Wooden Boat Heritage Workshops in Trinity this July

This July, the Trinity Historical Society & Wooden Boat Museum of NL are partnering with us at the Intangible Cultural Heritage office to offer 2 workshops in Trinity.

Session One: Lifting Lines Workshop

Tuesday, July 15

9am-4:30pm

Parish Hall, Trinity   

Naval architect Bruce Whitelaw will teach participants the process for recording the hull shape and construction details of traditional wooden boats.


Session Two: Interview Techniques Workshop Wednesday, July 16

1pm-4:30pm

Parish Hall

Join folklorist Dale Jarvis from the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador to learn digital recording and interview techniques for collecting local oral histories.

During the following week, interested participants will have the opportunity to join WBMNL’s Documentation Team in collecting boat lines, construction details, and oral histories in Trinity and the surrounding area.

To register contact Jim Miller at (709) 464-3599 or Crystal Braye at (709) 699-9570.

Tuesday's Folklore Photo: Checking Out Icebergs

United States Coast Guard plane on patrol, flying over an iceberg, 1945.

This photograph was donated to the Maritime History Archive by John Cardoulis in 1997. It's an historic image that made me think about how technology drastically changes the ways in which we view and interpret the objects around us. Back in 1945, the intimate view of an iceberg from above was reserved for a pilot's eyes only, but now we send camera-laden drones through icy arches so that we can all get a closer look.

-Lisa

So Long and Thanks for all the Hits!

After a good run of two and a half years, my time with the Intangible Cultural Heritage Office is coming to an end. I started working with the Heritage Foundation in January of 2012, when I was finishing a graduate degree in public folklore and completing my final internship requirement. I loved my time here and thought I'd share with you some of my favorite projects.

I started out working on a documentation project focused on baskets and basket making in Newfoundland and Labrador. I concentrated on Mi'kmaq spruce root baskets and mill lunch baskets and traveled all over the west coast and central portions of the island to collect oral histories and photographs of this traditional craft.

A hard hat, maul, mug and two mill lunch baskets.
These items are housed at the Grand Falls-Windsor Heritage Society, Grand Falls-Windsor

A woven melon shaped rib basket constructed from spruce root.
The basket is about 50 years old. It is thought to have been
 owned by a nurse employed at the International Grenfell Association.

Another project I helped develop was the pillow top workshop. I learned about pillow tops from my grandfather, who wove one as a pass time while working in the lumbercamps. I learned how to make the pillow tops and the frames and have been teaching workshops all over the island. The pillow tops have brought me to such places as Quidi Vidi, Cupids, Winterton, South East Bight and even the Logger's Life Museum bunkhouse in Grand Falls-Windsor. I continue to offer pillow top workshops,  if you're interested in having one in your community, feel free to contact me at npenney4@gmail.com.

Raymond Russell, who made a pillow top in the lumber camps in Terra Nova in 1958,
shows his daughter,Arlene Penney how to tie off the wool on the pillow top frame.

Another project I really enjoyed working on was the Bay Roberts Telegraph Station exhibit. This exhibit was curated by my friend and colleague, Lisa Wilson, and was on display during the summer of 2013 at the Bay Roberts Road to Yesterday Museum. I was asked to photograph the artefacts, in order to compile an inventory of items to choose from for the exhibit.

A piece of cable photographed at the Bay Roberts Road to Yesterday Museum

Telegraph workers in the Bay Roberts Western Union Cable Station.
Photograph was provided by: Jack Hambling
Collector: Lisa Wilson 

Another part of my job was arranging and describing materials for the Intangible Cultural Heritage Collection on Memorial University's Digital Archives Initiative. I love describing oral histories, you always learn something new and interesting. I digitized and wrote descriptions for countless collections such as Baccalieu Trail, Port Union and nursing. I also created several collections for the DAI, such as forestry, high steel, baskets and basket making, pillow tops, woodworking and skateboarding. My work with the DAI provided  invaluable digitizing experience and I continue to offer digitizing services and convert such materials as photographs, tape cassettes, VHS, mini-disks and 8mm cartridges. I also offer photograph preservation and restoration, if you're interested in any of these services, please feel free to get in touch.  

I also led several workshops and was asked to speak with school groups. One of my favorite things about  being a folklorist is talking with people. Recently, Dale and I ventured to Cupids to lead an afternoon sessions focused on digitizing and preserving old recipe books.

Sharing stories at Nan's Cookbook: Tea and Talk.
Held at the Cupids Legacy Centre, March 21, 2014

Sharing recipes at Nan's Cookbook: Tea and Talk.
Held at the Cupids Legacy Centre, March 21, 2014

I had the opportunity to work on some great projects, with some amazing people and I'd like to thank all the heritage folks who have assisted, guided and mentored me through my time here. There are too many to name, but I'd like to thank Dale Jarvis for his guidance and for being a grant writing wizard and Lisa Wilson, for being a friend, mentor and confidant. Thank you to everyone who took the time to read my posts and have a look at the Tuesday Folklore Photo. Last, but certainly not least, I want to send my sincere gratitude to all the community members I've had the fortune of meeting, without you none of these projects would have been possible. 

