HALIFAX - Last week we told you about the Nova Scotia Archives' crowd-sourcing project on Flickr. Since then, the project has received 50,000 views and a number of photographs have been identified. This weekend, one of the most mysterious photos of the bunch now has a name and a location. This eerie photo of seemingly abandoned buildings on a tiny island had everyone guessing:

Over a year ago, the Nova Scotia Archives began a pretty standard scanning project. We have close to 100,000 images on our website and every year we add thousands more... that amounts to many, many hours spent scanning. The photos in question were nitrate negatives, not prints. Nitrate refers to a type of film base. It was one of the first transparent bases made available commercially, way back in the 1880s. Photos developed from nitrate negatives are gorgeous, but there is a bit of a problem with the ...

The Nova Scotia Archives is pleased to share photos showcasing the changing faces of urban centers in Nova Scotia. You can learn more about the archives and explore thousands of photos, textual records, maps, art, and more on their website. Established in 1750, the Halifax Farmers' Market is the oldest continuously running market in North America. Sitting at the entrance to the Halifax Harbour, the Halifax Seaport Market is the market's fourteenth location since its creation by Royal Proclamation in 1750. Market Day in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Bedford Row and Cheapside, ca. 1869

HALIFAX - Halifax is small enough that you learn the names and faces of the homeless and impoverished folks who have taken to panhandling or busking to get by. Probably the most well-known gentleman was affectionately called the "Clyde Street Pirate" because of his eye-patch. His name was Chris Doyle and he passed away this week after having a heart attack. Chris seemed like a friendly, happy guy. He gave great high fives and liked to tell ladies "You're breaking my heart"! I have a ...

The Nova Scotia Archives is pleased to share photos showcasing the changing faces of urban centers in Nova Scotia. You can learn more about the archives and explore thousands of photos, textual records, maps, art, and more on their website. A "then and now" comparison of busy Halifax streets. If you have a street, neighbourhood, or landmark you'd like to see covered in 'From the Vaults,' please leave a comment with your suggestions. Looking towards Citadel Hill from the foot of George Street Photo ca. 1879. Activity on the street indicates that it was market day.

The Nova Scotia Archives is pleased to share photos showcasing the changing faces of urban centers in Nova Scotia. You can learn more about the archives and explore thousands of photos, textual records, maps, art, and more on their website. One of the finest surviving examples of Victorian Gardens in North America, the Halifax Public Gardens began on Common land by the Nova Scotia Horticultural Society in 1836. (Text from Friends of the Historic Public Gardens and HRM.) Public Gardens Plan, ca. 1954 The Society's aims were to establish a garden to promote an interest in botany and proper horticultural technique - "to improve the culture of the best kinds of fruit, the most useful vegetables, shrubs trees, and choice flowers," while at the same time providing a delightful retreat for the citizens.

The Nova Scotia Archives is pleased to share photos showcasing the changing faces of urban centers in Nova Scotia. You can learn more about the archives and explore thousands of photos, textual records, maps, art, and more on their website. The Halifax Common was granted in 1763 by King George III "for the use of the inhabitants of the Town of Halifax forever." (Text from HRM) Map. ca. 1918

The Nova Scotia Archives is pleased to share photos showcasing the changing faces of urban centers in Nova Scotia. You can learn more about the archives and explore thousands of photos, textual records, maps, art, and more on their website. From Halifax Street Names: An Illustrated Guide edited by Shelagh Mackenzie with Scott Robson: "The original British plan for Halifax divided the colony into a fortified central town flanked by North and South suburbs. The North Suburbs began in the vicinity of what is now Scotia Square and, over the years, expanded north. Initial settlement took place from 1750 to 1752, with the arrival of hundreds of "foreign Protestant" immigrants. Many were German, and, owing to an anglicization of the German word "Deutsch", the North Suburbs where they settled became known as Dutch Town. In 1753, most of the Germany relocated to Lunenburg, but a small nucleus remained behind in Halifax. In 1764, some of them petitioned the government in council to name their area Gottingen, commemorating the district of Germany. The council granted their petition, but the name Gottingen became less appropriate when Brunswick Street, named after another Germany district, emerged as the major artery north. The parallel street one block west remained Gottingen Street." Countess Clans William's group, relaxing by the tennis courts on the lawn east of Admiralty House, Gottingen Street, ca. 1885