Cunard marks 175 years of maritime history, tradition and innovation in Halifax, Nova Scotia on July 10, when the flagship Queen Mary 2 visits the city linked to the company’s founder, Sir Samuel Cunard. This commemorative transatlantic crossing honors the original voyage of Cunard’s first flagship, Britannia, in 1840.
The anniversary will be observed with a program of public events beginning with a special outdoor ceremony on the Halifax waterfront. Local dignitaries, port officials and prominent community members will attend as a new public space in the future waterfront development is officially named in Cunard’s honor.
The dedication ceremony will be held at the site of an upcoming mixed-use development led by Southwest Properties in partnership with Waterfront Development. Nova Scotia’s acclaimed Rhapsody Quintet will provide musical accompaniment for the celebration.
As part of its anniversary initiatives, Cunard has partnered with the Canadian Maritime Heritage Foundation and the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic to establish the Samuel Cunard Prize for Vision, Courage and Creativity. The annual prize recognizes an individual whose achievements and character reflect the qualities Samuel Cunard demonstrated throughout his life.
The inaugural Samuel Cunard Prize will be presented to James D. Irving, representing the Irving family’s long-standing contribution to shipbuilding and maritime industry through Irving Shipbuilding Inc., which has operated and expanded its activities across Canada and the United States for more than 130 years.
Following the Halifax events, Queen Mary 2 will continue her commemorative Crossing with scheduled calls in Boston and New York, where additional special events are planned to mark Cunard’s 175th anniversary.