Gateways to a storied past provincial historic sites are opening for the 2007 summer season tomorrow (Saturday, May 19).

"By visiting provincial historic sites we are actively learning and celebrating our culture and history," said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. �We were very pleased in Budget 2007 to provide additional funding that would allow free admission on Sundays to 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."

During the 2006 season, there were in excess of 67,800 visitors to provincial historic sites, walking where the Beothuk people once walked, visiting the site of the first trans-Atlantic telegraph communication system, and experiencing nineteenth century living in several historic houses and military structures.

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.

All sites are open seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. In addition to regular guided tours, new and exciting programs will be presented at all locations. A schedule of events will be published in local newspapers. There will be a delayed opening for one site, Quidi VIdi Battery, while upgrades are completed.

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.

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Media contact:
John Tompkins
Director of Communications
Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
709-729-0928, 728-7762
jtompkins@gov.nl.ca

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

This 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.

The home of F. Gordon Bradley, Newfoundland�s first federal Cabinet minister after Confederation, was built in the 1870s and was restored to the 1939 period. Other buildings date from the 18^tth to 20^th 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.

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.

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.

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.

2007 05 18                                                    9:45 a.m.