“The Shearwater Aviation Museum was founded in 1978 as a CFB Shearwater project. The purpose of the Museum is to acquire, conserve, organize, research and interpret to Canadian Forces personnel and to public at large for their study, education and enjoyment, those artifacts and documents which best serve to exemplify the history and technology of Canadian Maritime Military Aviation.
As the Museum became known it amassed over 6000 artifacts from across the country from people who had any association with the air base at Dartmouth. This collection includes uniforms, insignia, ceremonial items, tools and equipment, photographs, documents and an extensive art gallery. Unfortunately, because of space limitations only a very small percentage of these artifacts could be displayed. During this period the Museum also acquired 11 derelict or retired aircraft which represented various types of aircraft flown from the Dartmouth/Shearwater base.
In its current location, the Museum also offers other facilities to complement the collection including an Archives & Reference Library, Gift Shop, Conference Room and 50-seat theatre. The Museum has established itself as a major tourist attraction within the Halifax Regional Municipality.
