The main focus of the HCS's program is the re-enactment of the 78th Highland Regiment of Foot and the 3rd Brigade, Royal Artillery. This extensive living history program runs year-round for visitors to the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site (NHS) of Canada.
So much to see
During our peak visitation period of May to November, daily activities include the firing of the noon gun, manoeuvres by infantry detachments dressed in 19th-century uniforms, concerts by the pipes and drums of the 78th Highland Regiment playing tunes of the mid-Victorian period, demonstrations by soldiers' wives, guided tours and more.
Retail operations and catering
The HCS runs the onsite retail operations as part of its fundraising efforts. These operations include a cafeteria and a gift store called the Regimental Shop. The association also operates a catering business for clientele renting Parks Canada's onsite meeting and event facilities.
Music to your ears
The musical program is another significant aspect of the HCS's operations. During the visitor season, the historical re-creation of the 78th Highlander's pipers and drummers is the centerpiece program. The HCS also operates a School of Piping and Drumming to instruct piping and drumming to youth and adults, hires out solo pipers and groups of musicians for events, and sponsors a number of modern competitive pipe bands.