The Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia is the destination for the discovery of African Nova Scotian Culture and Heritage. Established in 1983 by the Black Cultural Society of Nova Scotia led by Rev. Dr. William Pearly Oliver, the Centre has a mandate to protect, preserve and promote a unique history that spans well over 400 years in this province. The Centre is the first and largest museum dedicated to Black History and the African Nova Scotian legacy in Canada. The Centre is a community operated, government funded provincial museum and cultural centre that welcomes patrons of all ages, year round to discover an important part of Nova Scotia's and Canada’s diverse history. Nova Scotia has over 52 historic Black communities that go back several generations, making Nova Scotia the birthplace of Black culture and heritage in Canada. The history of African Nova Scotians reaches back to the early founding years of the province of Nova Scotia. Many of today’s communities can trace their origins to centuries ago, when Nova Scotia held the promise of a better life for people of African descent.