NLIS 2
June 15, 2005
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)
Government supports Colony of
Avalon site, Ferryland Paul Shelley,
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation and Minister responsible for
Labrador Affairs, today announced that the Colony of Avalon Foundation will
receive $60,000 through the Cultural Economic Development Program to offset
costs related to operating the 13th annual summer season at the historic
archaeological site at Ferryland.
"The Colony of Avalon site in Ferryland is an important cultural resource and a
major tourism attraction for the Southern Shore and the province, attracting
over 17,000 visitors to the site in 2004," said Minister Shelley.
"Archaeological excavations at the site have revealed substantial evidence of
the earliest Europeans to prosecute the North Atlantic fishery, of Lord
Baltimore�s 1621 Colony of Avalon, of Sir David Kirke�s Pool Plantation and of
subsequent eighteenth century occupation. Government recognizes the importance
of the Colony of Avalon to both protecting and preserving our unique cultural
heritage in the province. Our contribution will allow the site to continue to
grow and expand its potential."
In 2004, following the discovery of what is believed to be the location of Lord
Baltimore�s mansion house, government acquired two properties at the Colony of
Avalon in Ferryland in order to undertake the archaeological excavation of the
mansion house and other historic features. The acquisition of the properties
will ensure the protection of very significant archaeological resources in these
areas and allow for the possibility to further our knowledge of how people lived
and worked at the Colony of Avalon during the seventeenth century. It is
estimated that work in this area will take several years, providing an ongoing
attraction for the community of Ferryland, guaranteeing public access to one of
North America�s most important archaeological sites.
"The Colony of Avalon Foundation is an important historic, cultural and economic
engine for the Southern Shore and for the entire province," said Loyola
Sullivan, MHA for the District of Ferryland and Minister of Finance and
President of Treasury Board. "The operations at the Colony of Avalon are an
excellent example of the benefits historic and cultural work bring to an area.
This site is now a major tourism component for the Southern Shore, and in turn,
contributes to the region�s economy. I am very pleased that government is
supporting this important work."
The Colony of Avalon is one of the oldest English Settlements in North America.
Lord Baltimore�s colony, which was established in Ferryland in1621, is an
internationally significant heritage site. To date, more than a million
artifacts have been uncovered, as well as numerous well-preserved features such
as a cobblestone street, fireplaces, a wharf, a stone-walled well, a privy and a
forge.
The Cultural Economic Development Program supports both the arts and heritage
sectors. The arts sector will see investment in the areas of operational
support, marketing and export for cultural products, as well as professional
development. The heritage sector will see investment in the areas of
conservation, presentation and interpretation of heritage resources, as well as
professional development for heritage professionals. Effective April1, 2005, the
department began receiving applications for the 2005-06 program; a final
deadline of November 15, 2005 has been set for projects to be completed by March
31, 2006.
For more information on the Cultural Economic Development Program, or to receive
a copy of the program guidelines, contact Eleanor Dawson, Cultural Development
Officer, at (709) 729-7397.
Media contact: Tansy Mundon, Communications, (709) 729-0928, (709) 685-1741.
2005 06 15
10:50 a.m.
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