Ruth Goldbloom (née Schwartz; November 19, 1923 – August 30, 2012) was a prominent Canadian philanthropist, community leader, and co-founder of the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Born in New Waterford, Cape Breton, Ruth Goldbloom later became a highly influential figure in Halifax's charitable and cultural landscape. She was married to Dr. Richard Goldbloom, a renowned pediatrician and Order of Canada recipient.
Goldbloom's most significant contribution was her instrumental role in establishing the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21. Pier 21 served as the entry point for nearly one million immigrants to Canada between 1928 and 1971. Recognizing its historical significance, she co-founded the Pier 21 Society in 1990 with Carrie-Mae Gibson, tirelessly campaigning to preserve the site and its stories. Her efforts led to the opening of the Pier 21 museum in 1999, which achieved national museum status as the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 in 2009. She served as the museum's first chairperson and remained actively involved throughout her life.
Beyond her work with Pier 21, Goldbloom was a dedicated volunteer and fundraiser for numerous organizations across Nova Scotia and Canada. Her leadership and support extended to institutions such as the IWK Health Centre Foundation, Mount Saint Vincent University, the United Way, and the World Wildlife Fund. She was widely respected for her tireless energy, exceptional fundraising abilities, and her commitment to fostering community and heritage.
For her extensive contributions, Ruth Goldbloom was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2000, one of Canada's highest civilian honours. She was also a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal (2002) and was posthumously awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012). In recognition of her impact on the provincial economy and community, she was inducted into the Nova Scotia Business Hall of Fame in 2002. Goldbloom's legacy is defined by her profound dedication to celebrating Canada's diverse cultural fabric and preserving its historical memory.