Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
July 27, 2016

Celebrating Our Heritage

Ceremony Marks the 150th Anniversary of the Laying of the First Transatlantic Cable

On July 27, 1866, the first transatlantic cable was laid between Valencia Island, Ireland, and Heart's Content. Today, representatives of the Provincial and Federal Governments along with the Town of Heart's Content, local residents and visitors, came together in a commemorative ceremony held at the Heart's Content Cable Station Provincial Historic Site to officially recognize the 150^th anniversary.

The laying of the first transatlantic cable instantly transformed global communications and established Heart's Content as an international communication centre up until the closure of the facility in 1965. The cable station building (which consisted of an 1875 office building and 1918 extension) was subsequently purchased by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and was designated a Provincial Historic Site in 1974.

The Heart's Content 150^th anniversary celebrations are taking place July 25-31, co-hosted by the Town of Heart's Content, Heart's Content Mizzen Heritage Society, and Provincial Historic Sites. Some of the scheduled events include: a historical re-enactment of the cable landing, guided walking tours, fireworks display, Mizzen Heritage Society kitchen party and more. For the full celebrations schedule, visit: www.heartscontent.ca/150th-celebrations.html

Quotes

"The 150^th anniversary of the first successful transatlantic cable landing is a significant milestone in not just our provincial history, but in world history as well. The Heart's Content 150 celebrations will build on the community's rich heritage assets and lay the foundation for building a stronger tourism product in Heart's Content and surrounding area for the future. I commend the Town of Heart's Content and the Mizzen Heritage Society for their dedicated effort in making these historic celebrations possible."
- The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development

"150 years ago history was made with the installation of the first transatlantic cable laid between Valencia Island, Ireland, and Heart's Content. The Heart's Content Cable Station is a meaningful historic site for our province and for Canada. The Government of Canada understands the importance of supporting communities across the country through investments in infrastructure and tourism. In June 2016, our government dedicated funding to the Town of Heart's Content for the commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the landing of the transatlantic cable. Congratulations to the Town of Heart's Content, Heart's Content Mizzen Heritage Society, and Provincial Historic Sites on the anniversary celebrations taking place from July 25-31 to recognize this important milestone."
- The Honourable Judy Foote, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and MP for Bonavista-Burin-Trinity

"It is my pleasure to share in the 150^th celebration of the landing of the Trans-Atlantic cable in the Town of Heart's Content. Our government is pleased to continue with smart investments that assist volunteers and community leaders to celebrate important historical commemorations, while strengthening tourism and the overall economy in these regions."
- Ken McDonald, MP for Avalon

"From the Viking visits to aviation milestones, the world wars and Marconi's wireless transmission, Newfoundland and Labrador has been front and centre for many significant events of world history. Today in Heart's Content we commemorate an event that ranks as one of the pivotal moments in the global transition to the modern world we now live in. We are justifiably proud of our contributions to history, and organizations like the Mizzen Heritage Society do a wonderful job of preserving them."
- The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture and MHA for Carbonear-Trinity-Bay de Verde

"Today marks an historic milestone for the Town of Heart's Content. Today - 150 years later - we are very proud to recognize and celebrate the important role our community has played in the world of global communications. This week is sure to be a memorable and exciting one and we welcome everyone to visit Heart's Content and join us in all the festivities."
- Fred Cumby, Mayor of Heart's Content

QUICK FACTS

• 2016 marks the 150^th anniversary of the first successful transatlantic cable landing.
• The laying of the first transatlantic cable instantly transformed global communications and established Heart's Content as an international communication centre up until the closure of the facility in 1965.
• The Heart's Content 150^th Anniversary Celebrations take place July 25-31, co-hosted by the Town of Heart's Content, Heart's Content Mizzen Heritage Society, and Provincial Historic Sites.

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Media contacts:

Tansy Mundon Director of Communications Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development 709-729-4570, 693-1865 tansymundon@gov.nl.ca	Annie Trépanier Director of Communications Public Services and Procurement Canada 819-956-5325 Annie.Trepanier@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca
Ken Carter Executive Assistant for Ken McDonald, MP for Avalon 709-693-5437	Gina MacArthur Media Relations Manager Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture 709-729-3783, 730-2977 ginamacarthur@gov.nl.ca
Alice Cumby Town Clerk Town of Heart's Content 709-583-2491 heartscontent@persona.ca

2016 07 27                              12:00 p.m.