Admiralty House is the former official residence of the Commander-in-Chief of the North American Station of the Royal Navy. Construction of this Georgian-style home overlooking Halifax’s historic dockyard commenced in 1814 and was completed in 1818. The first resident was Admiral David Milne, followed by many notable residents such as Admiral Thomas Cochrane, Earl of Dundonald. On the grounds of the Admiralty House is the Admiralty Garden which was created c. 1814 and has plaques and monuments displayed to honour Admirals and other military personnel.
The Canadian Government took possession of the house in 1905. It served as a hospital during the First World War, until the roof was badly damaged in the 1917 Halifax Explosion. Once repaired, the house was lent to the Massachusetts Halifax Relief Commission who used it to assist the people of the North End community that were still recovering from the devastation of the explosion. From 1925-1954, Admiralty House was home to the Wardroom, and contained offices and living quarters. Eventually, the home became a library, school, and now is home to the Naval Museum of Halifax.
