Tourism, Culture and Recreation
March 14, 2007

Manning Awards Honour Heritage Excellence

The 15th Annual Manning Awards for Excellence in the Public Presentation of Historic Places were presented today at a ceremony held at the Fairmont Newfoundland. The Historic Sites Association (HSA) of Newfoundland and Labrador presents the awards to recognize excellence in the public presentation of historic places across the province. Established in 1993, the awards commemorate the late Bill Manning�s contribution to the preservation and development of provincial historic sites.

Those in attendance at today�s ceremony included His Honour, the Honourable Edward Roberts, Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador, Her Honour Eve Roberts, and the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. They were joined by volunteers and others representing this year�s award recipients.

"Today we are paying tribute to six groups who are allowing us to interpret and experience our history in ways that are more creative, interactive and accessible," said the Lieutenant Governor. "The recipients of this year�s Manning Awards reflect regional diversity and quality in their excellent presentations of the history of Newfoundland and Labrador."

"The people we honour today are wonderful examples of the profound dedication and effort that is displayed by those who care so deeply about sustaining and developing our culture and heritage," said Minister Hedderson. "The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador recognizes the importance of preserving the province�s culture and heritage. In Budget 2006, $17.6 million in funding over three years was committed to implement the province�s first cultural plan. This year alone, $760,000 was allocated to help fund heritage groups, community museums and archives and for research and development in the heritage sector."

Community Category award winners included the restoration of Mullock Hall and the Chapel at St. Bonaventure�s College in St. John�s, and the Topsail Heritage Homes and Gardens Walk in Conception Bay South.

Provincial Category award winners were the Fisherman�s Advocate Building in Port Union, and the Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival in St. John�s.

International Category winners were the Bird Cove Interpretation Centre and Northern Peninsula Heritage Conference, and the 150th Anniversary Celebrations of the Basilica of St. John the Baptist in St. John�s.

"All of this year�s recipients are a testament to the work that can be done with a limited budget, an enthusiastic group of volunteers, and the support of a community," said HSA Chair Bruce Peckford. "It is inspirational to hear of their successes in preserving and presenting a piece of their heritage � and in so many unique ways."

"Receiving a Manning Award is a great boost for a local grass roots committee like ours," said Edith Samson, executive coordinator with the William F. Coaker Foundation in Port Union. "It rewards the efforts of the volunteers and donors who make these projects like ours possible � and is a tangible recognition that those efforts are appreciated. Plus it inspires us to continue on and finish getting the rest of the work done!"

During the ceremony, the Dr. Paul O�Neill Scholarship for Excellence in Newfoundland and Labrador Studies was also presented. Memorial University history student Matthew Byrne was named this year�s recipient.

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*Images available upon request

Media contacts:

John Tompkins
Director of Communications
Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
709-729-0928, 728-7762
jtompkins@gov.nl.ca
Jennifer Deon
Historic Sites Association
709-743-7287
jennifer.deon@nf.sympatico.ca

2007 03 14                                                      3:30 p.m.

 


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