Nearly 400 teddy bears have boarded the RMS Bearengaria as the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic tries to inspire more people to learn about their Maritime history.

The bears have been loaned to the museum by families, schools and organizations, and each one has a unique story.

"We have bears 40, 50, 60, 70 years [old] or more," said Gerry Lunn, curator of the exhibit. "A number of bears are so obviously loved because much of their fur is worn off and their noses are bare."

This is the fourth time the museum has hosted Teddy bears ahoy! over the last two decades. They decided this year was appropriate to mark the 175th anniversary of the Cunard line. The RMS Berengaria was an part of the fleet.

Lunn says the display draws in people of all ages because the public contributed. He says it helps children become interested in museums.

"You'll see young children coming around the corner, seeing the exhibit and running up to the plexiglass, and sometimes bumping their noses up against it because it has such an appeal."

The museum is posting a different bear story on its Facebook page every day.

One bear is made out of a Canadian Forces uniform. Another was given to a child by a stranger, and more than a decade later the family is still moved by her generosity. One bear has travelled to Austrailia and the U.K. by oceanliner.

"I think it's amazing that someone took this much time to bring memories back to someone and really touch their heart," said Heather Mitchell, who visited the exhibit on Wednesday. "It's just a wonderful thing."

Months of preparation

The exhibit took months of work. Volunteers collected and catalogued each contribution. Children got to watch how museums record each piece in an exhibition.

They also had to build the ship, not knowing how many bears they would receive and what size they would be. Each part of the ship is sectioned off, with some bears having specific jobs. Even the wallpaper in the rooms represents the era of oceanliners.

"It's a lot of fun for us to do," said Lunn. "It gives us the opportunity to exercise our imaginations in different ways."

Teddy Bears Ahoy will be on display until Feb. 14.