The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, today announced that heritage organizations in the Trinity North region of the province are benefiting from an investment of more than $45,000 through the Cultural Economic Development Program (CEDP).

The Trinity Historical Society has received $40,802 � $27,802 in operational support, $10,000 to create a professionally-designed exhibit on traditional trades, such as shipbuilding, shoemaking and sail-making at the Trinity Museum, and $3,000 through the research component of the program to compile information on significant historical figures in the Trinity area.

Meanwhile, the Clarenville Heritage Society received a total of $4,257 � $1,257 in operational support and $3,000 to research historical place names in the area and capture the story, individual, or event behind the name. This will lead to the development of interpretive panels and promotional material designed to raise awareness of the cultural heritage in the area.

"These community-based projects serve to preserve our heritage and ensure our history will be recorded and celebrated for generations to come," said Minister Jackman.

The Honourable Ross Wiseman, MHA for Trinity North, welcomed the investment. "These two societies are doing great work to present our heritage and I'm delighted our government is providing the necessary financial support to allow their work to continue," said Minister Wiseman.

The 2008 Cultural Economic Development Program (CEDP) is providing $1.15 million for operational and project support to the heritage sector, and about $1.2 million to the professional arts sector, for a total of more than $2.3 million.

CEDP projects are selected based on the strength of the business plans, vision and potential for development within the sector. For more information on the CEDP program and application guidelines, visit: www.tcr.gov.nl.ca/tcr/services_programs/cedp/heritage/.

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2008 07 18                                                       1:45 p.m.