ICH development officer and members of the Witless Bay heritage committee. Left to right: Peter, Kevin, Dale, Bonnie, Mary. |
This morning Dale and I drove out to beautiful Witless Bay
on the Southern Shore to meet with several members of the heritage
committee. In a couple of weeks time on
June 23rd the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador and
the Witless Bay heritage committee are partnering with Memorial University for the
second year to do a cemetery clean up as part of MUN’s Make Midterm Matter. This year students from MUN will have the
opportunity to spend the day out of the classroom and in the graveyard engaging
with the community while gaining volunteer experience.
View from the Witless Bay cemetery. |
Cemeteries are an interesting part of our past with many stories to tell,
however, older cemeteries are often forgotten and fall into disrepair. Taking care of cemeteries in this province is
difficult with a climate which is rough on the gravestones. However, looking after these gravestones is
important as they often offer information which is not found elsewhere. In order to show the students some of the
information which can be learned from the graves we will be doing a couple of gravestone
rubbings. Dale will also discuss the
significance of the gravestone symbols and how reading these symbols can give
us information about the people who are buried in the graveyard.
Several symbols are displayed on this gravestone in the cemetery. A cross, an anchor, a harp, a plant and a sacred heart. |
The students will be working together to clear brush, mow grass, paint and fix
fences, clear garbage and generally tend to the cemetery grounds. The Witless Bay heritage committee is looking
to restore the graveyard to its former glory and any and all volunteers are
welcome. If you are interested in
volunteering and wondering how you can become involved send me an email at terra@heritagefoundation.ca
-Terra
-Terra
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