AUGUSTA — The Kennebec Historical Society’s December presentation, “The Halifax Explosion,” will begin at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13, at the Maine State Library, 230 State St.

On Dec. 7, 1917, two war ships collided in the harbor at Halifax, Nova Scotia. Following the collision and subsequent fire, a massive explosion occurred, killing about 2,000 people and wounding countless more. At the time, it was the largest man-made explosion in history. With the city devastated, help was needed. Boston is still remembered for responding quickly and sending up a train with supplies and people the following day. They are still celebrated this day with a Christmas tree that is sent from Halifax to Boston each year.

Main building of the Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition, Halifax, Canada, damaged in the Dec. 6, 1917, explosion. Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress

However, Maine also played a role in the relief effort. Mainers joined the Boston relief train and sent up supplies and a National Guard troop of its own. This talk will discuss the overall history of the event and the relief effort, but will also aim to focus more on Maine’s role in the relief effort.

Guest speaker Sam Howes is an archivist at the Maine State Archives, where he has been for three years developing exhibits and preserving the state’s historical records. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in History with a mix of American labor, Canadian history and medieval studies at Acadia University in Nova Scotia.

The free presentation is co-sponsored by the Maine State Library. Donations will be accepted .

For more information, call 622-7718.

Related Stories