Africville was once a thriving black community located on the northern shore of Halifax Harbour. Although a long history of more than 100 years of the community surviving as a haven for the black community, despite not having essential city services such as potable water, Africville endured, The town fathers in Halifax in the 1960s and 1970s, however, determined that the independently-run site was in the way of progress and property was systematically expropriated, often giving only $500 for a home. People wound up trying to salvage as much as they could but many times, watched as their houses were bulldozed

What was once a townsite that included businesses, school, church and many residences was destroyed to make way for industrial development. In 2010, the people of Africville finally received an apology for the loss of their community. A fitting memorial to Africville now is a replica of the church that was the heart of the community, located not far from the original church would have stood.

The Africville Museum in the church is more of an interpretative centre that celebrates the spirit and aspirations of the original residents. Stories are recounted on video as well as through a series of interpretative panels.

The saddest aspect of the Africville story is that the site was never really redeveloped and remains a barren stretch of shoreline, interspersed by an abattoir, prison, an infectious diseases hospital, city dump, and rail yards,

Most of the Africville community was relocated into ghetto-like areas in Halifax, far from their original homes. Nevertheless, the memories of what was once there is clearly shown in the Africville Museum. A young docent who was there, proudly related that her father had once lived in Africville, and he will never forget the happy times he spent there as a child,

Far off "the beaten path", yet a visit to the Africville Museum is well worth your time.

Although the building itself leaves much to be desired the history contained within these walls is abundant and the knowledge you are left with is sad but enlightening. I could feel myself becoming upset as I learned more about the strong people who built the community of Africville. They were once a strong community that thrived independently only to have their land taken away from them by the government in exchange to what amounts to be pennies. Most of these people were relocated into ghetto like areas and they have never recuperated from this both mentally and financially. It is a worthwhile tour but I found myself pondering how quickly history could possibly repeat itself if we are not careful. Lots to learn here that is not taught in our schools.