The Provincial Historic Commemorations Program, which recognizes and commemorates distinctive aspects of the province's history, culture and heritage, has launched a new website to promote the program and encourage public involvement.　

"The website includes a modern twist on the conventional practice of erecting plaques to commemorate people, places and events of significance," said the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. "Under this program, each designate will receive an e-plaque on the new website. These e-plaques can be accessed worldwide; new information can be added at the click of a button, and they can include links to other resources such as school programs, maps, and audio files."

Minister French added that the website is designed to be a forum for people to engage in a discussion about Newfoundland and Labrador's distinct heritage and culture.

"This website is a resource for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who value their heritage and culture and want to find out more about the Provincial Historic Commemorations Program," said Terry Bishop-Stirling, Vice-chair of the Provincial Historic Commemorations Board. "We hope it will encourage people to submit nominations of people, places, events and traditions that they feel are worthy of recognition."

The program's inaugural designates, announced in March, are Kelly Russell in the category of Provincial Tradition Bearer, and Dildo Island as a Place of Provincial Significance. A link to that announcement can be viewed here: www.gov.nl.ca/releases/2010/tcr/0303n05.htm.

Users of the new site can view photo galleries, video, and download in-depth research about each designate. They can also post their own comments and informally suggest aspects of Newfoundland and Labrador heritage and culture that they think are worthy of designation. To view the new site and to download applications forms, please visit: www.seethesites.ca/commemorations  

Establishment of the Provincial Historic Commemorations Program was among the objectives outlined in the province's cultural strategy, Creative Newfoundland and Labrador ( 2006). Since the introduction of the strategy, more than $44 million in new funding has been invested into the arts, culture and heritage sectors.

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Media contact:

Heather May
Director of Communications
Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
709-729-0928, 697-5061
heathermay@gov.nl.ca