Speaker Introduction - Kathy Hawkins of Empower

Kathy Hawkins will be speaking on the "Training Opportunities for Inclusion and Diversity" panel on Friday, October 17th at the upcoming heritage conference.

Kathy Hawkins (She/Her) serves as the Executive Director of Empower, The Disability Resource Centre, which includes their Corporate Services – InclusionNL. Kathy has extensive knowledge and expertise in the services available for people with disabilities. She supports employers in creating inclusive workplace environments for current and new employees with various types of disabilities. In her role, she advises businesses on all aspects of creating barrier-free work environments, including recruitment and hiring, accessibility reviews of physical locations, reasonable workplace adjustments and employee accommodations, staff training, and professional development. 

Kathy also holds professional certification in website accessibility from the University of South Australia and provides expertise to businesses interested in creating accessible websites, mobile apps, technical applications, and online platforms. Currently, Kathy is the President of the DisAbled Women's Network of Canada, sits on the IL Canada Accreditation Committee, is a new Board Member of Persistence Theatre Company, and an active member of the International Association of Accessibility Professionals.

Register for the 2025 Heritage Conference to hear about opportunities for your organization to grow with diversity and Inclusion.

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/

Speaker Introduction - Joanna Dawson from Canada’s History Society!

Joanna Dawson will be one of our special keynote speakers in the Women in Heritage panel on Friday, Oct 17th at the upcoming heritage conference.

Joanna Dawson is the Director of Programs of Canada’s History Society, a national, charitable organization that strengthens understanding of the complex and diverse histories of our country. Joanna provides oversight and strategic direction to the organization’s education, recognition, and youth initiatives, including the Governor General’s History Awards and the much-loved Heritage Fair program. She is passionate about celebrating the work of educators, students, and community members and building connections throughout the country. 

Originally from St. John’s, Newfoundland, Joanna now lives in Winnipeg and holds a Master’s degree in Public History from Western University.

Register for the 2025 Heritage Conference to hear the insights of many prominent figures in the heritage community.

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/

Meet Kevin Coffey, the inaugural Knowledge Sharing Guide at First Light

Kevin Coffey will be speaking on the "Training Opportunities for Inclusion and Diversity" panel on Friday, October 17th at the upcoming heritage conference.

Kevin Coffey (Nunatsiavut Inuit) is the inaugural Knowledge Sharing Guide at First Light, an Indigenous-led organization rooted in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.

Kevin leads outreach, advocacy, and training for partners across arts, education, health, government, and community sectors - helping organizations move from awareness to meaningful action on Indigenous inclusion and the Calls for Change.

An experienced facilitator and program developer, Kevin specializes in making concepts like reconciliation, respectful language, and inclusive interpretation accessible and actionable. He has developed and delivered immersive learning experiences for a broad range of groups across Newfoundland and Labrador.

Grounded in storytelling and heritage, Kevin’s work focuses on building trust-based partnerships to advance truth and reconciliation alongside communities.

Register for the 2025 Heritage Conference to hear about opportunities for your organization to grow with diversity and Inclusion.

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/

Speaker Introduction - folklorist Dale Jarvis

Dale Jarvis will be moderating the Amplifying Craft panel on Friday, October 17th at the upcoming heritage conference.

Folklorist and author Dale Jarvis is the Executive Director of Heritage NL, helping communities to safeguard living heritage and historic places. Dale has been working for Heritage NL since 1996, and holds a BSc in Anthropology/Archaeology from Trent University, and a MA in Folklore from Memorial University. He has served on the UNESCO Consultative Body to the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage and regularly teaches workshops on oral history, cultural documentation, and public folklore. 

Register for the 2025 Heritage Conference to hear about the Newfoundland and Labrador craft scene and its part in heritage.

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/

Meet the Birch Broom Makers! Richard Park and Michelle Park

As seen on Land and Sea! Richard and Michelle Park will be showcasing their work in a special Broom-Making session on Friday, October 17th at the upcoming heritage conference.

Richard Park is a retired teacher who was first exposed to the birch broom in 1957 while teaching in the community of Fox Roost-Margaree. Later in 1979, in Francois, he learned the skills to make birch brooms from a fisherman in the community. He has been making birch brooms since, including many made as gifts.

