Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Introduction to the 2025 Heritage Conference Intern


Hello! My name is Victoria Mathews, and I will be joining the Heritage NL team as the conference intern. I am thrilled to be working with WHAM to run a great event. I recently graduated from Algonquin College's Applied Museum Studies in Ottawa and moved to Newfoundland in December. I am enjoying my time here and learning all I can about Newfoundland and Labrador's rich history.

In my free time I greatly enjoy art, such as scrapbooking and sketching, and have recently started book binding. In the fall I plan to do an online book binding certificate to further my knowledge of the craft. 

The upcoming heritage conference will be October 17th-18th at The Rooms. More details to come but it is safe to stay MANL, ANLA and Heritage NL are very excited to be collaborating again! 



Tuesday, May 13, 2025

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. 



    Tuesday, May 6, 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.


    Monday, May 5, 2025

    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


    Friday, April 25, 2025

    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






    Thursday, April 17, 2025

    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/







    Monday, February 24, 2025

    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

    Thursday, February 20, 2025

    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.