We've been talking a lot about Bleak House in Fogo lately, and we've recently published a fieldnote focused on its architectural history! In it, we discuss the purchase of the Fogo Harbour premises, the building of Bleak House, the transfer of ownership, and more!
Check out our newest field note here: Architectural History of Bleak House, Fogo!
In doing research at the provincial archives, we have uncovered new information about the Bleak House in Fogo - that its date of construction was between 1826 and 1827, not 1816 as previously believed!
You might wonder why we thought the house was built in 1816. Although we all wish archival research were as easy as an online search, having to go through historical records is no small feat. Finding the information you need depends on whether those records were saved, and, importantly, whether they're in the place you're looking.
Previous researchers knew that the premises where Bleak House is located was purchased by John and Robert Slade in 1816, and that it was built sometime after this purchase. After decades, this understanding of built after turned into built around and finally into built in 1816. And this is why it's important to do regular research and always be searching for new resources that could clarify our understanding of the past.
We found this document called the General Description of Premises at Fogo, belonging to and in the occupation of R (Robert), D (David) and J (John) Slade, from 1834 located at the Rooms.
Below you can see the Dwelling House that was recorded to be built in 1826 - 1827, and below "By DS Esq." (David Slade).
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It describes a Dwelling House that "consists of 3 floors - 1st passage (hallway) and 2 parlours - 2nd chambers - 5 - 3rd Attic, Kitchen Attached."
Its dimensions are also recorded as length x breadth x height to top of roof x height of stud
House: 41 1/2 feet x 31 feet x 23 feet x 16 feet
Kitchen: 20 feet x16 feet x 13 1/2 feet x 8 feet
Since the construction of Bleak House, there have been a number of renovations and additions, so finding an original description of the house is very exciting!
Joy Barfoot will be speaking in the Peer Share Panel on Saturday, October 18th at the upcoming heritage conference.
Chantelle Evans will be speaking at the Amplifying Craft panel and the Coffee and Crafts Break at the upcoming heritage conference.
Chantelle Evans is the Arts Services Manager with the Nunatsiavut Government, where she plays a key role in supporting Inuit artists, preserving traditional art forms, and growing creative opportunities across Nunatsiavut. Based in her home community of Makkovik, Labrador, Chantelle brings a strong connection to Inuit culture, hands-on artistic experience, and a deep commitment to community-led arts development. With a background in Visual Arts and textile, Craft & Apparel Design, Chantelle has worked as both an artist and educator, specializing in contemporary garment design based on traditional wear. Her work has been featured in exhibitions such as SakKijâjuk: Art and Craft from Nunatsiavut, and she was selected to participate in Canada Goose’s Project Atigi, highlighting Indigenous designers. In her role as Arts Services Manager, Chantelle supports artists across the five Nunatsiavut communities working to preserve and grow Inuit artistic practices by fostering intergenerational knowledge sharing, coordinating arts funding, and building partnerships that increase visibility and support for Labrador Inuit artists. Her work is grounded in the belief that the arts are essential to cultural strength, community identity, and self-determination.
Job Posting: Education and Training Coordinator
42 week position, 35hrs/wk, $20/hr
Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador (Heritage NL) is seeking an Education and Training Coordinator to help develop and deliver a series of modules and mentorships targeted to: a) individuals involved in the architectural field who are interested in developing their knowledge of traditional building practices and restoration and; b) members of the public interested in developing knowledge and practice of traditional craft skills that are at risk of disappearing in the province. The latter will include a business development component.
Heritage NL is a provincial crown agency with a mandate to support the preservation of Newfoundland and Labrador’s built heritage/historic places and the safeguarding of its Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). It undertakes this mandate through designation and commemoration programs; funding programs for heritage preservation; the provision of technical expertise on conservation; research; community and public outreach, and support for a wide variety of ICH initiatives. The agency will be developing and delivering a year-long program of training in traditional building skills along with traditional craft skills and knowledge at risk .
Qualifications for this position include a post-secondary degree in an appropriate field with a minimum of 3 years of experience in training/program delivery or a combination of education and experience of at least 5 years. Knowledge of and experience in an arts administration field is an asset. Excellent computer skills required, including ability to do online research, manage social media accounts, power point presentations, and word processing. A driver's license and occasional access to a car are assets.
Eligibility:
Must reside in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Must be unemployed or underemployed (working less than 20 hours per week or in a field unrelated to their training).
Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident in Newfoundland and Labrador. Temporary residents may be eligible if they are international graduates with a Post-graduate Work Permit or have an Open Work Permit.
Recent post-secondary graduates who have not found employment in their field.
Must not be receiving federal or provincial pensions, Workplace NL benefits, or other benefits.
To apply, send cover letter and CV to:
Dale Jarvis, Executive Director, Heritage NL
DEADLINE: Sunday, October 19, 2025.
Kate Wolforth will be moderating the Women in Heritage keynote panel on Friday, Oct 17th at the upcoming heritage conference.
