Heritage NL Update May 2025 - New Designations, Posters, Research, and Sheep to Socks!

 

In the May 2025 Heritage Update for Newfoundland and Labrador:

Heritage NL Designates Two Properties as Registered Heritage Structures 

20th annual Heritage Places Poster Contest Winners

Sheep to Sock event - May 17th

Report on the Youth Heritage Forum 2025

An Overview of Heritage NL's Rigolet, Labrador, Trip; and

Updates at the White Elephant Museum Registered Heritage Structure

Download the pdf at

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uiywc6pehQ9Mnd-Okh-DQWgEww1WmHrE/view?usp=sharing

Photo: traditional Inuit grasswork in Rigolet, 2025. 

An Early Bungalow and a Piano Showroom: Heritage NL Designates Two Properties as Registered Heritage Structures

Two historic properties, one in Deer Lake and one in Harbour Grace, have been designated Registered Heritage Structures by Heritage NL. 

The Aitken Property in Deer Lake includes a 1930s/1940s bungalow and two outbuildings on a mature lot. It has historic value due to its association with the town's evolution and growth both during and after the construction of Deer Lake's hydroelectric station in the 1920s. It is a good representative example of a type of home built in Deer Lake by families involved in the pulp and paper industry. The home was built by Ernest Aitken, who moved from Botwood to Deer Lake in the 1920s. Ernest, his wife Annie, and their two daughters originally lived in a log cabin close to a construction site associated with one of the dams feeding the hydroelectric station. The Aitkens and other families stayed at this site for many years before building modern, permanent residences in the more populated part of the town. 

The Parsons/Collis Building is one of the few commercial buildings remaining on Water Street that predate the 1944 “Great Fire” in Harbour Grace. It was constructed circa 1858 as the easternmost building of a block of three once known as “Pike’s Block.” The other two buildings were demolished around 2000. 

Simeon Henry Parsons purchased one of the Pike’s Block buildings around 1870, and operated a photography studio and cabinetmaking, upholstery, and undertaking business from there. Leslie Collis purchased the Parsons building in 1940 and proceeded to establish a piano showroom and a repair and finishing shop there. The Collis family eventually relocated to St. John’s and went on to establish seven stores across the island. Their Harbour Grace store and factory closed permanently in 2001. 

“These designations reflect industry and innovation in our province,” says Heritage NL board chair, Dr. Lisa Daly. “From the beginnings of a community around the hydroelectric station to the development of new technologies, the built heritage of Newfoundland and Labrador adapts as we have continued to grow.”

Heritage NL was established in 1984 to preserve one of the most visible dimensions of Newfoundland and Labrador culture - its architectural heritage. Heritage NL designates buildings and other structures as Registered Heritage Structures and may provide grants for the purpose of preservation and restoration of such structures.

Sheep to Sock Saturday at O'Brien Farm, May 17th, 2025

Join Heritage NL and our friends at the Sheep Producers of NL, and NONIA for our second "Sheep to Sock" at O'Brien Farm on Saturday, May 17th, 2025. There will be sheep, lambs, shearing demonstrations, spinning, carding, weaving, knitting, and more. See the whole process of how we go from sheep to sock! A free family event.

Sheep to Sock Saturday
Saturday, May 17th, 2025
10am-4pm
O'Brien Farm
150 Oxen Pond Road, St. John’s - Google Map link here

Where can I park? Map here

List of Demonstrators:
Shearing Demo, BBQ and Market by SPANL
Spinning - Emily Denief
Carding - Amelia Reimer
Knitting - NONIA
Crocheting - Saltwater Crafts
Weaving - Elsa Flack and friends
Braided Rugs - Heritage NL

Sheep to Sock Schedule!

Parking Legend

What can we do to stop the theft of historic art pieces?

Following the recent theft of an iconic Amelia Earhart statue in Harbour Grace, I did a quick Google search on stolen bronze art pieces. The results are shocking, and this is only a short selection of a VERY long list over a few months. What steps can we take here in Newfoundland and Labrador to stop the theft and presumed recycling of historic bronze statues?  - Dale Jarvis

Here are just a few recent thefts:

24 April 2025 - Edmonton, Alberta
Man arrested after more than $250K in metal stolen, including Emily Murphy statue
https://www.ctvnews.ca/edmonton/article/emily-murphy-statue-partly-recovered-at-metal-recycler-man-charged

3 April 2025 - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Bronze statue stolen from northwest Albuquerque park

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycKz79yNZv8

11 March 2025 - Edmonton, AB

‘It’s very disrespectful’: Second bronze statue within 2 weeks goes missing in Edmonton

https://www.ctvnews.ca/edmonton/article/its-very-disrespectful-second-bronze-statue-within-two-weeks-goes-missing-in-edmonton/

