Bob Brooks's photographic portrait of Africville now online

The historic community of Africville is being commemorated in a new online exhibit presented by Nova Scotia Archives and Records Management. "Gone But Never Forgotten, Bob Brooks's Photographic Portrait of Africville in the 1960s", provides a portrait of the community on the eve of its demolition.

Brooks was a long time resident of Yarmouth whose photographs appeared around the world in a variety of publicatios. He died in Halifax in 1999. "This outstanding collection of photographs captures the spirit of Africville in a way that speaks directly to the viewer," said provincial archivist Brian Speirs. "Through Bob Brooks's keen photographic eye, the community is brought back to life."

The launch of the exhibit coincided with the annual Africville Reunion which too place July 27-29 at Seaview Park in Halifax. Africville Genealogy Society president Irvine Carvery said the photos are vital to the continuing education of Canadians to the true story of Africville and he is pleased that the Nova Scotia Archives is making them available in time for the reunion. "Bob Brooks's collection is very important to the collective memory of the people of Africville," said Carvery. "Every time you view one of the photos, a flood of memories come rushing back of childhood friends and adventures, life in the community and all of the challenges faced by the residents."

The exhibit features a wide range of images of Africville. The photos show Seaview African United Baptist Church beside the railway tracks, houses perched on hilly, unpaved lanes, well signs that read, please boil this water before cooking and drinking, and a Canadian National Railway train passing through.

Brooks's photographs also capture scenes of everyday life in the community: a mother admonishing a group of children; a family discussion at the dining room table; laundry flapping in the breeze; young men playing horseshoes; walkers on the railway tracks; and blueberry pickers on the hill above Africville.

There are also photographs of a public meeting held at Seaview African United Baptist Church in August 1962, where residents opposed the elimination of their community. "Gone But Never Forgotten, Bob Brooks's Photographic Portrait of Africville in the 1960s" can be viewed on the archives website at www.gov.ns.ca/nsarm/virtual/africville .

Nova Scotia Archives and Records Management acquires, preserves and makes available the province's documentary heritage.