Provincial Historic Sites open for Victoria Day Weekend

Tourism, Culture and Recreation Minster Tom Hedderson announced today that Provincial Historic Sites throughout the province will open for the summer season on Saturday, May 20.

"I am delighted that the Provincial Historic Sites will be open for the May 24^th long weekend and I encourage all residents and visitors to take the opportunity to explore and enjoy our unique cultural attractions," said Minister Hedderson. "I can�t think of a better way to spend an afternoon with the family."

Visitors to the province�s Provincial Historic Sites can walk in the footsteps of the Beothuk people, watch whales from the top of our tallest lighthouse, visit the location of the first transAtlantic telegraph communication system, and soak up nineteenth century ambience in a variety of historic houses. In 2005, 65,300 people visited the sites during the season.

Under the recently launched Strategic Cultural Plan, government announced a new investment of $3.8 million to improve and revitalize the province�s arts and culture centres, provincial historic sites, regional museums, and other cultural institutions.

"We know that many of our visitors are cultural tourists who want to learn about our heritage and our past," said Minister Hedderson. "We are planning to upgrade our sites and the interpretative programs to further enhance the visitor experience."

Under Budget 2006, government announced an investment of $17.6 million over the next three years to implement the province�s first cultural plan. Entitled Creative Newfoundland and Labrador: The Blueprint for Development and Investment in Culture, the plan outlines major policies and directions to preserve, support and develop our province�s rich cultural resources

The Provincial Historic Sites will remain open until September 29, 2006. Admission fees remain unchanged at $3.00 per adult, with free admission for children ages 12 and under. Family rates and season passes are also available. All sites are open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Beothuk Interpretation Centre, Boyd�s Cove
Boyd�s Cove was the site of a major Beothuk encampment during the 1600s. As an archaeological site, Boyd�s Cove is the only known site thus far where the Beothuks stayed year-round. The site consists of a scenic connecting trail system; excavation site; and the visitor centre, where the history of the Beothuk people, their culture, heritage and their encounters with settlers are interpreted through wonderfully presented exhibits and artifacts. The site is located off Route 340 in Boyd�s Cove. For more information on the Boyd�s Cove Beothuk Interpretation Centre, call (709) 656-3114 or e-mail boydscove@nf.aibn.com.

Cape Bonavista Lighthouse, Bonavista
Perched on a rocky headland, battered by wind and waves of the North Atlantic, is the Cape Bonavista Lighthouse. First lit in 1842, the lighthouse is now restored to the 1870 period when the lightkeeper, his assistant and the assistant�s family were all living there. Here you will feel the warmth of the kitchen fireplace or view children�s toys in the bedroom. Climb the tower to see the revolving light, the only known remaining one of its type in North America. The site is located on Route 230 in Bonavista.. For more information, call (709) 468-7444 or e-mail capebonavista@nf.aibn.com.

Commissariat House, St. John�s
The Commissariat House Provincial Historic Site is one of the oldest buildings in the province, built especially for the commissariat to supply the city�s garrison. Experience the simple elegance of the home and offices of the assistant commissary general. Constructed in 1818-1820, this gracious Georgian structure is restored, furnished and decorated to the 1830 period. For more information on Commissariat House, call (709) 729-6730 or e-mail commissariat@nf.aibn.com.

Heart's Content Cable Station, Heart�s Content
After a failure of two earlier attempts, a permanent transatlantic telegraph cable was landed in the province in 1866. See the equipment and displays explaining the role that Heart�s Content played in communications for almost 100 years. The site is located on Route 80 in Heart�s Content. For more information on the Heart�s Content Cable Station, call (709) 583-6353 or e-mail heartscontent@nf.aibn.com.

Hiscock House, Trinity
Hiscock House is restored to the 1910 period and represents a typical merchant�s household in rural Newfoundland in the early 20th century. The site is located on Church Street, Trinity. For more information on the Hiscock House, call (709) 464-2042 or e-mail trinity@nf.aibn.com.

Lester Garland Premises, Trinity
Early 19th century building was used for a century and a half by three merchant families. The counting house has been restored to the 1820s period and the retail store to the early 1900s. The site is located on West Street, Trinity. For more information on the Lester Garland Premises, call (709) 464-2042 or e-mail trinity@nf.aibn.com.

Mockbeggar Plantation, Bonavista
The home of F. Gordon Bradley, Newfoundland�s first federal cabinet minister after Confederation. The house was built in the 1870s and was restored to the 1939 period. Other buildings date from the 18th-20th centuries. The site is located on Roper Street, Bonavista. For more information on the Mockbeggar Plantation, call (709) 468-7300 or e-mail mockbeggar@nf.aibn.com.

Point Amour Lighthouse, Labrador
The second tallest lighthouse in Canada was first illuminated in 1858. The attached dwelling is now an interpretation centre dealing with the history of the Straits area as well as the lighthouse itself. The site is located off Route 510 on the L�Anse-Amour Road. For more information on the Point Amour Lighthouse, call (709) 927-5825.

Quidi Vidi Battery, St. John�s
Explore this small coastal battery which has been reconstructed to the time when an American attack was possible during the War of 1812-1814, and learn about the historic military presence in the St. John�s area. The site is located on Cuckhold�s Cove Road, St. John�s. For more information on the Quidi Vidi Battery, call (709) 729-2977 or e-mail commissariat@nf.aibn.com.

Trinity Interpretation Centre, Trinity
Illustrations, maps and photographs explore the history and development of the community of Trinity. The site is located on West Street, Trinity. For more information on the Trinity Interpretation Centre, call (709) 464-2042 or e-mail trinity@nf.aibn.com.

For further information on the Provincial Historic Sites of Newfoundland and Labrador, please call 1-800-563-6353 or visit the web site at www.gov.nl.ca/tcr/historicsites/

Media contact: Susanne Hiller, Communications (709) 729-0928, 728-7762, susannehiller@gov.nl.ca

2006 05 19                                             3:40 p.m.