27 February 2025 - Berlin, Germany

Boy with Octopus: Who is stealing Berlin’s bronze statues?

https://www.the-berliner.com/english-news-berlin/boy-with-octopus-eduardo-rossi-who-is-stealing-bronze-statues/ 

14 February 2025 - St. Paul, USA

Stolen F. Scott Fitzgerald statue destroyed, suspect arrested after scrap yard calls police

https://www.fox9.com/news/stolen-f-scott-fitzgerald-statue-stolen-arrest 

12 February 2025 - DC, USA

500-pound Scottish terrier statue stolen from D.C. dog park

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRiCHYt8MkU 

9 December 2024 - Montreal, QC

Art heist or metal theft? Iconic mother-and-child statue stolen in Westmount 

https://www.montrealgazette.com/news/article562630.html 

7 November 2024 - Gananoque, Ontario

Noel Bullock statue stolen from Gananoque Horticultural Society Park

https://www.gananoquereporter.com/news/noel-bullock-statue-stolen-from-gananoque-horticultural-society-park 

1 November 2024 - Berthierville, QC

Thieves speed off with bronze statue of Quebec Formula One racing legend Gilles Villeneuve

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/villeneuve-statue-melted-down-1.7371102

Sep 20, 2024 - St. Albert, Alberta

Statue of imitations: Saint Albert could return to St. Albert

https://www.stalbertgazette.com/local-news/statue-of-imitations-saint-albert-could-return-to-st-albert-9518792

Two paid work experience positions with Heritage NL and MANL!

Heritage NL and Museum Association of NL (MANL) have two ASCEND positions available for NEET youth. This initiative provides meaningful employment opportunities for youth aged 15-30 who are Not in Employment, Education, or Training (NEET), while strengthening the community sector.

Through provincial minimum wage subsidized 19-21 week work placements in community sector organizations, ASCEND gives youth the hands-on experience, mentorship, and career development they need to succeed. Before placements begin, participants complete two weeks of career and personal development training, equipping them with the skills and confidence to thrive in the workforce. The two positions are:


2025 Heritage Conference Intern

Heritage NL and Museum Association of NL are searching for an internship position to assist with the organization of the Fall 2025 Heritage Conference, which will take place at The Rooms in St. John’s. This annual conference is hosted by MANL, ANLA and Heritage NL, who are working together to help local heritage organizations build ideas and tell community’ stories. The Intern will work closely with the organizational team on programming the conference, contacting possible workshop leaders and presenters, organizing events and meetings, and assisting with registration and promotion of the event. The applicant will have a background in event planning, strong computer skills, and knowledge of various digital media formats. A heritage background or work experience, or work with community historical organizations or museums, is an asset. The participant should be able to demonstrate the ability to plan, design, or carry out a project or task from start to finish with well-defined objectives and outcomes.

MANL Professional Development Assistant

The Professional Development Assistant will play a key role in advancing the skills and expertise of museum professionals and volunteers across Newfoundland and Labrador. The Intern will be responsible for assisting in the development, coordination, administration and delivery of MANL’s training and mentoring programs. Working closely with MANL staff, the Intern will support MANL’s professional development objectives, including supporting MANL’s membership of 160 heritage organizations, as well as the work of WHAM! - Working in Heritage, Archives and Museums - a new partnership dedicated to raising professional standards and skills in the diverse heritage fields in this province. Excellent communication skills, as well as strong interpersonal skills are required to help support MANL members services and to build relationships with heritage organizations, government and communities throughout the province. Excellent computer skills would also be an asset, including experience with digital technology & learning. This position will require careful record-keeping, attention to detail and the ability to work on multiple tasks, while delivering results on schedule.

The Museum Association of Newfoundland and Labrador and Heritage NL are committed to being equal opportunity employers, actively promoting employment equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism.

DEADLINE: April 25th, 2025

If you fit the NEET criteria,

1. send your resume to dale@heritagenl.ca, AND
2. register with the ASCEND program at https://joinascend.ca/

Heritage NL gives heritage status to historic Port au Port rectory

A window-filled historic museum on the Port au Port Peninsula has been given heritage status by Heritage NL as a Registered Heritage Structure. 

The Our Lady of Mercy Museum was constructed in 1952 as the rectory for the parish priest of the Our Lady of Mercy Roman Catholic Church (also a Registered Heritage Structure) located next door.  Over the years, the building served as a priest’s rectory, office, and family home. 

Still recognized by some as “Father Green's House,” the building now serves as a popular museum, gift shop, and tea room. 

Its most distinct architectural feature is the sun porch with diamond-shape window panes, which wraps around two sides of the structure. Local students would visit the building in the 1950s and ‘60s to see their exam marks posted in the sunroom windows. 