So long and thanks for all the (blog) hits!
-Nicole Penney 

Calling all iceberg experts - research help wanted!

Guest post by Alexa Kanbergs
Dr. Mark Carey of the Robert D. Clark Honors College in Eugene, Oregon has spent a great amount of time researching icebergs, specifically in the Northern Hemisphere and he now needs your help! In his most recent project he is trying to understand people's historical relations and interactions with icebergs. This could include: cultural importance of icebergs in songs, art, literature, etc.; traditional and/or local knowledge about icebergs; fishermen's interactions with icebergs.

In addition to cultural information, Dr. Carey is interested in learning more about major iceberg events; iceberg eradication; iceberg water harvesting; the International Ice Patrol; and other things related to icebergs over the last century or so.

He is hoping someone might be able to help identify any resources that might have information relating to these topics, specifically resources that are unique to your location and may not be available anywhere else. Also, if any one could suggest organizations or individuals that might be experts on the topics that would be incredibly helpful as well.

Please email information or suggestions to kanbergsa@gmail.com

For more information about Dr. Carey's work you can also visit his website: http://glaciers.uoregon.edu/index.html.

Thank you for your help!

Photo: "Iceberg" by Brad Saunders (CC BY-ND 2.0)

Youth "Community Historians" wanted on Change Islands, Newfoundland

GREEN TEAM POSITIONS
Town of Change Islands
Green Team Job Ad Number: Zone 3 - C

Project Title: An Environmental History of Change Islands

Project Description: Team members will be “Community Historians” recording the unique history of Change Islands and how its natural environment has sustained residents for hundreds of years – providing shelter, food and fuel. The Team will interview, videotape and photograph three generations and their experiences of ‘living off the land,’ and develop informational tools such as tourism booklets, community storyboards, and newsletter articles. The Team will also conduct several Environmental Awareness Events, which will include a presentation, delivery of games, arts and crafts, activities; and other duties as assigned. Employment is from June 30 to August 22, 2014.

Team Leader (1 Position): The Team Leader is the day-to-day supervisor for the Green Team. As such this person is responsible for the conduct of Team Members and the work they undertake. The Team Leader ensures that the work required is properly assigned and carried out, and ensures that the project proceeds smoothly. This involves planning, maintaining discipline, daily acquisition of materials required, effective liaison with the Project Proponent and the Conservation Corps, troubleshooting, etc. A Team Leader is expected to demonstrate the ability to plan and organize and must have previous leadership and supervisory skills. This position is for eight weeks with a rate of pay $11.00 per hour for 35 hours per week.

Team Member (3 Positions): The Team Member is an integral part of the Green Team. The Team Member follows the direction given by the Team Leader, has the ability to work well in a team environment and feels that s/he can make a positive contribution to the projects undertaken. This position is for eight weeks at $10.00 per hour for 35 hours per week.

Qualifications for this project:

· Experience and/or interest with photography, videography and graphic design an asset
· Interviewing skills
· Writing and computer skills
· Good organizational skills an asset
· Willingness to participate in public speaking
· Willingness to learn and positive work attitude
· Youth aged 16-30

Additional Considerations: Required to get to and from worksite; applicant must have CSA approved boots and gloves; potential for evening and weekend work; one person on the Team will be required to have a valid driver’s licence and full-time access to a vehicle with adequate insurance. Reimbursement for vehicle mileage is in accordance with CCNL policy.

Application forms available: Suite 103, 10 Austin Street, St. John’s or online at www.ccnl.ca

Application Process: Please return a completed application form and resume to:

MAIL or IN PERSON: Suite 103, 10 Austin Street, St. John’s, NL, A1B 4C2

FAX: (709) 729-7270

EMAIL: applications@ccnl.ca

Indicate the Green Team Job Ad Number and Project Title on your application.

Deadline for Applications is Friday, May 30, 2014.

For more information, contact Joanna King, Regional Supervisor at jking@ccnl.ca or 709-572-9245.

Portugal Cove Cemetery Clean-Up Day

Just up the road from the Roman Catholic Church in Portugal Cove, on the side of a green hill, is the RC cemetery. It's a fairly large, sprawling cemetery, with headstones (many as old as the mid 19th century) standing in clusters through the trees. This is just one of the many interesting burial spaces that PCSP has, all of which are physical reminders of the community's long settlement history (which, no doubt, is closely connected to the fishery). Because of the historic significance of these spaces, cemeteries are worthy of attention so that they can be protected to the best of our abilities. This is a huge task in Newfoundland, as the climate is hard on the stone, and there are so many cemeteries that need attention, that it can feel overwhelming to try and protect them all. But even small measures can go a long way. The Roman Catholic Cemetery has been tended to some degree over the years, and this summer, it is schedule to have an intensive clean-up by a group of volunteer students from MUN.

