deadman’s Island in 2000 and designated it as a public park to ensure this historic site would not be threatened by development in the future.
Visitors to the sites will be fascinated by the rich history that is told on the panels and will learn more about the significance of the two islands, as well as, enjoying the natural beauty.
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Councillor Linda Mosher
District 17
477-8618