“Heritage NL is proud to showcase the special architecture and history of Western Newfoundland,” says Dr. Lisa Daly, chair of Heritage NL. “The designation of the Rectory celebrates its continued heritage as a community-centred space, and is timely given that this year is the centennial anniversary of the church.” 

In addition to the designation, Heritage NL will be working with the Our Lady of Mercy Committee to provide training around the conservation of historic wooden sashes, an important skill to have for a structure with so many windows. 

Heritage NL was established in 1984 to preserve one of the most visible dimensions of Newfoundland and Labrador culture - its architectural heritage. Heritage NL designates buildings and other structures as Registered Heritage Structures and may provide grants for the purpose of preservation and restoration of such structures.

 

The City of St. John's Heritage Awards

 Heritage Awards

The City of St. John's Heritage Awards recognize commercial and residential property owners for their work in rehabilitating, restoring and celebrating our rich built heritage.

Who can submit a nomination?

Residents can nominate a designated Heritage Building or a building in a Heritage Area; property owners can nominate their own property.

 

Award categories

Nominations are accepted annually in the following categories:

• preserving or restoring the original character of a heritage building or any building in a Heritage Area
• rehabilitating an older building, including successfully integrating modern elements
• respecting the character of a modern building in a Heritage Area
• infill developments that blend into a neighborhood in a Heritage Area
• stewardship and long-term preservation of a heritage building or any building in a Heritage Area.

 

Application and Deadlines

The deadline for applications is Friday, February 28 at 5 p.m. To submit a nomination, complete and submit the Heritage Awards Nomination Form.

 

Contact us

For more information, please contact Planning. 

Learn more here: City of St. John’s Applause Awards Website

MANL Midday Museums- Heritage Mentorship Program Launch

Join the Museum Association of Newfoundland and Labrador on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 as they celebrate the first anniversary of Midday Museums and introduce the launch of their brand new Heritage Mentorship program!

In celebration of our first anniversary of Midday Museums, MANL is launching a brand-new resource designed for their members.

• Do you have questions on which funding applications would best suit your needs?

• Have you struggled to engage volunteers, particularly youth, with your organization?

• When you hire students every summer, are you comfortable with student payroll and other HR duties?

• Is your computer too old to install the software you need for your collections archiving?

MANL is here to help!

Please join the conversation on February 25 to hear about our heritage mentorship program and how it can help your organization. This initiative grew from our recent heritage conference, held at The Rooms this fall.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, there is no shortage of passionate, hard-working heritage employees and volunteers, with many years of experience, knowledge, skill and ingenuity. Our people are our best resource! It makes sense that we build on that expertise by sharing it with our peers in our communities throughout the province.

One aim of our Heritage Mentorship Program is to connect experienced professionals and volunteers with everyone in the heritage sector who need help, including emerging professionals, youth, students, and volunteers of all ages. Interested in engaging and mentoring youth within your organization? Juliet Lanphear, from Heritage NL will be joining us to announce an upcoming opportunity to bring together emerging professionals to network, become involved in the heritage sector, and share their insights into engaging youth in heritage.

So, please join MANL on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at noon on Zoom. Registration is free and everyone is welcome to participate. To register, simply fill out THIS FORM by noon, NST on Monday, February 24. 

For more information and to register, please click here.

Instructor Spotlight: Susan Furneaux

Work and photo credit: https://www.instagram.com/marynterraart/
Created when they were a student in Susan Furneaux's class.

Susan Furneaux is a teacher, artist, craft consultant, and mentor. She specializes in natural dye and fibre techniques, learning, teaching, and exhibiting throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, nationally and internationally. Susan has won multiple awards for her embroidery, natural dye and innovative use of natural materials including the 2022 VANL CARFAC’s ‘Endurance Award’.

In 2022, Susan was a mentor with Heritage NL’s Mentor-Apprentice Program. Motivated by reciprocal knowledge exchange, capacity building and the preservation of traditional skills, Furneaux shared the craft of Bark Tanning. This is a traditional method used for tanning hides into leather, or colouring materials. Bark Tanning was listed as critically endangered on Heritage NL’s 2021 Craft at Risk List.

In March Susan will be teaching Beyond Basics: An Advanced Landscape Needle Felting Workshop!

With photos for inspiration, Susan Furneaux will guide participants through creating landscapes in needle felting. Topics will include colour theory, blending, background alternatives and embellishment. This workshop requires previous needle felting experience. Participants are required to bring photos for inspiration and any wool bits and pieces they may have in their stash.

When: March 5, 12:30-4:30pm NST
Where: Heritage NL's office located on the 2nd floor of the Newman Building, 1 Springdale Street

Register here for the workshop!