The list and descriptions for the activities open to delegate and their guest aside away from the formal presentations of the conference sessions are presented in this area.
Tuesday, June 8
Day Trip to Mahone Bay and Lunenburg
9:00am-5:00pm, Meet in the Westin Nova Scotian Lobby at 8:45am
Join us for a day trip to Mahone Bay and Lunenburg, one of Nova Scotia's most beautiful towns and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will be guided on a walking tour which will explore the history and architecture that makes this town so unique. A catered lunch at a local church hall will be provided, and an opportunity to visit the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, the art galleries and shops will finish the day.
Cost: $55/person. Limit: 45 people
Archives & Information Professional Social Media "Tweet-up"
5:30-7:30pm. Location: The Foggy Goggle
An informal gathering to follow the “New Tools for Old Things” Workshop, led by Kate Theimer of ArchivesNext. This “Tweet-Up” will give anyone who is interested in social media + Archives, Museums and Libraries an opportunity to chat over dinner and drinks, and, of course share brilliant ideas!
Wednesday, June 9
The Archives and Technology Unconference (TAATU) 2010
9am-5pm. Location: TBA
TAATU is a free, laid-back event for archivists interested in IT and digital culture to hang out, exchange ideas and have some geeky fun. There is no minimum IT experience requirement - alpha-geeks and wannabe-geeks are equally welcome. Find out more and sign up at the TAATU wiki: http://barcamp.org/taatu2010.
First Timers & Mentorship Reception
4:30-5:30pm. Location: TBA
If this is your first ACA Conference or you are a participant in ACA’s mentorship program, please plan to attend this reception where you will meet the members of the ACA Board of Directors, and your Conference Program and Host Chairs. Take in the view of Halifax while you enjoy the refreshments and learn two or three tips on having a great experience at the conference. There is no charge for this reception; please pre-register to assist us with the preparations.
Welcoming Gala
6:00-7:30pm. Location: Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
Greet old friends and new over wine and hors d’oeuvres at one of Halifax's best-loved institutions. Wander through the exhibit spaces and immerse yourself in Nova Scotia’s maritime culture; explore the devastation of the Halifax Explosion and the City's relationship to that other disaster - the sinking of the Titanic. Also be sure to bring a cracker for Merlin, the colourful Official Greeter at the MMA, most often found on the shoulder of Pirate Dan, the curator.
Please gather in the Westin hotel lobby at 5:30 to join a piped procession to the museum.
This event is open to delegates and registered guests. Attendance is limited to 250 participants. No charge. Pre-registration for this event is required.
Conference Pub
8:30pm. Location: The Red Stag Tavern, located in the Historic Alexander Keith's Brewery
For Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings, the Private Room upstairs at The Red Stag has been reserved for ACA delegates and guests. Catch up with colleagues over a meal, or enjoy your drinks in the comfort of the leather sofas, or over a game of pool. Traditional pub fare is on the menu, and the beer is reasonably priced.
Thursday, June 10
Tour of Georges Island National Historic Site
5:30 – 7pm. Departure Location: Murphy's on the Water Cable Wharf
photo © Parks Canada Agency / Ron Garnett, 2007
Delegates are invited to enjoy a boat trip across the Halifax Harbour along with a guided tour of the fortifications and tunnels on Georges Island. The tour guided by members of the Halifax Citadel Regimental Association will last 1 hour. The boat departs from Murphy’s on the Water at 5:30 pm, $30/each, maximum 60 persons
This is a rare opportunity to see one of Canada's National Historic Sites that is not typically open to the public. Please note: there are no there are no facilities (washroom or otherwise) available on the island. Please take this into consideration when planning your visit.
“Art & Archives: past place” Exhibition Reception
7:30-9:30pm. Location: Anna Leonowens Gallery
Delegates are invited to view the work of local and international artists who will present and perform works which employ mapping and archival forms and functions as their impetus. Artists will be in attendance. There will also be works from the Nova Scotia College of Art & Design Lithography Workshop matched with archival holdings from the Anna Leonowens Gallery Archives. Light refreshments provided. No cost.