Michelle is a retired history teacher with an interest in local history and folklore. Since the age of 10, she has watched her father make birch brooms as gifts for family and friends, as well as for the family’s own use. Michelle worked with her father, Richard, as part of Heritage NL’s Mentor-Apprentice Program.
Together, the Parks partnered with their local museum, the Gillams Historical Society Museum, to offer a Build Your Own Birch Broom (BYOBB) program in August of 2022.

Register for the 2025 Heritage Conference to learn all about Newfoundland and Labrador's craft scene and its part in Heritage.

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/

Speaker Introduction - Megan Webb of Admiralty House Communications Museum

Megan Webb will be speaking in and hosting the Peer Share Panel on Saturday, October 18th at the upcoming heritage conference.

Megan (she/her) is the Museum Manager at Admiralty House Communications Museum in Mount Pearl. She holds both a Bachelor's degree in Archaeology and a Master's degree in Folklore from Memorial University of Newfoundland. Megan has over a decade of experience working in the heritage industry through archaeology, archives, museums, folklore, and built heritage. Along with her educational background and work experience, Megan places significant importance in volunteering, especially for organizations within the heritage sector. She serves as the Vice President of the Association of Newfoundland and Labrador Archives, Treasurer of the Museum Association of Newfoundland and Labrador, and acts as the Chair and Historian/Archival expert on the Built Heritage Experts Committee for the City of St. John’s.

Register for the 2025 Heritage Conference to hear other organizations' projects, plans and accomplishments.

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/

Speaker introduction - Terra Barrett on Bringing the Mummers In!

Terra Barrett will be moderating and speaking at the Bringing People In panel on Saturday, October 18th at the upcoming heritage conference.

Terra is the Intangible Cultural Heritage Program Planner with Heritage NL and is currently documenting untold histories, traditional skills, and the associated narratives of Newfoundland and Labrador’s historic places. She holds a BA in Folklore (French minor) and an MA in Public Folklore from Memorial University. Previously for Heritage NL, Terra conducted fieldwork in several regions, and worked with the Collective Memories, the Oral History Roadshow, and Craft at Risk projects. She volunteers with a number of organizations and has experience working with MUNFLA, Them Days Inc., and The Rooms. Terra is a Director on the Mummers Festival Board and previously served as Executive Director organizing and delivering the 2019 festival season.

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/

Speaker Introduction - Anne Chafe of The Rooms

Anne Chafe will be one of our special keynote participants at the Women in Heritage panel on Friday, Oct 17th at the upcoming heritage conference.

Anne Chafe is a prominent figure in the cultural sector, currently serving as the CEO of The Rooms since 2019. With a career spanning over two decades in the museum and cultural field, Anne's journey with The Rooms began in 2007, where she held various leadership positions, including Director of the Provincial Museum Division and Executive Director of Museums and Galleries. Prior to her tenure in St. John's, Anne spent 23 years honing her expertise in Ontario.

Anne's strategic vision and leadership have been instrumental in shaping The Rooms' trajectory. Her focus on labour management and HR within the cultural sector has been pivotal in fostering organizational growth and efficiency. Notably, Anne spearheaded an extensive organizational review and restructuring of The Rooms Corporation, guiding the board and staff through a comprehensive revision of the organization’s vision and mission.

Community engagement lies at the heart of Anne's work, with a commitment to inclusivity and diversity. Under her leadership, The Rooms has strengthened its ties with diverse populations. The organization's renewed vision emphasizes connecting people with Newfoundland and Labrador’s rich heritage, enabling them to envision a bright and inclusive future.

Anne Chafe's dedication to cultural stewardship and community empowerment continues to drive positive change within The Rooms and beyond. Through her leadership, she endeavours to create spaces where the past, present, and future converge, fostering a sense of belonging and inspiration for all.

Register for the 2025 Heritage Conference to hear the insights of many prominent figures in the heritage community.

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/

Fieldnote No 042: Benefits of Wooden Windows

Windows are key features in maintaining the heritage quality of older buildings, but increasingly, wooden windows are being replaced with vinyl due to the belief that they are less work and more cost-effective. Our newest fieldnote debunks these claims, discussing both the efficiency and cultural benefits that come from wooden windows.

Check it out here: https://heritagenl.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/042-Benefits-of-Wooden-Windows-.pdf