Tourism, Culture and Recreation
May 24, 2007

The following statement was issued by the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

Provincial Historic Sites Bring History to Life

Our provincial historic sites create enlightening, compelling and evocative visitor experiences in which stories are told that relate to the history of each site, and on to the broader history of the community, the region, and the province.

During the 2006 season, some 68,000 people visited our historic sites, walking where the Beothuk once walked, experiencing 19th-century living in several historic houses and military structures, or visiting the site of the first trans-Atlantic telegraph communications system. On Saturday, May 19, our provincial historic sites opened for the summer season, providing visitors an opportunity to actively learn and celebrate the culture and history of Newfoundland and Labrador.

I rise in this House to inform you of how the Provincial Government, in partnership with stakeholders and the community-at-large, is seeking innovative interpretive options for provincial historic sites that will fully engage visitors and the communities in which they are located.

Budget 2007 continues government�s three-year investment of $17.6 million 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. This year�s investment includes $675,000 for the continued revitalization of provincial historic sites. We were also very pleased in Budget 2007 to provide additional funding that will allow free admission on Sundays to our provincial historic sites. We hope this will encourage everyone to seek out and visit these sites across Newfoundland and Labrador that are so richly steeped in culture and heritage.

Over the last three months officials in my department have been working with consultants to develop innovative and engaging plans for the re-interpretation of Quidi Vidi Battery, Commissariat House and Cape Bonavista Lighthouse. We are currently in the process of consulting with several stakeholder groups on our plans for these sites. We hope to begin the implementation of these plans during the current season.

Interpretation plans for our provincial historic sites assist in making our history �come alive� both for the communities involved and the people who visit and wish to become immersed in a part of this province�s rich history.

2007 05 24                                                      2:00 p.m.

 


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