"History of Halifax City" by Dr. Thomas B. Akins is a comprehensive exploration of the rich maritime history and cultural heritage of Halifax City, Nova Scotia, Canada. Through meticulous research and insightful analysis, Akins delves into the city's founding, development, and evolution, offering readers a captivating journey through time. From its humble beginnings as a settlement to its emergence as a vibrant urban center, Halifax City's story unfolds against the backdrop of its maritime history. Akins examines the city's architecture, landmarks, and economy, providing valuable insights into its growth and transformation over the centuries. With a keen focus on society and government, Akins sheds light on the diverse communities that have shaped Halifax's identity and character. He explores the challenges and triumphs faced by its residents, highlighting the city's resilience and adaptability in the face of change. "History of Halifax City" is not just a chronicle of events but a celebration of the spirit of urbanization and progress. Akins' work serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Halifax City and its significance in the cultural tapestry of Canada.
Thomas Beamish Akins was a Canadian lawyer, historian, archivist, and author who served as Nova Scotia's first Commissioner of Public Records from 1857 till his death in 1891. The Canadian government classified him as a Person of National Historic Significance. Thomas Beamish Akins was the son of Thomas Akins, a trader, and Margaret Ott Beamish. Akins' father was a descendent of the early New England Planters who established in Falmouth, Nova Scotia in 1761, and his mother was the daughter of Halifax merchant Thomas Beamish from Port Warden, Nova Scotia. Akins was an only child, as his mother died ten days after his birth; he was reared by her family in Halifax and attended Halifax Grammar School. His published works included History of Halifax and A Sketch of the Rise and Progress of the Church of England in the British North American Provinces (Halifax, 1849), A Brief Account of the Origin, Endowment, and Progress of the University of King's College, Windsor, Nova Scotia (Halifax, 1865), and an article titled "The First Council" in the Collections of the Nova Scotia Historical Society for 1879-1880. He was president of the Nova Scotia Historical Society from 1882 to 1883 and was a vice-president when he died. He also held honorary or corresponding memberships in the Literary and Historical Society of Quebec, the American Historical Association, and the historical societies of Massachusetts, Maryland, and Texas.
