The Appraisal Board was established by the Halifax Relief Commission shortly following the commission's appointment in 1918. The primary function of the board was to assess damages to properties as a result of the 1917 explosion, ranging from minimal damage to total destruction of property. Claims received from the property owner, supported by an estimate from a contractor, were compared with the appraisal of an inspector of the board and an adjustment made. As the work of repairs proceeded, properties were inspected and payments were made on such reports up to the limit of the determined amount. The board also worked in close co-operation with the commission's reconstruction and architectural departments in the work of rebuilding. Board members included: Melvin S. Clarke, real estate businessman, chairman; F.S. Whittaker, insurance broker; J.C. Harris, contractor; W.G. foley, masonry contractor; and George Mackenzie, manufacturer.

Series forms part of the Halifax Relief Commission fonds and consists of records documenting the role of the Appraisal Board in assessing and approving claims for properties damaged in the explosion. Includes minutes and general correspondence of the board, 1918-1919; statements and lists of damages and awards; case files, arranged alphabetically by claimants including businesses and merchants, churches, institutions, and individuals in Halifax and Dartmouth; correspondence, financial statements, and other items concerning financial compensation to the City of Halifax, 1917-1967; reconstruction forms, arranged alphabetically by street in Halifax and Dartmouth, indicating property owner, address, tenants, building use, size of lot, size of building, assessed value before explosion, and estimated costs of permanent repairs; report on property damage, mainly in areas outside of the city; index book, 1917-1920; and cash awards book, 1918-1919.