Samuel Cunard Memorial Project
The Cunard Steamship Society has long been a proponent of establishing a monument to Samuel Cunard on the Halifax waterfront. The issue gained considerable momentum last Fall when Society Patron and Cunard Commodore Ronald Warwick voiced support for such an initiative in a letter addressed to the Halifax Chronicle Herald newspaper following the inaugural visit by the QM2 to this port on September 25, 2004. His challenge was then taken up by the Halifax Foundation which, in co-operation with the Halifax Port Authority is spearheading the drive to construct a statue of Halifax native and company founder Samuel Cunard.
Right: Clippings from Halifax, Nova Scotia media on move to establish a lasting
memorial in that city to native son Samuel Cunard, founder of Cunard Line.
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Queen Mary 2 Halifax port call October 3, 2005
The new Cunard flagship slipped quietly into Halifax harbour to berth at Pier 21 as
dawn broke on October 3, 2005. A cloudless blue sky and summer temperatures enhanced the special onboard events planned for this day... all focused upon and highlighting the unique historical links between Halifax and Cunard Line.
Right: Queen Mary 2 approaching berth at Pier 21 in Halifax in the early morning light of October 3, 2005.
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Another 'Cunard first' and history was made when the Sir Samuel Cunard Memorial Committee of the Halifax Foundation met aboard the QM2. This committee which has been active for the previous year promoting the move to construct a monument to Samuel Cunard is chaired by Hon. Alan Abraham along with John Jay, Robert Stapells and John G. Langley. Commodore Ronald Warwick is Honourary Chairman.
Photo at right: Hon. Alan Abraham, John Jay and Robert Stapells, three members of the Sir Samuel Cunard Memorial Committee meeting with Honorary Chairman Commodore Warwick aboard QM2 in Halifax October 3, 2005.
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A special luncheon held aboard in the Todd English restaurant followed. At this time the Halifax Foundation announced to a large contingent of invited media the formal plans to construct a lasting memorial to Samuel Cunard on the Halifax waterfront. Cunard Line presented Mr. Abraham with a ceremonial cheque for $75,000.00 making Cunard Line the lead donor in the campaign to raise funds for the statue which is hoped to be ready for unveiling in October of 2006.
Right: John G. Langley, Q.C., Chairman of Cunard Steamship Society addressing media aboard Queen Mary 2 at official launch of Cunard Monument Project October 3, 2005.
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Clipping from Halifax press reporting on official launch of Sir Samuel
Cunard Memorial Project
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Cheque presentation aboard Queen Mary 2, Halifax, Nova Scotia October 3, 2005. L to R:Hon. Alan Abraham (Chairman), Commodore R.W. Warwick (Honourary Chairman) and John G. Langley Q.C. (member) Samuel Cunard Memorial Committee
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Maritime Museum of the Atlantic Special Events
The Maritime Museum was the scene of two events of particular historical significance on the afternoon of October 3rd.
The Maritime Ship Modelers Guild and museum personnel have been working diligently together for the past eighteen months refurbishing a large thirteen foot builder's model of the much loved Cunard liner 'Franconia'. Commodore Warwick and the Cunard Steamship Society have been active in their support for this initiative which saw Cunard Line donate $10,000.00 towards the project during a ceremony at the museum associated with the inaugural visit to Halifax by the QM2 in September of 2004.
Right: Museum Director John Hennigar-Shuh with Commodore Ronald W. Warwick, Master of Queen Mary 2 with refurbished Cunard liner 'Franconia'
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Today however was the day which everyone involved had looked forward to for so long...the formal unveiling of the completed model and case, a function appropriately conducted by members of the Modelers Guild and museum staff, aided by Commodore Warwick. The model and case, both impeccably restored will continue to be a source of pride and inspiration to museum visitors for years to come.
Following the unveiling of the Franconia, museum Director John Hennigar-Shuh took time to honour and praise Commodore Warwick, Master of the Queen Mary 2 as a great "friend of the museum." In doing so, he announced that Commodore Warwick was the first recipient of the 'Admiralty Circle Award' presented by the museum to those who have made a special contribution towards the betterment of the museum and its mandate.
Right: Commodore Warwick with John Green and other members of the Maritime Ship Modelers' Guild instrumental in refurbishing model of 'Franconia' at MMA
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Presentation of Nova Scotia crystal to Commodore Warwick as first recipient of 'Admiralty Circle Award' from Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.
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Presentation ceremony at unveiling of the restored Franconia model and display case
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Cunard Ship Model Registry
During the course of the past number of months efforts have been ongoing to establish a 'registry of Cunard ship models'. Recently discussions have taken place with other like-minded groups towards a co-operative venture that would see the creation of two sites; one 'general' site for the registration of all different types of ship models, linked to a second site for a 'Cunard model Registry'.
Current plans are for details to continue to be worked out among the participants...Dr. Sid Siegal of the Ship Modelers' Association of Southern California and John F. Green of the Maritime Ship Modelers' Guild (Halifax).
It is hoped that a working design/layout for the Registries will be on line in the near future, allowing the opportunity for the permanent registration (record) of these unique works of art.
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With a history that now spans nearly two centuries it is no surprise that there exits a great number of art pieces depicting ships of the Cunard Line. These works are in many forms - oils, acrylics, watercolours, pen & ink drawings to name but a few. They are to be found all over the globe, each reflecting the image of not just a ship, but also some aspect of the remarkable history of the incomparable Cunard Line.
In the pursuit of its mandate to preserve and promote Cunard history, the Cunard Steamship Society is establishing a Registry of Cunard Art (cunardart.com). As proposed, the registry would provide a written and, where agreed upon by the artist/owner, a visual record of the art form. Quite apart from its educational and conservation value, the registry would be of considerable interest to ocean liner and maritime enthusiasts throughout the world.
The Society is currently formulating a registration template. In the meantime it welcomes expressions of interest in listing from artists, corporations, museums and private individuals...indeed anyone who possesses a piece of Cunard art. Registration is entirely voluntary. Where the owner/artist expresses a wish to do so, artwork accepted for listing and display may also be noted as available for purchase. Referrals made through the registry which give rise to a sale of any artwork may be the subject of a commission previously agreed to between the owner/artist and the Society. Expressions of interest may be sent using our contact form.
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