Construction of Newfoundland and Labrador $40 million
 cultural and heritage facility about to begin

Charles Furey, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, recently toured the Fort Townshend archaeological dig in the center of St. John�s to review the progress, as modern archaeological techniques record the site and prepare for the construction of The Rooms, Newfoundland and Labrador�s new cultural and heritage facility which will open in 2003. Minister Furey�s tour coincided with the completion of the archaeology phase and the beginning of construction of the $40 million structure which will provide state-of-the-art facilities for the Art Gallery of Newfoundland, the Provincial Archives of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Newfoundland Museum.

"This new building, The Rooms, will embody our treasured cultural values, which distinguish Newfoundland and Labrador from other societies," said Minister Furey. "We are renewing our commitment to those unique values so that they may be passed on intact for future generations of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, and indeed the whole world, to both understand and enjoy."

The minister had a first hand look at the extent and the quality of the historic ruins of the fort, which was constructed by the British in the late 1700s as part of their defensive network to maintain control of the abundant cod fishery so important to their economy at that time. Many of the foundations of the original buildings still remain, and portions of the imposing Grand Battery Wall around the fortification have been found to be in excellent condition. The excavation of the site has been undertaken by the government to record the ruins and to provide opportunities for interpretation in the new facility.

In addition to the ruins of the old fort, well over 100,000 artifacts have been recovered during the excavation, many of which provide clues to life at Fort Townshend over its 250-year history. Irish coins, buttons bearing the insignia of the King�s Royal Engineers, military paraphernalia plus fine china and children�s toys all reveal a rich and varied past for this site, which was the social and cultural center in St. John�s during the 19^th and early 20^th centuries. For more that 130 years, the site has also been home to the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, acknowledged to be one of the oldest police forces in North America.

The building is to be named The Rooms to pay homage to the Newfoundland and Labrador fishery, so vitally important to the economic, social and cultural well-being of the province over its long history. Rooms refer to a collection of buildings, always situated at water�s edge, which were the premises for onshore activities such as salting, preparing and storing cod pulled from the waters of the North Atlantic along this rugged coastal province. The design of the new building reflects the traditional shape of these structures, and the use of the term offers a rich metaphor for the place in which one stores and keeps the valuables connected with a way of life. In 2003, The Rooms will be a place where visitors will gain a deeper understanding of the cultures and heritage of this easternmost Canadian province, by seeing the collection of artifacts and historic exhibits, photographs, and contemporary works of art. On the Archaeology Level, visitors will see the ruins of Fort Townshend, preserved and presented for viewer interpretation.

In commenting on the development, Minister Furey noted the very impressive nature of the ruins at the site, and reiterated his commitment to ensure that the resources will be presented in the best possible manner in the new building. "We are committed to preserving and protecting the cultural heritage of this province for the entire world to see," said the minister. "The Rooms will be a place where all our stories, our culture, our heritage and our art come together." A sod turning ceremony for the new complex will take place in the early fall.

To view a photo of the event click on link below

Photo:

Charles Furey, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation (L) in Newfoundland and Labrador discusses the structure of the Grand Battery Wall at Fort Townshend with chief archaeologist Roy Skanes. The fort, built in the late 1700s is the focus of a very large archaeological dig in the center of St. John's where the government will build its $40 million cultural and heritage facility The Rooms.

Media contact: Elizabeth Matthews, (709) 729-0928 or Deborah Glassman, (709) 729-5002.

2000 08 31 2:35 p.m.