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.