Maritime Museum Launches New Website

Surf, navigate, launch. These words are linked to the sea, or the World Wide Web. For the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic in Halifax, both meanings apply, more than ever before.

The museum is setting sail today, Oct. 4, on a new voyage over the cyber-sea with the launch of a completely redesigned website. The museum initially plotted a course on the World Wide Web in 1996 with a modest one-page site. While some revisions and links were added over the years, visitors will now find an exciting new look, interactive components and a wealth of new information at www.mma.ednet.ns.ca .

"The museum's mission is to create for all an awareness, appreciation and understanding of Nova Scotia's marine heritage, and the World Wide Web is one way to share the unique stories of our marine heritage with a broad audience," said Michael Murray, director of the museum. "With the variety of programming and events we offer, along with our exhibits, an outstanding collection and the wealth of information the museum has access to, it is important to have a website that reflects all of the changes, additions and permanent elements at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic."

The new site uses a variety of intriguing images, allowing the visitor to get a better sense of the museum's collection. The new site also helps the museum work toward the goal of making Nova Scotia's marine heritage accessible to the world. The site is easier to navigate with more links to unique information, such as renting space at the museum, answers to some of the most commonly asked marine history questions including references to Titanic, and the latest books, prints, music and unique gift ideas available in the museum shop. A public computer terminal will be established at the museum's information desk later in the week to allow visitors to surf the new pages.

Another exciting addition to the site is an interactive signal flag game where visitors can learn to code and decode ships' messages. As well, the museum's website will offer a complete list of events, including new exhibits and workshops, programs and contacts.

The site launched today is Phase 1 in a two-part process. Phase 2 will comprise further additions and enhancements to the site, with a completion date of March 2000.