Sponsor: Garrison Brewing Company
Conference Pub
8:30pm. Location: The Red Stag Tavern, located in the Historic Alexander Keith's Brewery
For Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings, the Private Room upstairs at The Red Stag has been reserved for ACA delegates and guests. Catch up with colleagues over a meal, or enjoy your drinks in the comfort of the leather sofas, or over a game of pool. Traditional pub fare is on the menu, and the beer is reasonably priced.
Friday, June 11
East-West Ballgame
6 pm. Location: St. Francis Diamond, corner of Inglis and Robie Streets. Meet in the hotel Lobby at 5:45.
Come out and play for your team, or stand on the sidelines and cheer them on to victory! This is sure to be the East’s big year. Food and soft drinks will be available at the ballfield for a nominal cost.
Walking Tour of Historic Downtown Halifax
6:00-7:00 pm. Meet in the hotel lobby at 5:45.
For those of you who are interested in Halifax's history, come and join one of our local guides for a walking tour of the historic downtown core. Put on your walking shoes and enjoy a journey into the past with Archivist Garry Shutlak, and your fellow delegates. Limited to 30 participants.
Conference Pub
8:30pm. Location: The Red Stag Tavern, located in the Historic Alexander Keith's Brewery
For Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings, the Private Room upstairs at The Red Stag has been reserved for ACA delegates and guests. Catch up with colleagues over a meal, or enjoy your drinks in the comfort of the leather sofas, or over a game of pool. Traditional pub fare is on the menu, and the beer is reasonably priced.
Saturday, June 12
Breakfast in the Brewery Market
7:30-8:30am. Meet in the Hotel Lobby at 7:25am.
Join the locals for breakfast at the Brewery Market, North America's oldest farmer's market. Freshly made crepes, waffles, breads and pastries and organic/fairtrade coffees and teas are all available at the market, if you know where to find them. Local hosts will act as guides to direct you to your favourite breakfast within the labyrinth of the Brewery Market. You'll also find a wide-range of handicrafts by local artisans, fresh produce and other delights (It's never too early for Dee Dee's Ice Cream!). Seating is limited at the Market, so you may want to plan to take your breakfast to one of the many benches along the waterfront.
Point Pleasant Park Runners' Tour
7:45-8:30am. Meet at Cornwallis Park, across from the Hotel at 7:40am.
Susan McClure, Archivist at the Halifax Regional Municipality Archives, will be leading a runner's tour through this Historic Park. Short breaks for stretching will be situated at key points en route where you will learn more about the Point Pleasant Park's long history and significance to the people of Halifax.
Dinner & Dance
6:30 Cocktail reception, raffle and auction, Ballroom Foyer
7:30 to midnight: Closing dinner and dance, Ballroom
Always a highlight, and not just because it is a wrap up to the conference, this event provides the opportunity to catch up with the people you only waved to while rushing between sessions. Enjoy an evening with friends, old and new, a relaxing meal, your favourite dance music from past and present, and maybe some local flavour as well! This is your last chance to see colleagues from far and wide until next year so, unless you plan to stay up all night, don’t book that 6:30 am flight on Monday. Generously supported by Carr McLean.
If you would like to suggest some music selections for the dance, please direct them to dancemusic@archivists.ca
Sunday, June 13
Wool & Wine Tour of the Annapolis Valley
9:00am-5:00pm. Meet at the Hotel Lobby at 8:45am.
Please join us for a scenic drive through one of the prettiest places in Nova Scotia, the Annapolis Valley. Though famous for its apples, the Annapolis Valley is also wine country in Nova Scotia. The day will include a stop at Gaspereau Valley Fibres Farm Wool Shop for the knitter-archivists in the group, followed by stops at three wineries: Gaspereau Vineyards, Grand Pre Winery and Sainte Famille Winery. Lunch is not included in the cost of the trip. Cost: $45/person. Limit: 45 people
