10/28/2026
WILLIAM HALL, VC – MURAL UNVEILING
Wednesday, October 28, 2026 | 11:00 am
McDade Heritage Centre | Hantsport, Nova Scotia
Today, we gather to honour the remarkable life, courage and enduring legacy of William Hall, VC, a Nova Scotian hero whose extraordinary bravery earned him a place in Canadian history.
WATCH THE UNVEILING LIVE
Special thanks to the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia for providing a live broadcast of today's ceremony, allowing those unable to attend in person to share in this special occasion. Watch live: https://www.youtube.com/live/lebQp839z9I
***************
The Hantsport and Area Historical Society, in partnership with the West Hants Regional Municipality, is proud to celebrate his legacy through the unveiling of a beautiful piece of public art that will serve as a lasting tribute in the Hantsport community.
The mural features a reproduction of the commemorative stamp issued by Canada Post during African Heritage Month in February 2010, accompanied by an interpretive panel in Mi’kmaw, English and French.
A LEGACY OF COURAGE AND HEROISM
On November 16, 1857, William Hall, serving aboard HMS Shannon in the Royal Navy, was part of a naval brigade supporting British forces during the Siege of Lucknow in India.
Under intense enemy fire, Hall and Lieutenant Thomas James Young continued operating one of the brigade's heavy guns. Despite devastating casualties around them, the two men courageously remained at their posts, loading and firing the cannon at close range to help breach the defensive walls.
Their extraordinary bravery earned both men the Victoria Cross, Britain's highest military decoration for valour.
Hall became the first Black person in the British Empire, the first Nova Scotian and the third Canadian to receive this prestigious honour.
On October 28, 1859, Hall was formally presented with the Victoria Cross aboard HMS Donegal in Queenstown Harbour, Ireland.
His legacy continues to be celebrated today, including through the Royal Canadian Navy's Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel, HMCS William Hall, officially named in his honour on April 28, 2023.
Today, exactly 167 years after the presentation of his Victoria Cross, we gather in Hantsport to honour William Hall's extraordinary courage, celebrate his remarkable achievements and ensure that his legacy continues to inspire future generations.