The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation:

Provincial Historic Sites Open for 2012 Season

Mr. Speaker, this past Friday I had the pleasure of touring the Beothuk Interpretation Centre in Boyd’s Cove to celebrate the opening of our Provincial Historic Sites.  From Commissariat House in St. John’s to Point Amour Lighthouse in Labrador, our Provincial Historic Sites have something for everyone to enjoy and discover. For example, our demonstration series in July and August includes an opportunity to dig up the past at Cupids Cove Plantation, learn about using birch bark at the Beothuk Interpretation Centre, and practice navigation skills at the Newman Wine Vaults.

Our sites continue to tell significant stories of the historical development of the province not told elsewhere. Since 2003, the Provincial Government has invested approximately $2.5 million for upgrades to Provincial Historic Sites. We are proud of the success of our sites. Visitation in 2011 was up 8.6 per cent from 2010 and up more than 16 per cent over the past two years.

Residents are already taking part in events at Provincial Historic Sites this season. While visiting the Beothuk Interpretation Centre, I met with Grade 1 students from Greenwood Academy in Campbellton. They had participated in interactive activities and learned about the history of the Beothuk.

The Beothuk Interpretation Centre is known for its enthusiastic services and programs. In 2010, the centre’s staff received a Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Public Service Award of Excellence. These awards are presented to individuals and teams who, through exceptional work performance, have demonstrated excellence in public service. This is a wonderful acknowledgement of the work of the team at the Beothuk Interpretation Centre in Boyd’s Cove and the knowledge they provide their visitors.

I invite everyone to visit our sites throughout the province and to explore some of our incredible history. Thank you.

2012 05 22             1:55 p.m.