The 2008 Provincial Historica Fair, an exhibition of history projects by 28 Nova Scotian students, will be on displayed at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic today, April 17, at 1 p.m.

The projects were selected from regional fairs organized by school boards across the province.

"The Historica Fair involves students, their families and their communities in historical study and research," said Shirley Nicoll, provincial co-ordinator of the Historica Fairs program. "This fair helps ensure our heritage and culture live on, motivated by the creativity and enthusiasm of our youth."

Beginning as independent research projects, students became historians, interpreters and storytellers as they learned and taught others about Canadian heroes, legends and milestones in their communities, or family achievements.

Students used the medium of their choice to present their research topics, including displays, dramas, computer programs, musical performances and written compositions.

"Because the students can choose how they present the material, the variety of projects is immense," said Ms. Nicoll. "The work involved addresses literacy, communication, immersion, research skills, technology and, of course, social sciences."
        
Since 1994, the Historica Fairs program has been dedicated to helping Canadian students discover stories that make our country unique. Through the exploration and celebration of the past, Historica Fairs help build a vibrant sense of citizenship among children, encouraging them to carry forth their heritage and culture for generations to come.

The Historica Fairs program works proudly with local volunteer committees and is supported by the sponsorship of Hudson Bay Company, the Royal Bank of Canada Foundation, Canadian National, Scotiabank, the Department of Education, the Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage, the Nova Scotia Museum, Nova Scotia School Boards' Association, Democracy 250, and the Nova Scotia Teacher's Union.

For more information on the Historica Fairs program, please visit
www.histori.ca . The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is located at 1675 Lower Water St., Halifax.

Media Contacts: Shirley Nicoll
                Historica Fairs program
                902-758-7676
                E-mail: sn@ns.sympatico.ca

                Jasmine Marshall
                Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
                902-424-6447
                E-mail: marshajd@gov.ns.ca