Kate Wolforth (she/her) holds a BFA from Concordia University and Masters in Museum Studies from the University of Toronto. Since 2019, she has been the Director of the Art Gallery, Museums and Visitor Experience Dept at The Rooms, the province of Newfoundland and Labrador’s largest cultural facility. She has worked in the cultural sector for over 25 years. With a background in exhibition development, interpretive planning and museum and arts education, Kate’s professional passion is ensuring that museums and art galleries are welcoming, inclusive spaces. She has facilitated numerous new partnerships for The Rooms, working collaboratively with her wonderful team of museum professionals to build new initiatives and audiences.
Melissa Tarrant will be speaking at the Bringing People In panel on Saturday, October 18th at the upcoming heritage conference.
Melissa Tarrant is the Executive Director of the Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador where she is dedicated to advancing the province’s craft sector and supporting its vibrant community of craftspeople. With over 20 years of experience in arts, culture, and community engagement, she brings both strategic insight and creative passion to her role. A textile artist herself, Melissa has built a career that bridges artistic practice with arts leadership. She has extensive expertise in business development, strategic planning, partnership building, and program design. Committed to celebrating and strengthening the rich history of craft in Newfoundland and Labrador, Melissa also champions innovation and growth for the future. Her leadership is guided by the belief that craft strengthens communities, is integral to cultural identity, and is a vital economic driver in rural parts of the province.
Over 30 years, Kim has dedicated herself to work in the cultural sector in both Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador. She has held leadership roles in historic sites and museums and now serves as Director of Memorial’s Botanical Garden and Johnson Geo Centre, while also overseeing operations of Memorial’s Conference and Events Services and the Newfoundland Quarterly. Kim is filled with gratitude to work with these passionate teams who spark curiosity about science, who create a sense of wonder about the natural world, and who craft amazing guest experiences that connect us all. Kim received her BA from the University of Toronto, and her MA from Western University. She lives in St. John’s with her husband, two kids, two dogs, and two cats.
Register for the 2025 Heritage Conference to hear about how organizations can open themselves up to a more diverse audience.
Registration deadline is 4:30 PM NDT on Monday, October 6th, 2025.
To register: https://forms.gle/ecQFJqkHeVkaFzwu5
For more information, visit the conference website at: https://museumsnl.ca/2025-heritage-conference/
Victoria Mathews will be speaking in the Getting the Stories Out panel on Saturday, October 18th.
Victoria Mathews is a member of Heritage NL’s team working on the Heritage Conference. She handles communications, research, and Heritage NL’s promotion for the event.
She is a recent graduate from Algonquin College’s Applied Museum Studies program in Ottawa and moved to Newfoundland in December. Having worked in multiple museums in Ontario, she is happy to be a part of the vibrant heritage scene in Newfoundland and Labrador. Throughout school and her career, she has worked with a variety of useful online resources and tools, with a focus on budget-friendly options.
Register for the 2025 Heritage Conference to hear about cost-effective online resources available to institutions.
Registration deadline is 4:30 PM NDT on Monday, October 6th, 2025.
To register: https://forms.gle/ecQFJqkHeVkaFzwu5
For more information, visit the conference website at: https://museumsnl.ca/2025-heritage-conference/
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Megan Marshall will be speaking on the "Training Opportunities for Inclusion and Diversity" panel on Friday, October 17th at the upcoming heritage conference.
Megan Marshall is a committed advocate with extensive experience in disability advocacy, program development and implementation, and case management. In 2020, she joined Avalon Employment Inc. (AEI), where she played a key role in developing and launching the Autism Employment Pilot Project. Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Megan began her involvement with the disability community at a young age while working in her family’s business, where she provided essential services in therapeutic recreation and adapted physical education for individuals with complex physical, developmental, and intellectual disabilities. Holding certifications in Developmental Services and Horticulture Therapy, and having completed training in Auticon’s NeuroPositive Ambassador Program, her career includes leadership positions focused on supporting and advocating for individuals with Autism. Megan has experience in reaching individuals from early childhood through senior years. Since 2000, Megan has had a substantial impact on those in residential care, the education system, and pre-employment settings. Upon her move to St. John’s, Newfoundland, she began a decade-long leadership role at the Autism Society of Newfoundland and Labrador. She was nominated for the YWCA Woman of the Year for Social and Community Development in 2019, which reflects her influential advocacy efforts. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Megan has actively contributed to her community by serving on the Board of Directors for Bridges to Hope Food Bank in St. John’s from 2016-2021, where she held the positions of Secretary and Program Chair. Furthermore, she contributed to AEI’s recognition for best practices in diversity and inclusion by the Zero Project (United Nations, 2021) through her leadership in the Autism Employment Project. Megan employs a person-centred, holistic, and skills-focused approach to her work, seeking to connect qualified Autistic job seekers with meaningful employment opportunities. She also guides employers on best practices for inclusion, fostering supportive workplace environments. Megan is a strong proponent of diligent work, collaboration, and mutual accountability, which she considers essential for achieving true inclusion within the Autistic community.
