The Research Department

© SteveKaiserPhotography.ca

Additional information on topics of migration, nautical history, waves of immigration to Canada, ethnic groups and genealogy can be found in the Scotiabank Research Centre. This allows us to reach beyond the Pier 21 years and tell the stories of all immigration to Canada.

Scotiabank Research Centre

Now a thriving and growing collection, the centre first opened with a handful of donated books and a few stories, artefacts and pictures. Since 1999 we have been collecting books, immigration and WWII stories, photographs, immigration-related documentation, ship memorabilia and oral history interviews.

The Collection

There are now 2000 stories, 600 oral histories, 1000 donated books, 300 films and thousands of archival images and scans of immigration and Second World War documents.

The Research Team

We offer reference services to anyone who visits, e-mails, calls or writes. We conduct oral history interviews, scan materials, collect stories, deliver educational workshops and work with countless partners on book, film and research projects.

© SteveKaiserPhotography.ca

In the coming years, we will conduct research and help develop exhibits that will expand the focus of Pier 21 to include the entire history of newcomers to Canada, from first contact to the present.

Add to Our Collection

Do you have a story to tell? A book to donate? A picture or artefact to share? This is your museum. Please help us reflect your family’s experience!

Please contact Carrie-Ann Smith, Chief, Audience Engagement (Tel: 425-0071 ext 225).