 

The RC Church in Portugal Cove, close to the RC Cemetery.

Some of the organizers checking out the site. (I'm behind the camera!)

On June 24th, 2014, 30 to 40 students with the "Make Midterm Matter" program will be showing up to do their part. Not only will they work hard to clear brush, clean up garbage, and cut away growth from headstones, but it will also be a learning opportunity for them. They will be given a few tips for how to tend to headstones without doing any damage, as well as learn about what the symbols on the headstones mean. This day-long heritage volunteer excursion is a partnership between MUN, the HFNL, the Town of Portugal Cove and St. Phillips, and the RC Church. It's the first partnership of its kind, and we hope it continues into the future. It will be a great opportunity to raise awareness about heritage issues in our communities. Hope to see you there!

A small portion of the large cemetery space that the students will be working in. Endless growth and brush for them to tackle!

-Lisa

Tuesday Folklore Photo: Eleanor Roosevelt visits Newfoundland

A funny thing happens, from time to time, when I'm trying to find a good folklore photo. I'll start out looking for a nice archival photograph of flowers, to brighten your RDF filled afternoon, and then I end up writing about Elanor Roosevelt, isn't it just the way?

It all started with this photo:

"Mr. Roosevelt being presented with flowers"
[October 08, 1961]
Original photograph in Memorial University
 of Newfoundland Libraries,
 Archives and Special Collections Division.
 S. J. Carew Photograph Collection

And then I just couldn't stop....

Eleanor Roosevelt chats with J.R. and Clara Smallwood
[October 08, 1961]
Original photograph in Memorial University
 of Newfoundland Libraries,
 Archives and Special Collections Division.
 S. J. Carew Photograph Collection

"Premier Smallwood, Lieutenant Governor MacPherson and Eleanor Roosevelt"
[October 08, 1961]
Original photograph in Memorial University
 of Newfoundland Libraries,
 Archives and Special Collections Division.
 S. J. Carew Photograph Collection 

On October 9th, 1961, Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt, the widow of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and an accomplished individual in her own right, attended the opening of the new campus of Memorial University of Newfoundland.

Lord Thomson thanks Eleanor Roosevelt after her address[October 09, 1961]
Original photograph in Memorial University
 of Newfoundland Libraries,
 Archives and Special Collections Division.
 S. J. Carew Photograph Collection 

For more information about Eleanor Roosevelt's visit to Newfoundland, visit the collection on the Memorial University of Newfoundland Digital Archives Initiative.
-Nicole 

Be on the lookout for this stolen 17' Newfoundland dory!

Traditional culture is where it's at, as we all know here on the ICH blog. It's so hot, apparently, that people are willing to steal to get a piece of it.

The news making its rounds on social media is that someone has stolen a Newfoundland dory.  I imagine it is the sort of thing that is hard to hide and move, so if you see it, let the police know.

This from the RNC facebook page:

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary is requesting the assistance of the general public in regard to the theft of a 17' wooden dory from the east end of St John's. Anyone who has information related to this matter can call the RNC at 709-729-8000 or contact Crime Stoppers NL to submit their tips online, call toll free 1-800-222-TIPS (1-800-222-8477) or text TIP190 plus your message to "CRIMES" that's 274637 and relay their clues or information.

Job Posting - Logy Bay-Middle Cove-Outer Cove Museum Coordinator

Reporting to the Heritage Committee, will be responsible for: 

- Supervising the museum and providing guided tours
- Collecting and cataloging historical information
- Other associated duties

Experience and Qualifications: - Must have experience dealing with customer relations 

- Must be competent in Microsoft Word and Excel
- Must have an interest in history and be enthusiastic

The Logy Bay-Middle Cove-Outer Cove Heritage Committee was formed in October 1995, with the goal of preserving and promoting our Town's rich history through the establishment of a museum. The Museum is divided into five themes representing different aspects of its heritage:

Fishery - a collection of local photos, fishing net displays, and various fishing and sealing artifacts.

Agriculture - photos, tools and items representing early farming activity.

Sports - highlights, through photos and artifacts, its strong rowing heritage from the famous Outer Cove crew that rowed the time of 9:13 in 1901 to present day rowers.

Lifestyles - re-creation of a traditional kitchen containing artifacts from everyday life. Also includes artifacts and pictures reflecting the importance of the church and religion in daily life.

Military - a tribute to those of the community who served in any armed conflict.

The Museum also contains an archive of information regarding history of the community that is available to the public upon request.

Send Resumes to aprilkenny@lbmcoc.ca

Application deadline May 28, 2014