In 1612, John Guy of Cupids visited Heart’s Content, calling it an “excellent good place for fishing.” Over the next 300 years Heart’s Content grew into a thriving community, but it was the landing of the trans-Atlantic cable in 1866 that changed the world and gave Heart’s Content international status as the first gateway of communication between Europe and North America.
This year, new visitors to the community can explore the town’s history by walking in the footsteps of fishermen, plantation owners, shipbuilders, and cable workers.
Working in partnership with Heritage NL, the Heart’s Content Community Development Corporation, has produced a self-guided walking tour pamphlet for visitors and staycationers exploring the historic Trinity Bay town.
“Visitors to Heart’s Content have a natural curiosity about the cable station and the many styles of buildings in the surrounding area,” says Ted Rowe, Chair of the Heart’s Content Community Development Corporation.”
“This section of the town was designated a Registered Heritage District a few years ago and now we have a detailed map to guide them through the area and highlighting points of interest. The tour gives a feel for Heart’s Content as it was over a hundred years ago and enhances the historical appeal of the town.”
The release of the walking tour map is part of Heritage NL’s mission to promote a better understanding of the historic places of the province.
“Registered Historic Districts highlight the culture and significance of a place by showcasing and preserving the natural and architectural significance of that area,” says Heritage NL chair Dr. Lisa Daly.
“Town or district maps, such as this one, share that with the community and visitors alike. Heritage NL is pleased to be able to partner with communities like Heart's Content to create such programs and initiatives.”
Printed copies of the map are available for curious walkers and heritage enthusiasts free-of-charge at the Baccalieu Gallery, located in the heart of the district, beside the Heart’s Content Cable Station Provincial Historic Site. Digital copies can also be downloaded for printing at home from the Heritage NL website (www.heritagenl.ca).
View the map:
https://heritagefoundation.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/heartscontentwalkingtour.pdf
Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador (Heritage NL) was established in 1984 to stimulate an understanding of and an appreciation for the historic places and intangible cultural heritage of the province.
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To arrange an interview, contact
Dale Jarvis, Executive Director
Heritage NL
709-739-1892
dale@heritagenl.ca